The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-02-16
Gentlemen of the Chamber of Commerce

am by no means insensble to the conn.,
pliment which was paid me when, by
your suffrages l was called to the presi-
dency of this magnificent organization,
and at the same time | am mindful of
the great responsibilities which attach to
the position
1t is seldom that any one man possesses
so many of the attributes of usefulness
and popularity as does the gentleman
who has Just surrendered to me the gavel.
/ am fully conscious OF the fact that ma
ture has failed to endow his successor
with the commanding abilities, the ex-
quisite suavity, the consummate tact and
the impressive personality which have
contributed to make Mr.. Freeman's ad
ministration a high standard by which
future incumbencies will be measured
realize keenly, therefore, that only by the
most vigilant efforts and unceasing de-
votion to the interests of the cham
Der shall | escape invidious comparisons
The work already done by the Los An
geles Chamber of Commerce is now
history, not one page of which would
remove or obliterate. The Chamber has
made an unbroken record of enterprise,
progress and success. | earnestly invoke
the aid of the directory and mem bership
position and commanding influence.
There will be constant demand for
vigilant activity upon the part of every
one to whom specific duties may be as
signed. Our industrious and faithful sec
rotary, and our incompatible superin-
tendent OF exhibit, cannot do everything
and be everywhere, as we are at times al
most inclined to expect; neither can your
president become entirely ubiquitous.
Very much will therefore depend upon
the efficiency of the standing com
mttees. They will be expected to exer-
else more than passing interest in such
matters as are referred to them for inves-
tigation. Promptness in the dispatch of
all business should be our unalterable
policy. In the appointment of committees
the practice will be encouraged of making
selections from the mem bership at large,
thus not only relieving the somewhat
burdened directory, but enlsting the in
terest and awakening the enthusiasm of
as many persons as possible. Punctuality
in attendance upon the regular meetings
of the Chamber in the future as in the
past, will prove to be a wonderfully po-
tent factor in assuring success.
The serene independence and fairness,
which hitherto have been prominent char
acteristics and the stern refusal of the
Chamber to lend it's influence to partisan
suggestions or individual schemes, must
at all hazards be maintained. The labors
of the Chamber must be rigidly directed
to the promotion Of the interests of the
entire community.
Its impartial and reliable dissemination
OF facts have brought to us large numbers
OF people, whose coming has measurably
increased the aggregate wealth and cui-
ture of Southern California. This good
work should still continue carefully en-
phasizing what believe to be true that
there are here, at least as favorable oppor-
tunities for the profitable investment of
capital as can be found in any other sec
ton of the United States Care should be
exercised however, as to largely encour-
aging the immigration of persons de-
pending for livelihood upon salaried DO
sitons. Since the knowledge of our SUNNY
skies and equable climate has extended to
the ends of the earth, multitudes come
hlther IN the hope OF enjoying these con-
ditions, and at the same time securing lu-
crative employment. The outcome is,
the supply so far exceeds the demand that
many and sore disappointments result.
10 our sister rganizations-the Board
OF Trade and Merchants Association-both
OF which, within their spheres, have
richly earned the confidence of the com
munity, l extend a cordial greeting and
bespeak with them fraternal cooperation.
1t would consume too much time were
to touch upon the various matters of pub
lie interest to which the Chamber will be
called upon to lend helping hand. They
Will have proper consideration in regular
sequence during the year. There is one
great need, however, which in Importance
rises so far above the others that NAV
be pardoned for referring to it specifically.
The desirability of deep sea harbor,
and in fact the necessity for such an i'm,
provement are SO well understood as to
be admitted by all, and admit of no CON
troversy. The benefits which would re-
suit to Los Angeles and the contiguous
country would be incalculable; but, more
than this, the work would be Of supreme
national importance As has been most
pertinently stated by the citizens harbor
committee, from San Francisco to San
Diego, distance OF 500 miles, there is no
with the Orient must go either bv the
Northern Pacific lines, through sections
OF the country often closed by snow.
or by the Central Pacific, over heavy
grades, INTO the monopoly guarded port
of San Francisco. ''The Shortest. most
rellaole route, by the easiest grades across
the continent ON American soil, is from
the Pacific, near Los Angeles, to Galveston
or New Orleans. Whenever a deem sea
harbor is constructed in this vicinity a
heavy. tax will be lifted from ali Oriental
American traffic. -
When, the. Nicaragua Canal is con-
structed, as 1T surely will be, suitable
$500 WIN urdnSCOntlnental
lines. which are shorter and easier than
dispensable. .. W. -
The United States Government. tbrougb
successive commissions composed of IT'S
most distinguished engineers, has selected
and confirmed San Pedro as the most
feasible site from commercial. strateeic
and economical points of view TO EXPECT
the Government to construct harbor at a
point other than that selected bv its en-
gineers, is to expect a reversal of ali the
practices and traditions of the mast.
At San Pedro harbor can be constructed
at very much lower cost than at anv
other location which has been considered.
and 1t VIII there be supplemented with AM
lnner-harbor upon which the Government
has already expended million of dollars.
In iavoring San Pedro as the site the
Chamber in its succession of endorse
ments, has entertained no prejudice or de-
sire to unfairly discriminate AGAINST the
beautiful city by the sea--Santa Monica.
1t has advocated San Pedro because that
port has greater advantages as to freedom
of water front, better facilities for tbe
construction OF shipyards and better on
portunitles for bringing together at rea-
sonable cost the various railroads and the
water craft which would enter the harbor.
AT san Pedro protection to vessels from
storm would be more adequate and the
adjacent topography is better adanted to
the creation of such military fortitcations
as in justice should be established for the
protection of this portion of the coast II
has advocated San Pedro because in the
light of all these facts and in the presence
OF the traditions OF the Republic the al