Los Angeles herald., 1907-01-08

&. of me, and must decline the ap- &.
o pointment. 9
20 II Is with regret, I assure you, g
8. that I reach this conclusion, for 9
8. l highly appreciate the honor of {.
. being member of your official .
g family, and would like to have (.
8. served on n commission dealing g
4. in matters 1 am thoroughly ia G.
o miliar with. 9
9 Sincerely yours, 9
g W. a. WHITE. @
G:.E.,SNsH<H.4@a33.*3:@S%&@11
contingencies. and it may be reason-
ably anticipated that the actual cost
of the work will not be in excess of the
amount named.
The report of these experts should
be gratifying to the people. 1t shows
them that the plan is not only feasible,
but that 1t can be put into effect for
nearly the amount estimated. But even
ii the accomplishment of this import
ant work should involve a greater eX-
penditure than the estimate of the en-
gineers it is my belief that, if the pro-
ject is carried out in a prudent and
economical way, without scandal the
people will be satisfied.
Construction OF the owens river aque-
duct should be begun without unneces-
sary delay; completion should be
brought about as soon as possible. The
cost has been found to be within the
means of the city and assurance has
been given that the bonds will be quick
ly taken up.
Pressing needs of the city make it
imperative, not only that the officials
who will have charge of the execution
of this project should perform their
duty in faithful and efficient manner,
but that they should have the conf
dence and support of the people. The
time has arrived when petty differences
of opinion should be cast aside and all
should Join hands in bringing the wa
ter here in the quickest, cheapest pos
sible manner, without taint of dishon-
esty.
Without criticising officials having the
project in charge during the prelim-
mary work. it is my firm belief that
the public is entitled to all the informa-
ton. In purchasing water bearing
lands il was undoubtedly advisable to
work as secretly as possible, but no de-
tail attending the construction or the
cost of the system should be withheld
from the public. II is the peoples
money which will pay for the gigantic
system. and the people are entitled to
know all there is to know.
1t is my intention to visit Owens
River valley this sprin~ for the pur-
pose of investigating in my own way
When this investigation has been COM
pleted l will make necessary recon-
mendtions. 1t is my desire, however
TO impress upon your honorable body
the immediate necessity of bringing wa
ter here and to urge you TO be as ex-
peditious as possible in assisting those
having the work in hand.
City and County Consolidation
The present year should mark great
progress in the movement for Great
er Los Angeles" 1t is vital TO the in
terests of the great city our people are
building that no stumbling block be
placed in the path of the city and coun-
" consolidation commission. I deem
il expedient that the city council fol-
low carefully the recommendations of
this commission and lend every assist
ance it can
Among the many advantages of con-
solidation are:
First-Ecouomy which would result in
having one set of officers 10 conduct
city and county affairs.
Second-Sharing of the Owens river
water DN All ltl AAAOl -A--4N N+NAIN " -N-A-Al
the boundaries OF the proposed consoll-
dated city and county.
Third-Securing harbor for Los An
geies.
While it may require considerable
time to effect consolidation of the city
and county as suggested by the con-
solidatiOn commission in preliminary
report. there are recommendations
which should receive immediate atten-
tiou Of your body as we'll as indorse-
ment of all citizens interested in the
welfare of the city.
1 refer particularly % the present en-
deavOr of the commission 10 consoli-
date Los Angeles, san Pedro and Will
miugJon and thus secure for Los Ange-
les a port of entry This consolidation
would foster the growth Of San Pedro
and Wilmington iWmea asura by.
Greater appropriations from the fed
eral government could be secured for
the harbor hv reason Of the prestige
of Los Angeles. This was made clear
by Congressman J. p. Ransdell. men,
ber Of the rivers and harbors commit
tee. when he said;
You people OF Los Angeles would
stand a much better show on this har-
bor proposition If your representatives
auuearins before our committee could
say: / represent Los Angeles, the
Greater Los Angeles, I'm this matter,
instead Of having 10 say: Gentlemen,
I represent san Pedro In consider
ing appropriations Il is proper 10 con-
slider not only in our out water borne
freight Of a city but the total freight
received ana shipped by the city. So
YOU see what a tremendous lever the
of Los Angeles with all
the beach and shore line cities and
towns would be in making application
for appropriations
From the C0ugressman's remarks IL
IS plainly seen that Los Angeles is
known. whereas san Pedro is not. Gov
eminent assistance is needed 10 build
the harbOr and develop commerce. and
appears 10 be the quick
est way TO get IL,
ne,,rt,,apt 81 public Marie