Los Angeles herald., 1909-08-08
ANTI-CONSOLlDATI0N
COHORTS ARE ALERT
San Pedro's Enemies Prepared 10
Muster Full Strength of obstrue-
ton Camp in Opposition
to Merger
Especial to The Hcrald1


SAN PEDRO, Aug. although
there are many optimistic consolida-
ton enthusiasts here who are claim
ing that, now that Wilmington has
joined Los Angeles, there viii be no or
ganized fight against the merger here
on August y. the leaders in the con-
solidation camp have no such idea of
the situation, and are prepared to mus
ter all their strength at the polls and
are ready for all the counter moves of
the enemy.
No one opposition has yet come to
the surface, but those in a position to
know state that the apparently dor
mant obStructiOnists are in reality or
ganized and mean to fight to the bit
ter end This condition prevailed at
Wilmington. 1t was not until election
day that there was any show of forces
except in individual cases, as with
Breenan and Wheatley But on elec-
ton day there was back of these men
all the force and power of the rail-
road machine. reinforced by the Ban
nings and the lumber companies. All
though Wilmington carried and body
blow was dealt the enemy in this city
they are not yet ready to throw up
the sponge and are expected to make
last desperate fight against heavy
odds.
To show that the enthusiasts in the
consolidation camp are not the only
ones who have wrong conceptions Of
the true situation, it is stated today
that Edward Mahar, manager of the
Banning company here and reported
to be heavily interested in Tilton's Ii
quor monopoly, the San Pedro Whole
sale company in speaking to friend
said: Il cannot see where the consoll-
dation crowd can muster over 375 votes,
7 hgN m 16n a
the situation" Possibly Mr.. Mahar was
joking, or perhaps he was misinformed,
for it made the consolidation leaders
smile when they heard of it. Mr.. Mahar
is a leader of the anti-consolidation
forces and is an old-time politician,
having always been a leader in the So
called whisky ring" of this city His
astuteness and ability to figure have
never been questioned, but it is con-
sidered 1aughable that he should make
any such statement in the face of an
enlightened public who are ready now
to throw off the yoke which has
been placed around them by the saloon
and corporation interests.
San Pedro Will Not Lag
Nearly 1900 names appear on the reg
lister of the voters of this city and
while a large number are not here to
vote, many enthusiasts figure the cleo
ton will go three to one or at least
two to one for consolidation, and even
the opponents openly state, There is
nothing to it, San Pedro must now go
in, and will carry by a large ma
jority."
It was noticed today that the lead
ers of the opposition had their heads
together and a big fight is expected.
The Southern Pacific will probably use
it's usual indirect fighting methods, the
In n n
and special privilege men leading the
fight.
No fear is expressed in any quarter,
however, as to the result of the cleo
ton, many hoping that these interests
do get in and fight in order that the
victory against these monopolies may
be all the more enjoyable.
Consolidation Meetings
on Monday evening members of the
Los Angeles and San Pedro consoli-
dation committee will attend meet
ing in Starks pool room at East. San
Pedro to which have been invited all
of the residents of that section of the
city No oratory or brass bands will
be heard at this rally, but plain talks1
will be made by the Los Angeles men
as to what will be the future of the
fishermen and squatters and other resi-
dents here after the consolidation
election carries on August u.
The big meeting to which all parts
of the city will be invited will be held
on Wednesday evening, the eve of the
great election. The Fifth street audi
torium will be crowded that evening
with citizens and taxpayers who want
a final word from Los Angeles, be-
fore they take the step which will pro-
vide for the future of this portion of
the harbor and of Greater Los Angeles.
The subject of consolidation will be
handled by able speakers from Los An
geIes and intense interest Will be man
ifested by all citizens who are able to
crowd into the big auditorium.