Even a casual glance shows the beginnings of what we know a century later as the freeway system: It’s easy to pick out what will become the Santa Monica and Foothill Freeways, the Golden State and the Pasadena.

At left, The Times’ Harry Carr files a story on Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan.
This will give you an idea of the style of political coverage 100 years ago–and these are just samples of Carr’s critical, dismissive piece:

"There is something peculiarly shifty and, to me, untrustworthy, in his face. His personality is agreeable but I don’t feel that compelling quality of charm manifested by so many big men….

"As you interview him, you can’t screw your imagination up to seeing the man as president of the United States. You can’t see him negotiating treaties with great nations, compelling peace conferences and naming Cabinet officers."

Email me