Los Angeles herald., 1909-02-13
ANNEXATION is
FOUGHT BY AID
Of SALOON MEN
HOW FL0ATERS ARE INDUCED
TO VOTE is SHOWN
San Pedran Says if Jointure with Los
Angeles Is Defeated 1t Will Be
by Barroom Fre-
quenters
BY ALEX MUHLBERG

An anti-anneXatiOnist, sailor, close
hauled to the wind, heavily listed TO
starboard, with forecastle head filled
with anti-annexation enthusiasm, sailed
into my premises four days ago. The
following dialogue ensued:
Annexationist-Say Alex, where
is that fellow living that left the
schooner Louise? l know he lives in
your place. 1 want him to come along
and register.
AnneX-Why, this man just came here
about a week ago and hardly ever stays
in San Pedro; and, besides, what III
terest have you, either for or against
annexation? You only sail into this
port once in d great while!
Anti-Annex-Look here! am an
honorable citizen, and 1 just have regis
tered. l don't want to see Los Angeles
get San Pedro harbor. 1 am a sailor
and 1 want a harbor into which l can
sail.
Annex-The annexation to Los An
geles would not prevent you from sail
ing to San Pedro, for the harbOr still
will be left here. 1t wouldn't be profit
able to move it back into the noun
tains.
Anti-Annex-Look here! No joshing.
If Los Angeles annexes San Pedro the
Southern Pacific company will get con-
troll of this port. Where will you and
l come in, then?
Annex-Is not the Southern Pacific
in control of the best part of San Pedro
water front right now? Hasn't the
company its man Savage in the state
senate today fighting and trying 70
block consolidation with Los Angeles?
Anti-AnneX-I was told in the saloon
that Los Angeles is trying to steal the
harbor; that they may close up the
saloons and the red light district if we
become annexed, and there are lots OF
us who went and got registered SO that
we can vote against it.
Gets Free Beer
Annex-Did you have free beer for
promising to vote against annexation?
Anti-Annex-Yes, but l don't sell my
vote for beer.
Annex-My friend, I don't think you
sell your vote for liquor or cigars, but
you have been misinformed by the
saloon keepers and those who profit,
directly and indirectly, from protected
vice. Their selfish interest forces them
to call on you and other uninformed men
to do their filthy work on this great
question, even at the risk of losing your
liberty by illegal voting. We have a.
fine natural harbor, but it has remained
undeveloped on account of the rule or
ruin policy of the Southern Pacific COM
pany. Los Angeles wants us to consoli-
date, but can get along without u.s.
Can San Pedro prosper without the aid
of Los Angeles? Are we able to, and
would it pay us TO have extensive
wharves and warehouses without the
backing Of Los Angeles? Is it wise for
us to play the part of bashful lover
while Long Beach and Wilmington are
making goo-goo eyes at Miss Los An
geles?
The one fact alone remains that the
opposition Aas to appeal to non-resi-
dents with a cigar and a glass of beer
as a coaXer to fight annexation. This
is enough to arouse the ire of every
well meaning citizen and awake them
to make their utmost effort.
Consider the few items of water, light
and transportation. One cottage with
two rooms pays $3.50 per month for
water now. while in Los Angeles a