W. L. Short submitted the petition in 1908 to sell Pennants during the visit of American fleet, with the purpose of providing more employment opportunities. In April 1908, the 16 battleships of the "Great White Fleet" anchored near the Coronado for four days. During this time, thousands of sailors and marines took part in a splendid parade through the streets of San Diego. It is worth mentioning that this historic event was part of President Theodore Roosevelt's strategic effort to demonstrate the immense maritime power of the United States by sending the U.S. battleship fleet on global expeditions from 1907 to 1909.

• 19080406 Doc22721 Petition of W. L. Short to Sell Pennants During the Visit of American Fleet to San Diego