An illustrated history of Los Angeles County, California. Containing a history of Los Angeles County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day, Part 22

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1092

USA > California > Los Angeles County > An illustrated history of Los Angeles County, California. Containing a history of Los Angeles County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 22

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In the city the vote stood: For the railroad, 297; against, 245. The vote of both city and county stood: For the railroad, 700; against, 672. The railroad had a bare majority of twenty-eight. Ground was broken at Wilming- ton, September 19, 1868, and the last rail was laid in Los Angeles City on October 26, 1869. The board of directors of the road were Jolin G. Downey, B. D. Wilson, O. W. Childs, John S. Griffin, Matthew Keller, Phineas Banning. The iron rails were shipped from England. E. E. Hewitt, the editor of the Wilmington Journal, was elected superintendent. The good effect of the railroad was felt at once, as is shown by the following paragraph from the News of September 22, 1868: "Under the influence of a certain prospect of a railroad from this city to the sea-coast, thereby making it a seaport city, the price of real estate has advanced very materially." This was three days after ground had been broken. Immedi- ately after the election, on March 27, the News said prophetically: " Railroad connection with the sea-coast will, in a few years, extend itself to a connection with the Southern Pacific & At- lantic Railroad, placing us upon the great trans- continental thoroughfare, and bringing among us the surplus population and capital of the Eastern States, and developing by their science and energy our varying resources."

Banning was then in the Senate. He intro- duced Senate Bill No. 275, “ An Act amenda- tory to an Aet entitled an Act authorizing the Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County,"

etc., and Senate Bill No. 376, authorizing the city to proceed in the same manner, the object of which was to amend the former act so that the money should be paid the company only on the completion of each mile. No objection was made in the Legislature against the bills, and they both passed.

The railroad campaign of 1868 was only a small sample of the greater one which followed in 1872, and, strange to say, some of the very ones who were not only convinced of the bene- fits of the short road of twenty-three miles in length from Los Angeles to Wilmington, but received material blessings from it, were later among the most active opponents to the build- ing of a larger and transcontinental road.

On April 4, 1870, the State Legislature passed an act anthorizing the different counties of the State, through their respective boards of supervisors, to aid in the construction of rail- roads in the counties which might elect to do so. The act authorized the donation of five per cent. of the total assessment for railroad build- ing. So strong did this sentiment prevail that it turned practically into anti-railroad, and in some instances establishing opposing methods of transportation, as in sailing vessels from San Francisco to Santa Monica. The following year to the passage of the five per cent. subsidy act, the anti-monopoly howl waxed so loud that no politician in either party dared keep silent in its behalf if he wanted office.

The Republican and Democratic parties vied with each other in strong anti-monopoly " planks," and the Legislature of 1871-'72 was supposed to be " solid " on that question, Measures at once came up for the repeal of the act of 1870. Here was a quandary for those who had the interests of Southern California at heart in general and Los Angeles County in particu- lar. There was the pioneer, B. D. Wilson, in the Senate, Asa Ellis and Thomas D. Mott in the Assembly, all from Los Angeles County.

The Southern Pacific, which had incorpo- rated that year, was laying its ties and spiking its rails up the San Joaquin Valley, and it was

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a question whether it would come directly to Los Angeles on its march overland. Its line through the Tehaehepi Pass was well known, but from this point two diverging lines had been surveyed. One was south to the Soledad Pass and over heavy grades, and through costly tun- nels to Los Angeles, then an adobe town, whose people might want them to pay all the great expense of building and equipping their road to this point, and afterward share in the benefits. There was the other route from Tehachepi over an almost level plain straight to the Needles, along the thirty-fifth parallel.

The Los Angeles delegation in the State Leg- islature were fully aware of the snares which were being uneonseiously laid for their section, and which, if successful, would delay the advance- ment of this section for many years.

There was great danger of this, as the Even- ing Express of May 24, 1872, said: " But the question of its passage directly through this city or leaving us a few niles to one side as appears to be the fate of Visalia, depends wholly upon ourselves. Railway companies are soul- less corporations. They are invariably selfish and love money. * * * Because they are rich they have no more right to build to us than has Governor Downey to build our school- houses."

The two important questions before the dele- gation were, to have Los Angeles County exempt from the repeal of the subsidy law, and after- ward as private citizens, with the best interests of their country at heart, to secure the benefits of such exemption. Subsequent events fully proved, as will be shown, that had the delega- tion been less friendly to the railroad, Los An- geles would not have had one possibly by this time.

