Evening star., 1931-12-14
Journalism in Los Angeles
Called Force in City Growth

The newspapers share in the devel-
opment Of city is recognized in the
tributes paid by the American press to
tie Los Angeles Times as the publica-
ton obser' es its 5oth anniversary after
a history which parallels the develop
ment Of Southern California's metrop-
oils.
There were $50 copies in that first
issue" recalls the Oakland Tribune.
commenting on the small beginnings
Of both city and newspaper. "and the
city had population Of l1,l83, of which
three-fourths were Mexicans Today
Les Angeles is the Pacific Coasts larg-
est city. with 1,238,0<8 inhabitants. and
the Times. with its daily circulation Of
more than $4,000. Is recognized as one
of the strongest influences for the COM
munit! s growth and progress. The
newspaper not only grew up with its
city but kept consistently a little
ahead"
Tie interval of this newspar er S
publication" declares the Portland
(Oreg) Journal, lis chapter so fasci-
mating that it belongs to romance, a
record Of achievement SO great that it
belongs to history" Observing that city
and paper held many things in COM
men, the Journal declares that both
ere the product of a dream Harrison
Gray Otis, distributing the handful of
the first copies Of the four-page Times,
dreamed of a metropolitan daily that
should some time be. The founders Of
Les Angeles looked upon sleepy from
tier town edging the desert of Southern
California ana dreamed Of a metropolis.
The dreams are today dreams come
true. The metropolis and the metro
lei he
stanch hopes that carried them for
ward. The two are interviewer in the
realization" The Portland paper adds:
THE Journal. often Offering in policy
with the Times, offers its congratula
tions and Its recognition that this
growth at one extreme OF the Pacific
Coast is positive stimulus to the other.
We go along, together"
"A city may not be considered an
entity" AYERS the worcester Telegram,
without consideration Of its press.
Throughout the amazing history Of Los
Angeles the Times has been forward in
the struggle for municipal greatness.
1t has been a leader In civic enterprise.
It's influence is widespread in Cali
fornia and all up and down the PACING
Coast. That influence has been exer-
cised for just half century to the
benefit of land of great opportunity.
The Times has been the articulate ex-
preston Of the will which made Los
Angeles great. Even before Los Angeles
becane a city Of a million and more
inha bitants, before Los Angeles became
the second seaport Of the country, be-
fore Los Angeles had been recognized
as a phenomenon of growth-the Times
was known and respected In America.
It is pleasing to kncw that TIE Times
which has served Los Angeles with
fidelity for so years, has seen its op-
timism justified and can enjoy in Wig
orous maturity the fruits Of great ac-
complishment."
THE paper has grown and prospered
with the city 1t serves" says the Rock
Island Argus, until today 1t is recog-
nized as one Of the outstanding journals
of America, to which the press of the
country Is happy and proud to extend
heartiest congratulations" The Argus
holds that the Times has provided the
community the lea1 1ership 1t required in
order to weld together the constructive
forces Of the city" As to the results,
that paper offers the summary: Fifty
years ago 1t was frequently declared
that Los Angeles, devoid of raw mate
was forever doomed to remain an in
consequential local trading ccnt r and
tourist resort. Today the Los Angeles
area has an oil production capacity of
one million barrels day; 1t has cheap
End abundant natural gas fuel; 1t mines
IS different minerals within radius Of
40 miles: 1t grows many diversified and
highly priced crops; 1t holds fifth place
In the number Of Industrial establish