Los Angeles herald., 1909-03-27
LIVELY MEETING IN
SPITE OF WEATHER
SANTA MONICA MEN BRAVE
HEAVY RAIN
Proponents and Opponents of consoli-
dalton Express Themselves Freely,
as Scheduled Speakers Fall
to Put in Appearance
Especial to The Herald. ]

Especial to The HERALD
SANTA MONICA, March 2s.-Rain
interfered to great extent with the
consolidation mass meeting at the city
hall this evening, but in spite Of the
weather over seventy-ive citizens of
the various sections of the beach gath
cred to learn and speak about CONSOLE
dation. 4
The chairman announced that owing
to the small number present and on ac-
count of a number of the scheduled
speakers being absent, the meeting
would be open to all who cared to ex-
press themselves; in fact he suggested
an experience meeting, SO the views
of all concerned could be hard.
President Webster of the Santa Mon
lea Bay chamber of commerce decried
the arguments put forward by various
persons in which efforts were made to
arouse sectional feeling between the
different ports of the community. He
called upon all citizens, whether for or
against consolidation, to refrain from
a campaign of mud singing.
Attorney Fred H. Taft, asked to
speak on the legal aspect OF consoiida-
ton, gave his Interpretation of the re-
CenLly CUdClcQ SlaLC toWb oh0 eANNsS0 -
few remarks on his own opinion on the
question. He stated that he had al
ways been of one opinion, and always
would be. namely, that it was the
height of foolishness to have two mu-
inequalities. Said he: Lets get to-
gether. We pay too much in each city
for salaries; with two sets of officers
we are extravagant. The day Is COM
ing within the next five years when
this beach will have $4,000 people, and
we should get together and prepare for
it."
H. X: Goetz president of the Santa
Monica board of trade, stated that ne
was sorry to be called on, as he was
present in order to get material 10
| fight the projected move. After citing
a number of objections to consolidation
as he saw them, he asked, What are
we going to gain, we of three-fourths
of the city of Santa Monica? That is
what 1 want to know?"
George w. Brown, secretary or the
Santa Monica chamber of commerce,
said: "I have every respect for any one
that disagrees with me on this console
dation question, but I think that the
gentleman who just spoke mas .ne
wrong idea. Put down this sectional
| feeling. Get together. Consolidation
will eliminate the curse of this beach
Mayor H. B. Eakins OF Ocean Park
said:
"I regret being called upon, but ]
want to express my appreciation OF the
remark of our president. At present
I am against consolidation as 1t is
planned. / think that IL an arrange
ment could be made whereby Los An
geles, Santa Monica and Ocean Park
could be consolidated 1t would SOUND
| better"
He compared the low tax rate OF
Ocean Park with the higher rate OF
Santa Monica.
| A. e. Meiggs, former postmaster OF
Ocean Park, said that he was In favor
of the movement, but against the ex-
ecution Of IL. He interjected many hu-
morous experiences into his talk and
carried the crowd with him by his
spicy humor. Said he:
1--WE are willing to dispense with
few city officials in our end. Brother
Goetz wants to know what you are get
ting. I'll tell you. You are going to
get a territory that collects $4,000 IN
taxes annually and we are going to
| watch and see that you spend 1t right.
am for consolidation"