January 26, 1872, the repeal of the subsidy law passed the Assembly by a majority of two. The repeal, however, did not affect the counties of San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Santa Bárbara, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Marin and Los Angeles, in which counties the act of April 4, 1870, was to remain in full force

and effeet, provided that the question of grant- ing aid should be submitted to the qualified electors of each county at a general election. This important point being gained, opened the way for securing the railroad.

The following letter is taken from Major Ben C. Truman's monthly magazine, the Del Monte Wave, for June, 1886:

Los ANGELES, May 5, 1872.

HON. LELAND STANFORD-DEAR SIR: Our personal relations are of such a character that we have deemed it proper to advise you in ad- vance of movements, which, if carefully attended to, may redound not only to your benefit, but may be also of material service to our country. It is needless to add that as far as we are con- eerned, regardless of what others may say, we consider you entitled to all the aid that our see- tion may be able to command as a proper tribute to the great efforts you have displayed in tur- therance of the prosperity and material progress of the Pacific Coast.

We expect to call a meeting of the tax-paying citizens of the county in a few days, for the pur- pose of selecting from among them an exeeu- tive committee, giving the said committee full power to meet the representatives of any railroad company that may visit our place, for the pur- pose of agreeing upon some plan whereby we may have a railroad running through our county, or at least to our city.

We apprise you of the movements soon to take place here, that you may, if you deein it proper, take steps so as to act in harmony with our citizens, and in that manner subserve the public benefit to be derived from our mutual understanding.

With the greatest assurance of your personal regard, and our co-operation in any move which may promote the best interests of the county, and your own, and hoping you may find it eor .- venient to pay us a visit soon, we remain yours sincerely,

T. D. MOTT. B. D. WILSON.

They received a reply to this letter, stating that he could not leave home, but would send an agent, which he did in the person of Mr. Hyde. As a result of their efforts a meeting of citizens was called by them to take steps to se- eure the benefits accruing under the exemptions of the repeal act. The Los Angeles News of

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

May 18, 1872, notices the next movement as follows: "To-day occurs the railroad meeting, called over the signatures of several citizens. The vague terms of the call have stimulated public curiosity regarding the ultimate objects of the meeting."

The meeting of citizens to discuss railroad matters was held in the court-honse Saturday afternoon, May 18, 1872. Ex-Governor J. G. Downey called the meeting to order and briefly explained its purposes. H. K. S. O'Melveny was elected President, and Major Ben. C. Tru- man, Secretary. Among the speakers were Phineas Banning, C. H. Larrabee, J. G. Downey, B. D. Wilson and E. J. C. Kewen.

Resolutions were adopted to the effect that to the railroad company which offered the best gnar- antee for constructing the main trunk of a trans-continental line through this valley, they would subscribe stock by donating all interests held in railroad stock held by the county and an additional amount sufficient to make up five per cent. of the assessment roll, provided that the road should be constructed from San Fran- cisco through Los Angeles to the Colorado River within three years from date.

A committee of thirty was appointed to seek information of any and all proposed railroads which might contemplate running from San Francisco Bay to the Mississippi River via the southern route, and to learn whether the main trunk would pass through Los Angeles, and if not what would canse it to do so. Following were the committee:

Anaheim-W: R. Olden, John P. Zeyn. Azusa-Henry Dalton.

Ballona-F. Machado, T. A. Sanchez.

Compton-M. Bixby, G. D. Compton. El Monte-F. W. Gibson, Silas Bennett. Gallatin-E. N. Burke, N. D. Crawford. Los Angeles-H. K. S. O'Melveny, F. P. F. Temple, J. G. Downey, H. Newmark, S. B. Caswell, A. F. Coronel, J. M. Griffith.

Los Nietos-D. Fulton, E. Sanford.

Puente John Reed.

Santa Ana-A. L. Bush, Gabriel Allen.

San Fernando-A. Pico.

San Gabriel-L. J. Rose, George Stoneman. San José-F. Palomares, L. Phillips.

Wilmington-R. H. Downing, Joseph Dus- ton, D. W. Alexander.

The committee of thirty met again in one week and appointed an executive committee of nine.

