The herald., 1896-10-11
A Knockout Blow by the
Democrats
IHEYDOT|N THEIR CITY CONVENTION
Triumph for the People Over
Corporation Influence
RINGING PLATFORM ADOPTED
Meredith P. Snyder Named for Mayor
by Acclama!ion
4 Was Z Hard Fought Battle But Victory
Came
RINGING PLATFORM ADOPTED
4 Was Hard Fought Battle But Victory
Came

The Fusion Agreement Not Yet Com
pleted, but 1t Probably VIII Be On
Monday, Unless Defeated by
Water Company Influence
score the first knockout blow for the
people.
The Los Angeles City Water COM
pany, the Southern Pacific Railroad
company and the allied villianies of Los
Angeles. SO long in control of political
parties and political conventions, re-
ceived defeat yesterday in the Dem
ocratic city convention which will long
be remembered by every citizen who
witnessed the conflict in its various
stages.
It was a remarkable contest and the
result was a complete victory for the
people and the utter rout Of the corpor-
ations.
II anybody should gain the impress
sion that this result was easy to effect
he or she is mistaken.
Every inch of ground was fought and
In every instance the true sentiment of
the party and of the people was ex-
pressed by the convention.
Every possible influence and subter-
fuge that could be conceived of was
brought to bear upon delegates to per-
suade them to leave the man whom
they had pledged themselves to support
for mayor. Some did so but they were
not numerous.
M. p Snyder was finally nominated
for mayor by reclamation. and then the
enthusiasm of the delegates and spec
tators knew no bounds. There was
cheer upon cheer. loud, long and con-
tiilued.
Early yesterday morning 1t became
apparent that Thomas E. Rowan could
not by any possibility be nominated
for mayor. He had many personal
friends of long standing who were sup
porting him, and who were doing so be-
cause of friendship and for friendships
sake. They were loyal to Mr.. Rowan
for the reason that for long years they
had known him.
But the corporations. headed by the
water company and ably assisted by
the Southern Pacific Railroad company,
were for anybody to beat Snyder.
AS long as Mr.. Rowan reDnained IN the
field their strength in the convention
was concentrated upon him.
When he withdrew, the name of Dr.
J. ]. Choate was presented. There is no
more popular man in the city Of Los
Angeles than DR.. ]. j. Choate. His
friends are on all sides, in every party.
He was in no sense candidate for the
nomination for mayor. Early in the
month Of August DR.. Choate's friends
called upon him and requested him to
consent to the use of his name as a
candidate for the Democratic nomina
ton for mayor.
He absolutely and positively declined
to consider the proposition. He said
that he could not leave his practice as
physician to accept any public office.
DR.. Choate having arrived at this de-
termination, the gentlemen requested
Mr.. Snyder to enter the field. He con-
Choate was not candidate. DIR. Choate
was again interviewed and again he de-
clined. He declared himself for M. P.
Snyder and right royalty did the gentle
ruan keep his pledge. for be 1t known
that DR.. Choate never violated pledge
or q promise he ever made to any living
man.
Anyway, Mr.. Snyder's friends brought
him into the contest with Mr.. Rowan.
Mr. Snyder took fair, square and une-
quivocal stand for the people on the
water question, consistent with his past
public record. He came out and de-
clared himself upon the question Of
municipal ownership in way that
could not be misconstrued.
Then the water company commenced
laying the wires to accomplish his de-
feat. That corporation had previous to
this. through its authorized represen-
tatives, threatened him with political
oblivion for daring to take position in
the city council for reduction of so per
cent in water rates.
As soon as Snyder was in the field
for mayor the water company started
IN to make its threat good.
All tne StrenStn IL possessed kntOuSu
IL officials, its employees and its allies
on all sides it threw to Mr.. Rowan. The
Southern Pacific railroad and the Los
Angeles Lighting company assisted.
Money was used, repeaters and stuff
ofs got in their work at the primaries
but the Democratic party downed all
this influence and elected a two-thirds
majority of the delegates to the con-
yention favorable at the time of their
election as such delegates to the NOM
nation of M. p. Snyder.
After thu primaries three days inter
$ened untH the convention. Then the
allied villianies started to work on the
allied villanies started to work on the
brought into play and all manner of in
fiuence, but 1t was without avail.
Be It understood that Mr.. Rowan had
: many friends who were supporting him
Tor no consideration other than friend
nhip-fOr the reason that they thought
him a strong man. clever gentleman
and good vote getter. But there was
the bad influence mixed with the good
both working to the same end.
It became apparent, though, that Mr
Rowan could not be nominated. SO he
& Vas withdrawn.
Then, without his consent and upon
~ exprese statement that he was moi