Los Angeles herald., 1907-10-17
VENICE is ANXIOUS
FOR NAVAL HARBOR
TRADE ORGANIZATION TAKES
ACTIVE STEPS
Points Out to Washington Officials
Necessity for Establishing Base
of Supplies at City of
Canals
Special to The Herald.

Special to The Herald.
VENICE, Oct 16.-A determined move
to cause the United States war depart
ment to take immediate action on the
proposal of Abbot Kinney to cooperate
with the government in the establlsh-
ment here of a naval harbor has been
launched by the local trade organiza-
ton.
Today letters were forwarded by w.
A. Rennie, secretary of the trade body,
to the Hon. w. A. Metcalf, secretary
of the navy, and to each of the South
ern California state representatives re-
questing that they give especial atten-
ton to the urgent need OF military
harbor on the southwest coast of the
Pacific ocean.
Ten specified arguments why Venice
is the most advantageous point to To-
cate q military base such as is proposed
are set forth as follows:
First-Venice. is the nearest ocean point
to Los Angeles, which is the financial,
commercial and transportation center OF
the southwest Pacific coast. A naval
defense should be established for the
protection of the city and its environs.
Second-All lines of railroad commune
cation from Los Angeles are on easy
grades, free from snow and by direct
route Venice is reached By three direct
approaches. These roads of travel are
comparatively free from foreign attack.
as compared to the exposed coast skirt
ing the Santa Fe to San Diego, or from
the proposed San Diego line which is
in part on Mexican soil. In case of war
military operations could be conducted
under more favorable conditions from a
stronghold here than at San Diego.
Third--Venice is in close proximity to
extensive oil fields, which could be
availed of for heat and motive power.
An unlimited water power is also avail
able.
Fourth-A facility of defense to all
parts of the Santa Monica bay is Of
fered by means of fortifications on the
bluffs at Playa del Rey to the south and
on the Santa Monica terraces to the
north.
Fifth--'rhe Venice harbor can be in
definitely enlarged and its capacity ex-
tended by merely extending the outer
breakwater.
Sixth-There being no channels, rocks
or reefs in the Venice harbor 1t is un-
equaled by any port in the world for the
safe docking of big ships. Ingress or
egress to the harbor can be made with
out danger under the most adverse
weather conditions.
Seventh-Venice is off shore and is not
affected by the serious stormwinds from
the southeast These blow directly into
the San Pedro outer harbor.
Eighth-Cheapness of construction and
maintenance at Venice is superior to like
conditions at other Southern California
ports The Santa Monica mountains Of
fer granite quarries that could be
availed of for building purposes, making
the matter of constructing forts, build
ing an outer breakwater or putting in
slips for the convenience of deep sea
draught vessels an easily and cheaply
overcome difficulty.
Ninth--A military harbor at Venice
would be safeguard from invasion OF
all harhors and landings on the south
west Pacific coast and is a naval ne
cessity.
Tenth-Other advantages include an in
exhaustible supply of good water, fire
protection by salt water at high pres
sure. This system of fire protection has
been demonstrated to be the most eff
cient port protection in the world. The
indestructible qualities of the present
pier and brealSwater, which are built or
cement cased piling that is protected