Los Angeles herald., 1906-12-09
ONE GREAT METROPOLIS

The annexation spirit Is revivins
again. There is a growing sentiment
in the surrounding towns, especially
those along the coast, that It would be
wise and desirable for them TO be
embraced within the physical limits Of
Los Angeles; to share in the big city's
prosperity; to benefit from her tremen-
dous advertising; to form part and
parcel Of her, instead of being merely
the fringe upon the outer edge Of her
garments. Movements are incubating
IN most of the seashore towns looking
to actual Incorporation with this city,
and these movements are spontaneous,
without backing from Los Angeles, and
along sane and sensible lines.
That ultimately all the region from
Los Angeles to the ocean will be one
big city no one doubts. That the time
for 1t is rapidly approaching all admit.
The only question with the smaller
places Isl Shall we give UP our
municipal identity now and merge, or
shall we go in later, when we have
spent much money and time advertls-
ing our separate identities, only to find
that we are part of Los Angeles after
all?
The sensible course, one would think,
would be a union as soon as practi-
cable. for many reasons. One is, that 1t
would save a vast sum in exploitation,
which is now largely wasted. Venice,
Ocean Park. Santa Monica, Long
Beach, all are busy proclaiming their
own separate advantages, in most
costly fashion, which cost falls on their
several communities. Meanwhile Los
Angeles itself is engaged in promotion
work on much better, broader saner
lines and less extensively in propor-
tion, a work which already in o
measure includes exploitation of the
beach towns as WELL The expenses of
these smaller places could all be much
reduced, if not eliminated, if all were
grouped under one head.
Again, these places all maintain
municipal governments at heavy cost.
These governments administer the
same affairs which are now handled
much more expertly, and at less pro-
portionate outlay, by Los Angeles
proper. 1t would cost very little more
except in police and fire protection to
cover the beach region with the same
blanket-and all this saving would en-
hance values there.
The port of San Pedro is a case apart.
There is no longer argument about the
wisdom of San Pedro joining with Los
Angeles; it is only a question of the
necessary legal delays. Long Beach,
with an embryo harbor, is in the same
class, and doubtless will learn its les
son from the older town.
Nor is the Owens river project longer
debatable. All know that the conduit
will be built; that water is now needed.
and that plenty will be supplied from
this source. No other supply is avail
able. In order to have the necessary
water, these towns must come to Los
Angeles to get it,
Things, therefore, are moving stead
lily, inevitably, toward consolidation.
Nature itself, economy, good sense,
stability, all urge it. The sane men in
the city and in the adjacent towns all
see it's wisdom and all stand for it. The
problem is working itself out, and only
needs shrewd guidance and careful
handling to insure it's success.
The Herald, therefore, begs to offer
just a word of warning to those having
the facilitating of consolidation in
hand Beware of haste, underdone
schemes, ill-considered arguments, and
especially any semblance of coercion.
The blunders made during the special
session of the legislature were mex
cusable - almost laughable = almost
tragic. Avoid any more such. Honey
catches more flies than vinegar and
argument will convince where the big
stick only angers. Let the logic of the
situation sink in; let things work out
inevitably, as they must, and nurse
along the consolidation sentiment to a
final fruition. Then it will be natural,
welcome and permanent, instead Of a
forced failure.