Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The Spokesman-Review’s editorial page weighed in on an increasingly glaring problem – too-bright automobile headlights.

The “dazzling” headlights were practically blinding oncoming traffic. The editorial noted that the problem wasn’t new with autos. Streetcar headlights had long been a problem, although streetcar motormen had alleviated it by dimming their lights when oncoming traffic approached. The editors suggested that automobile drivers be required to do the same.

Meanwhile, the editors noted that technology might soon solve the problem. Someone had invented a switch that would make it easier for drivers to partially dim their headlights.

From the good road beat: Meanwhile, the need for good roads was becoming imperative as autos continued to proliferate. Building good roads was only half the battle; maintaining them “immediately and constantly” was the other half.

The Spokesman-Review editorial page wholeheartedly endorsed the proposal of the Washington Good Roads Association to increase the appropriation for road maintenance by 50 percent in the state’s permanent highway law.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1986: The Iran-Contra affair erupted as President Ronald Reagan and Attorney General Edwin Meese revealed that profits from secret arms sales to Iran had been diverted to Nicaraguan rebels.