Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1906-04-01
GOOD ROADS IS
AUTODOM'S CRY
LOCAL ENTHUSIASTS GROW
IMPATIENT
Wretched Condition Of Southern Thor
oughfares Causes Many Tourists
tc Seek Other Cllnes for En-
loyment Of Machines
BY Edward Morlarty


(which strengthens to a marked degree
the justifable plea of the southern
lnotorist for better roads.
Bad at their best, the present condi-
ltion of both city and outlying thorough
fares Is disheartening, to say the least,
for those who attempt to pillow their
way through the quagmire and ruts
(which beset the paths of the harassed
driver.
Not only as he wends his way about
the city but also when he endeavors to
approach the seaside resorts and the
nuInberless attractive localities which
surround Los Angeles does the automo-
biiist find himself obliged to exert the
utmost caution, or suffer the penalty
attendant upon travel along the de-
plorable highways.
With every natural attraction which
climate, scenery and wealth can give,
Los Angeles is rapidly becoming
mark for the sarcasm Of the easterner
who comes west with an idea Of spend
ing the winter months in the balmy
CLINE of Southern California. The great
majority of these tourists bring their
automobiles with them only to find
that much of the anticipated pleasure
is lost because of the poor roads over
which they must travel.
The complaints of automobile owners
naturally come first to the ears of the
dealers and the latter are rapidly be-
coming weary in an endeaVor to assure
the tourist that another season will
find an improved condition of affairs.
Appeals to All
The situation is one that appeals to
every class in Southern California, per-
haps more strongly to those who may
not possess a machine and are engaged
In other pursuits than the automobile
trade.
Laying the ragged condition of city
streets aside, the problem of suburban
thoroughfares arises and the fact is
undeniably thrust upon the observer
that there is hardly a mile of depend
able road running from the city.
Did one good boulevard lead from
Los Angeles to an adjacent seaside
resort the commercial benefit accruing
to the business interests of the town
would prove incalculable. There are
any number of city auto owners more
than anxious to become colonists of
Venice, Ocean Park, Santa Monica and
other local shore towns but hesitate
because of the fact that the time re-
uuired to reach Los Angeles would
prove a barrier.
Hundreds of parties that otherwise
would daily travel eastward are con-
tent to make the best of circumstances
and hedge themselves among the near
by thoroughfares.
The situation in nutshell is that
automobile enthusiasts are deprived of
half the pleasure which they should
derive from their machines, while those
devoted to commercial activity suffer
materially in the loss of trade resultant
from the non-appearance of the auto
lnobiist who must needs pick his way
or meet with discomfiting situations.
There is every evidence, however, to
believe that a strong undercurrent has
set in among Los Angeles owners
which will ultimately result in the
building Of thoroughfares that will
prove not only credit to the commune
ity but also draw southwark the great
wave of transient outodom which can
largely be made a permanent factor in
the commercial and social activities
of Los Angeles.
Z A concentrated movement by own
ers, dealers, real estate men and in
fact every person engaged in the bust
hess world of Los Angeles will I'M
doubtedly be brought to bear at no dis
tant date and the effect cannot fail to
bring about the desired results.
The situation is no partisan one and
as plank in a political platform would
be met with overwhelming support.
Something must be done and done
quickly.
Dealers Talk
Several local dealers in discussing the
situation yesterday were vehement in
their assertions that the present con-
dition of affairs is proving detrimental
to the interests of the city. Not that
the statesmen have any cause for COM
plant, as the demand for the horse
less machines is beyond the supply, but
The constant reference of the travelling
motorist, and in many instances his
disappearance from the south, has not
Failed to excite comment from the
Healer.
Leon T. Shelter will introduce a
resolution at the next meeting of the
Automobile Dealers association of
Southern California to the effect that
a committee be appointed to devise
plans whereby the present conditions
may be eradicated. In speaking of the
situation Mr.. Shelter said:
1.-THE automobile trade of Los An
geles, which ranks fifth among the
cities of the country, should prove a
pride to the community, and move
ment to improve the city and suburban
roads should be met with unqualified
support
d. NJ. Lee of the Lee Motor Car COM
Ipany, when asked for an opinion in re-
gard TO the SITUATION, SAID;
Imagine what would be the result
should a smooth, wide boulevard lead
from Los Angeles to Venice? The
travel would not only be large but con-
slant, and the benefit to both business
Interests and motorist would be meal
culable. AS matters stand it is almost
Impossible to make n trip to any of
the seaside resorts ir comfort and
safety.
IT have seen any number of cars
being dragged from the mudholes
on the approach to Venice. The Venice
people suffer as much as the party in
The auto. for the latter are naturally
disgusted and in all probability will
avoid the place when possible"
c. A. Cowan of the Rambler agency
said:
Decent roads are the crying need
at the present time. Any number of
Mould-be tourists of Southern Califor-
mia are cutting Los Angeles out of
their routine and all because they can
hot enjoy themselves in and around
the city.
up the country a ways it is all
right, but down here it is more or
laoo ne risky propoSftinn IN n