Messrs. Wilson, Rose and Olden were ap- pointed a committee to go to San Francisco and secure satisfactory terms with the Southern Pacific, which they did, returning with E. W. Hyde, of Oakland, the special agent of the com- pany. Messrs. Newmark, Temple and O'Melveny were appointed a committee to confer with Mr. Hyde in drawing up an ordinance for the city and another for the county. Both ordinances were substantially the same, and were passed by the city council and the board of supervisors. The ordinance passed by the board of super- visors was to the effect that the county being empowered to donate its bonds in aid of the construction of a railroad within its borders to an amount not to exceed five per cent. upon the total of the last assessment, which was $10,700,- 000 for the year 1872,-five per cent. of which is $535,000. From this amount the sum of $150,000 before issued in county bonds to the Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad Company was deducted, leaving the net of $385,000 in bonds which the county could give. The South- ern Pacific Company, for this amount, agreed to build fifty miles of its main trunk line through the county and a branch line to Anaheim; and the county also agreed to sell to the Southern Pacific its stock in the Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad. All of this, in accordance with law, was to be submitted to a vote of the people.

Although this was during the memorable presidential campaign of Grant and Greeley, yet so absorbing was the railroad question in Los Angeles County that the local issue was par- amount in everybody's mind to the national onc. A much stronger opposition was developed than in the railroad campaign of 1868. On Septem- ber 7 the supervisors passed an ordinance for

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

the Los Angeles & San Diego Railroad Com- pany, asking for a subsidy as large as that asked by the committee of thirty for the Southern Pacific. The San Diego Company claimed that their route was the most practical one to Ana- heim, and promised to build to an intersection with the Texas Pacific Railroad, then managed by the famous "Tom " Scott.

This last ordinance was not passed without the protest of the Southern Pacific and the dis- senting opinion of Attorney General Love. The San Diego Company, which rallied to its support the people who opposed the voting of a subsidy to the Southern Pacific, depended upon the Los Nietos Precinct for a great part of its strength, owing to the fact that the Southern Pa- cific proposed to run its Anaheim branch from Compton, a rival town of Gallatin. Through the efforts of T. D. Mott, the Southern Pacific was induced to change their plans and run from Florence through Gallatin* to Anaheim, and thus secured the vote of that precinct. The campaign was one of the hottest ever held in Los Angeles County. The railroad question was the only one discussed by the people. In every precinct meetings were held and speeches were heard on either side. H. T. Hazard, G. W. Barter, R. M. Widney, J. G. Howard, A. Higbie and others were speakers in favor of the subsidy for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and were opposed by Volney E. Howard, John Foster, A. J. King, J. G. Downey, -- Bean and others.

The eve of the election was celebrated in the city by a grand mass meeting, procession, bon- fires, etc. The election was held November 5, 1872. The vote of the city and county stood: For the Southern Pacific subsidy, 1,896 votes; against the same, 724. For the San Diego road, 99; against the same, 29; no railroad at all, 26! The Southern Pacific Railroad had a clear majority over all of 1,018.

'The city donated sixty acres of land for depot purposes. Work was commenced at the initial

point in the city, and continued east to Spadra and north to San Fernando, to which points the first trains were run April 4, 1874. Work was commenced on the Anaheim branch in the win- ter of 1873-'74, and the first train ran into Anaheim, January 17, 1875. In July, 1875, a gang of 1,500 men commenced work on both ends of the San Fernando Tunnel, which was completed in September, 1876. It is 6,940 feet long, and cost originally $2,500,000. It is twenty-seven miles from the city.

The gold spike connecting Los Angeles with San Francisco was driven September 8, 1877, in the Soledad Canon. The mayors of San Francisco and Los Angeles were present, to- gether with the officials of the company, and a large number of spectators from both places. A banquet and ball at Los Angeles that evening closed the festivities.

In 1875 Hon. John P. Jones built the Los Angeles & Independence Railroad from Santa Monica to Los Angeles City. The length is about eighteen iniles, and the cost was about $375,000. It was subsequently transferred to the Sonthern Pacific.

By virtue of a contract with the Southern Pacific, the Santa Fé system ran its trains into Los Angeles City from Colton, beginning No- vember 29, 1885, and continued so to do till its own track from San Bernardino was finished. This road was built in March and April, 1887, from San Bernardino west along the foot-hills to a junction with the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Valley Railroad at the San Gabriel River. Regular trains commenced running on this road on June 1 of that year. It is owned by the California Central, a local company, whose stock is held by the Santa Fé people. Branch roads of this system were built in 1888 to Ballona Harbor and Redondo Beach, and also to Orange, connecting with another branch running from San Bernardino to San Diego.

