Lisenby

This is a proceeding in mandate to compel the respondents to sign certain bonds of the city of Long Beach, amounting to three hundred thousand dollars, which have been prepared for issuance by the city in pursuance of a vote of the electors thereof at an election called for that purpose.

The bonded indebtedness in controversy was for the purpose of raising funds to pay the expense of improving the harbor of Long Beach “by dredging, deepening, and improving the channels and slips therein and the waterfront thereof,” and by opening a channel to connect said harbor with the inner harbor of Los Angeles in the bay of San Pedro.

Long Beach' was organized and incorporated as a city in 1897, and has been operating under a freeholders’ charter since February 26, 1907. (Stats. 1907, p. 1178.) A revision of said charter was adopted in 1915. (Stats. 1915, p. 1656.) The city fronts on the outer bay of San Pedro and its boundaries extend three miles seaward from the shore. The question whether or not the city of Long Beach has power to make the improvement for which the bonds were voted as aforesaid is the only matter presented for determination.

“A municipal corporation possesses and can…