The herald., 1897-09-30
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 80. 1897.
A GOOD SECOND TO THE MOTION

The harbor board said that a harbor
for Southern California should be To-
Gated at San Pedro. The dock board en-
dorses and emphasizes that decision by
recommending that government dock
500 feet long, to cost 81, 800 900, be added
to the harbor equipment. This decision
and recommendation on the part of the
dock board was entirely voluntary. So
far as is known there has not been so
much as formal suggestion that a dock
be built at San Pedro.
It is OF course as yet uncertain when
the dock will be built. Congress must
first assent to the proposition and make
an appropriation. Unless foreign COM
plications should ensue to make the
dock Immediately necessary 1t might be
several years before the actual con-
struction Of the dock is begun. 1t is,
however, clearly evident that sooner or
later one will be built. The needs of the
government In a naval way are multi
plying fast, and by the time the other
harbor improvements at San Pedro are
completed, 1t is fair to presume the dock
will be well under way.
San Pedro in particular and Southern
California in general are to be con-
grutulated upon this added and merited
recognition given this section by the
government at Washington. We have
waited long time and it now begins to
look as If reward is in sight.
The building of dock at San Pedro,
In addition 10 the other accommoda-
tions and facilities, means that the gov
ernment expects to make San Pedro
fully equipped naval station in all that
the term implies. That carries with it
the springing UP of large and thriving
seaport city, with all the industries pc
culiar to such a community. 1t should
make San Pedro headquarters for the
Mexican trade. 1t means manufactures
on large scale, and a population Of cor
responding proportions.
Los Angeles has reason to be espe-
cially gratified over this latest piece of
brunt Of the battle for the harbor, be-
cause San Pedro is it's natural, logical
chosen seaport, and because she is and
always will be the commercial metrop-
oils for that seaport.
The people Of this city are not likely
to be blind to their opportunities, nor
obtuse as to their manifest duty in TAX
ing such action as will, so far as it lies
with them. justify the wisdom of the
naval board in declaring for the i'm
provement Of San Pedro harbor and in
the wisdom Of congress in carrying out
the recommendation. Private enter
thought and enterprise.
The Herald has already outlined the
manufacturing and commercial possi-
bilities that lie within the grasp Of this
city. Power and fuel, the chief things
that have been lacking in an Industrial
way, will soon be supplied on favora bic
terms. A new era of railroad building
seems about to set In. Our agricultural
and horticultural communities are be-
ing built up on the best possible basis.
Our markets are increasing and ex-
tending rapidly. The country, by sheer
physical force, is lifting itself out of the
slough of business depression.
The time is ripe for action The be-
ginning Of work on the San Pedro har-
Dor should be the signal for a general
revival The work of preparation should
begin now. 1t has been a long time since
the people of Southern California have
had the opportunity to let out one
mighty, Joyful shout Of triumph and