In 1884 there was commenced the construc- tion of the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Valley Railroad by a corporation headed by Hon. J. F. Crank. Its completion to Pasadena was cele-

*Gallatin was a town near Downey, and died when the latter was founded.

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

139

brated by an excursion September 17, 1885. In 1887 it was extended to the San Gabriel River, and the same year was transferred to the Santa Fé system.

In 1889 the Los Angeles & Pacific Railway was completed to Santa Monica. It was built

from the northwest part of the city toward Cahuenga P'ass, and thence along the Santa Monica Mountains to the town of that name. M. L. Wicks and R. C. Shaw were among its principal promoters. It is standard gauge.

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

THE PRESS.

CHAPTER XIV.

VEN when that immortal utterance, "The pen is mightier than the sword," was given to the world, its author did not have a full conception of the power of the mod- ern newspaper press as an educational and molding influence in society. From a simple pur- veyor of news, the horizon of the field of jonr- nalism has expanded during the past few dec- ades until it now encompasses the whole domain of human knowledge. Politics, social and moral ethics, science, art, philosophy, re- ligion, law,-each finds an able expositor in the coluinns of the daily and weekly newspaper. Thus teeming with the best and most advanced thought of the time, the press exerts a power in educating the public mind second only to the public schools. Struck by the shafts of its cen- sure, tyrants tremble, and the vicious flee the wrath to come. Encouraged and strengthened by its fostering approval, truth and virtue be- come a wall of adamant environing the popu- lace.

Los Angeles County has its dne share of worthy newspapers and periodicals; and, like all intelligent, enterprising communities, its highways are strewn with the graves of dead journals and the wrecked hopes and fortunes of ambitious but mistaken journalists. This chap- ter aims to mention the publications worthy of note in this county since 1850.

THE LOS ANGELES STAR

was founded in 1851, the first number appear- ing May 17 of that year, printed in English and Spanish, issued weekly, John A. Lewis and John McElroy, publishers. In July the style of the firm was Lewis, McElroy & Rand, William H. Rand having become a partner that month. November 4 McElroy sold his interest to Lewis & Rand. October 19, 1854, Mr. McElroy again became a partner. In 1855 the Star was con- ducted by J. S. Waite & Co. December 15 of the same year J. S. Waite became the sole pub- lisher, at which time the Spanish department of the paper was transferred to the Clamor Publico. Mr. Waite continued the publication of the Star until April 12, 1856, when he sold to William A. Wallace, who, the following June, sold to H. Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton published the Star until the fall of 1864, when it was purchased by General P. Banning, and removed to Wilmington, where the material was used to publish the Wilmington Journal. In 1868 the Star was again established in Los Angeles, pub- lished and edited by Mr. Hamilton. In 1872 G. W. Barter became a partner, but retired in a few months. The daily edition also made its first appearance that year. Mr. Hamilton con- ducted the Star until July 1, 1873, when he sold it to Major Ben. C. Truman. Mr. Truman edited and published the paper until October 1,

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

1877, when he retired. It was then published by Paynter & Co., and afterward by Brown & Co. During the last fifteen months of its ex- istence it had several different managers and editors, and represented three or four parties. It ceased publication in the early part of 1879.

THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAN,

published weekly, was founded by C. N. Rich- ards & Co. The first number was issued July 20, 1854, William Butts, Editor. November 2, 1854, William Butts and John O. Wheeler suc- ceeded Richards & Co. in the proprietorship. Messrs. Butts & Wheeler conducted the paper for some time, when John P. Prodic became the publisher. In 1857 it was discontinued, and in the following year its press and material were used to publish the Southern Vineyard.

EL CLAMOR PUBLICO,

a Spanish publication, was established by Fran- cisco P. Ramirez, in 1855. It made its first appearance June 19. of that year, and continued as a weekly until it suspended December 31, 1859, for want of sufficient support. The ma- terials of the office were transferred to the Los Angeles News.

THE SOUTHERN VINEYARD

was established by Colonel J. J. Warner, March 20, 1858, as a four-page weekly, 22 x 30 inches in size. It was devoted to general news, and issued every Saturday morning. December 10, of the same year, this paper was transformed into a semi-weekly; size, 20 x 26 inches; issued Tuesday and Friday mornings. It continued under the management of Mr. Warner until June 8, 1860, when the office and materials were transferred to the Los Angeles News.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH,

a monthly paper, devoted to religious subjects, published by William Money, made its appear- ance April 10, 1859. It was printed at El Clamor office, in both the English and Spanish languages. The paper, not receiving sufficient

support, discontinued after issning a few numbers.

