The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1909-03-26

LOS ANGELES, Cal, March 25.--
The first practical test Of the recall
system in America will eliminate to-
morrow with the election Of a mayor
OF Los Angeles. The downfall OF the
machine politicians appears to be
complete. The recall faction is in
high feather and sees nothing but
victory.
The election ends one Of the most
turbulent chapters Of municipal gov
crnment in the annals Of this or pro-
badly any other American city, The
turmoil began some months ago when
the grand jury rendered its report on
its investigation OF Mayor Harper's
conduct Of the city's affairs. The
grand jury found no indictment. but
caustieally scored Harper for numcr-
Gus trips Of inspection" to the ten
derloin, one of which trips was termed
an orgy. The grand jury report re-
suited in the waging Of a fervid cam
paign against the Mayor under the
banner Of civic purity.
The municipal league fathered the
movement to oust Mayor Harper and
leading citizens lent their support, A
method Of relief new to municipal
politics in this country was at hand.
The charter just granted TO Los An
geles by the legislature gave the city
the right Of initiative, referendum and
recall. Under its power the oppon-
ents of Mayor Harper had only to
secure the signature Of certain per-
centage Of the legal voters 10 pet
ition demanding the recall of any un-
satisfactory city official, and a new
election for the unexpired term.
Quick advantage was taken OF this
right by the opponents of Mayor Har-
per.
Petitions for the custer of the
Mayor were opened at various places
in the business district Of the city,
Committees canvassed the electorate,
working up sentiment, public meetings
were held by both sides, and the ex-
citement reached fever heat. In
very short time the required number
of signatures were obtained and an
election was called for March 26.
There was nothing in the law to pre-
vent Mayor Harper's reelection, and
his supporters promptly renamed him,
relying on the straight Democratic
strength and the anti-recall element
among the Republicans to pull him
through,
The anti-Harper faction named ex-
Supervisor George Alexander as their
candidate for Mayor Thus the cam
paign began and daily it became more
spirited until, totally unexpected,
Mayor Harper added to the political
turmoil by Withdrawing from the race.
The FIRE of his opponents became too
hot for him. Fearful, it is said, that
the threat to publish facts regarding
his private life would be carried out
he withdrew from the race rather
than face the music, Crushed in
spirit and deserted by his henchmen,
he fled from the city and left his en-
emies in full possession Of the field.
The news Of Harper's withdrawal
from the ticket caused sensation.
Opinion varied as to just what were
the proper steps to be taken under the
Circumstance, Finally the city coun-
ell solved the problem by accepting
Harper's resignation and designating
w. d Stephenson to serve as Mayor
until the election Is held tomorrow
The Socialists and the Prohibition
lists have named candidates to be
voted for tomorrow, but the election
Of Mr.. Alexander, the Republican can
didate, Is believed to be assured. Los
Angeles Is normally a strong Republi-