The herald., 1895-12-18

or the water on the bar has been increased
from eighteen inches to over eighteen feet.
Another advantage of San Pedro is that
it would be free harbor-a harbor open to
all lines of railroad that desire to reach
tide water. This is an advantage the i'm
portance of which can scarcely be overes-
timated, as we may learn by reading the
story of Oakland.
1t is agreed that the present year will
mark a critical epoch in the history of San
Pedro harbor agitation. During The last
three sessions congress has refused any
appropriation for this work. By skillfui
maneuvering the enemies of free harbor
have succeeded in keeping the projec,
back among committees where they exert
q powerful influence. These tactics have
been pursued to the limit, and it is now
generally conceded that the fight to finish
must be enacted during the season of
1886. A grave responsibility rests
upon the citizens of Los Angeles-a re-
sponsibility which it is to be feared they do
not all understand and appreciate.
In presenting this vital sub ject to the
people of Los Angeles and the south of
California for further consideration, we
desire to impress upon all concerned
whether they BIZ friends or opponents of
the project-that the creation of govern
ment deep water haIbor at San Pedro, free
to all Corners, will be for the direct benefit
of all citizens and all interests involved;
do more than any other one thing toward
the development of the country; that such
development and the increased population
which will come with it, must inevitably
and vastly increase the carrying trade,
both by sea and rail. of the wide and fer
tile region south and east of the Tehachep
range; that in such increase all lines of
railway entering Los Angeles will surely
participate, thus sharing in the common
benefits and prosperity through the com.
mon progress of the country.
The matter of the location of the govern.
ment deep-sea harbor is not merely ques-
ton of choice of citizens and non-experts,
but that site has been chosen by three
different boards of army engineers, after
as many examinations of the site and of all
rival sites.
We therefore feel justified in warning
those adverse to the San Pedro project that
their continued opposition may result in
preparations, thus unconsciously, perhaps.
doing an irreparable injury to the land of
their choice and of their homes
On the contrary, should it happen that,
through division and contention among
our people on this subject of paramount
interest to hem and the south, no further
appropriations are made by congress for
San Pedro harbor, all interests viii suffer
together; for it is certain that the defeat of
the San Pedro harbor site will not be fol.
lowed by the success of any rival site, be-
cause congress does not pursue a vacillat-
ing policy in respect to such matters. 1t
does not jump from site to site near the
same point. nor change front from time to
time in making its appropriations. We
also direct special attention to the signifi-
cant and forcibe fact that congress has in
but one instance disregarded the report of
a board of army engineers locating the
site for harbor improvements.
At a meeting of the citizens held on No
vember ODD, at the chamber of commerce,
steps we're taken toward establishing a
a permanent organization to be known as
the Free Harbor League. The aim of this
organization will be 10 secure from con.
gress the necessary appropriations to con-
struct at the port of San Pedro harbor
which shall be free to all railroads desir-
ing to bring their lines to the waters edge.
Thus far all work of this character has
been left to the chamber of commerce, but
while that organization mas discharged it's
trust most faithfully, and has lacked moth
ing in the frmness and vigor of it's utter
ances. the time has come when its efforts
must be seconded by somebody that can
work with an undivided and single pur-
pose. Our representatives at Washington
must be aided by a delegation of citizens;
arguments must be prepared for eastern
papers, and a veritable campaign of edu-
cation must be carried on throughout our
own state and section.
All citizens of Los Angeles and of the
surrounding country who take an active
interest in the welfare and progress of this
section are cordially invited to become
members of the Free Harbor league and
to use their influence in securing for
Southern California this most important
improvement, which cannot be attained
without hard and iudcious labor.
HARRISON GRAY OTIS,
Chairman.
j. M. ELLIOTT,
HARRY BROOK,
E. A. FORESTER,
W. d. WooLwINE,
Committee.
1t was decided to have copies of the by
laws printed and sent to all friends of San
Pedro with a request to secure as many
names of members of the league as posi-
BILE and to report at a meeting to be held
on Saturday afternoon at chamber of COM
merce, when permanent organization
will be made.
During the meeting communication
from Senator S. M. White was received
outlining the very vigorous work he has al
ready done in the senate on behalf of the
harbor, and giving excellent reasons for
expecting speedy and effectual action by
the government.
Most of the banks of the city and other
prominent business places offered to place
copies of the bylaws on their counters to be