LOS ANGELES DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWS.

The Semi- Weekly Southern News, independ- ent, issned every Wednesday and Friday, was established in Los Angeles by C. R. Conway and Alonzo Waite, January 18, 1860. In their opening announcement they speak of a "crisis and depression in business heretofore unknown within the limits of our rich and prosperous State," as then existing. The sheet was enlarged July 18. 1860, and again August 13, 1862. October 8, 1862, the paper was styled the Los Angeles Semi-Weekly News, and continued as a semi-weekly until January 12, 1863, when it appeared as the Los Angeles Tri-Weekly News -issued Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The tri-weekly was enlarged December 16, 1863. November 11, 1865, Messrs. Conway & Waite sold the News to Messrs. A. J. King & Co., A. J. King assuming the editorial control of the paper, which was again changed to a semi-weekly. The sheet was enlarged January 5, 1866, and again Jannary 1, 1867.

January 1, 1869, the semi-weekly was dis- continued, and The Los Angeles Daily News appeared, published by King & Offutt (A. J. King and A. N. Offutt), R. H. Offutt, Business Manager. The daily was enlarged in May, 1869. October 16, 1869, R. H. Offntt sold his interest to A. Waite; style of new firm, King & Waite. The daily was again enlarged Janu- ary 5, 1870. Mr. King retired from the edito- rial chair January 1, 1870. The paper was then published by King, Waite & Co .; A. Waite, Business Manager; Charles E. Beane. Editor. October 10, 1872, Mr. Waite sold his entire interest to Charles E. Beane, who con- dneted the paper for a few months, when it suspended.

AMIGO DEL PUEBLO.

This paper, printed in the Spanish language, published by José E. Gonzales & Co., made its

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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

first appearance November 15, 1861; was a weekly paper and independent in politics. In May, 1862, it announced its suspension for want of adequate support.

THE LOS ANGELES CHIRONICK,

a German weekly journal, published by F. G. Walther, was first issued May 19, 1869. It continued until August, 1870, when it stopped publication for lack of support.

THE SUED CALIFORNISCHE POST

was established by Conrad Jacoby, who is the present editor and proprietor. It made its first appearance July 25, 1874, its size being 24 x 36 inches. It was soon enlarged to 26 x 40 inches, which is its present size. This is the only German paper published in Southern California.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN

was founded in June, 1876, by W. W. Creigh- ton. As the name indicates, it was Republican in politics. It was printed at the Herald office until the latter part of December, when the Republican established an office. In August, 1877, the office was purchased by the Republi- cans, and the paper published by Allison Berry & Co., who continued for a few months, when it was conducted by the Republican Printing Company. During most of the time a weekly edition was issued. In September, 1878, the daily was discontinued for lack of support, and in January, 1879, the weekly also ceased publi- cation.

THE SCHOOL-MASTER

was established iu 1876. It was edited by Dr. W. T. Lucky, who was at that time superin- tendent of the city schools. The School-Master was the organ of the public schools of the county, and was a very valnable publication for teachers and those interested in educational matters. The death of Dr. Lucky caused the paper to be discontinued after a few publications.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST.

The first number of this magazine was issued in September, 1877, at Los Angeles, by tlie

Southern California Horticultural Society-L. M. Holt, Editor. In the first number we find the following account of its origin:

BUSINESS SESSION.

"Immediately upon the adjournment of the society, the newly elected board of directors met and organized by electing J. de Bath Shorb as President; L. M. Holt, Secretary, and M. Thomas, Treasurer.

"A committee on publications and library was appointed, consisting of L. M. Holt, T. C. Severance and T. A. Garey. On motion, Mr. Shorb, President of the society, was added to the committee. This committee was instructed to proceed at once to the publication of a monthly periodical in pamphlet form of thirty- two pages, to be known as the Southern Cali- fornia Horticulturist, which should be the organ of this society. The committee decided to publish the first number by the first of September. This number is to contain the thirty-two pages of reading matter, the premium list of the joint agricultural and horticultural exhibition and a limited amount of advertising."

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Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1092

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1092