December 3, 2008

190 years ago
1818

Americana
Illinois entered the Union as the 21st state.

180 years ago
1828

Politics and government
The day after the conclusion of popular voting in the U.S. presidential election, the Electoral College convened and elected Democratic party candidate Andrew Jackson. He received 178 electoral votes to 83 for incumbent President and National Republican Party candidate John Quincy Adams. In the voting for Vice President, incumbent John C. Calhoun was re-elected, receiving 171 of the Democratic Party electoral votes to 7 for William Smith, while Richard Rush received all 83 of the National Republican electoral votes.

175 years ago
1833

Academia
Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio became the first coeducational institution of higher learning in the U.S.A.

170 years ago
1838

Born on this date
Princess Louise of Prussia. German Royal Family member. Luise Marie Elisabeth von Hohenzollern was the second child and only daughter of Kaiser Wilhelm I, the older sister of Kaiser Friedrich III, and the aunt of Kaiser Wilhelm II. She was married to Friedrich I, Grand Duke of Baden from 1856 until his death in 1907. As Dowager Grand Duchess of Baden, Princess Louise was allowed after the German Revolution of 1918-1919 to live in retirement at Baden-Baden, and died on April 24, 1923 at the age of 84.

War
400 republicans and Canadian exiles crossed from Detroit and attacked Windsor, Upper Canada.

120 years ago
1888

Died on this date
Carl Zeiss, 72. German lens maker. Mr. Zeiss began manufacturing microscopes in the 1840s, and expanded his business to include cameras when photography started to become popular.

110 years ago
1898

Football
Roy Jackson rushed for 2 touchdowns and J.A. Gammons returned a punt 60 yards for another TD as the Duquesne Country and Athletic Club defeated an all-star team from western Pennsylvania 16-0 before 1,500 fans at Exposition Park in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in what is considered to be the first all-star game for professional American football.

80 years ago
1928

Defense
Approximately 180 fighting ships took part in the greatest display of sea power yet assembled in Eastern waters passed for inspection in Yokohama before newly-enthroned Emperor Hirohito in the grand enthronement naval review.

Disasters
Nine prominent Brazilians were drowned, together with five crew members, when the hydroplane in which they were flying plunged into the harbour of Rio de Janeiro. They were on their way to meet Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont.

75 years ago
1933

Died on this date
Johnny Copp, 22. Canadian football player. Mr. Copp was a student at the University of Toronto and a halfback with the Varsity football team. He died three days after being shot by a would-be burglar outside the home that he shared with his parents in Toronto. A public funeral was held on the university grounds two days later, and classes for that day were cancelled. The football team retired Mr. Copp's jersey #5. The murderer was never caught, and the crime remains unsolved.

70 years ago
1938

Football
CRU
Eastern Final
Sarnia 8 @ Toronto Argonauts 25

Art West scored 2 touchdowns in the 1st quarter--on an 8-yard rush, and a 25-yard pass from Bill Stukus--as the Argonauts opened an early 12-0 lead and coasted to victory over the Imperials before 16,000 fans at Varsity Stadium. After a scoreless 2nd quarter, the Argonauts scored a safety touch and a single in the 3rd quarter,while Arnie McWatters punted for 2 singles to get Sarnia on the scoreboard, making the score 15-2 after 3 quartes. Annis Stukus kicked a field goal early in the 4th quarter to increase Toronto's lead to 18-2, before Bernie Moros rushed 3 yards for the Imperials' only touchdown, with the convert making the score 18-8. Doug MacPherson then threw a touchdown pass to Annis Stukus, with Mr. Stukus converting his own TD.

60 years ago
1948

Died on this date
Jan Hofmeyr, 54. S.A. politician. Mr. Hofmeyr was a child prodigy who graduated from university at the age of 15, and began teaching classics at the age of 22. He served as Administrator of the Transvaal from 1924-1929 before entering politics as a member of the South African Party, winning election to Parliament in 1929 as the member for Johannesburg North. Mr. Hofmeyr, an Afrikaner, supported cooperation with English South Africaners, and helped to found the Union Party--a fusion of the South African Party and National Party--in 1933, with Nationalist J.B.M. Hertzog remaining as Prime Minister. Mr. Hofmeyr was in the cabinet, holding the portfolios of Education, Interior, and Public Health. He resigned from the cabinet several years later in opposition to laws restricting the rights of racial minorities. When South Africa declared war on Germany in 1939, Jan Smuts replaced Mr. Hertzog as Prime Minister, and Mr. Hofmeyr re-entered the cabinet as Minister of Finance and Minister of Education, while acting as Prime Minister when General Smuts was absent. Mr. Hofmeyr served in the cabinet until May 1948, when the National Party came to power. Mr. Hofmeyr was believed to be the natural successor to Gen. Smuts as Union Party leader, but his heavy workload probably contributed to his death.

Defense
The Treaty of Rio de Janeiro, providing for mutual defense of Western Hemisphere countries, went into effect, as Costa Rica deposited the 14th ratification with the Pan American Union in Washington.

Religion
The Federal Council of Churches in America ended a three-day national convention in Cincinnati after passing a strong civil rights resolution urging members to work for an end to segregation in all walks of life.

Academia
Florida Governor Millard Caldwell reported plans to run the projected Southern regional university system without federal aid in order to ensure continued racial segregation.

Economics and finance
The American Medical Association ended a four-day meeting in St. Louis after formulating plans to raise a $3.5-million fund to combat U.S. President Harry Truman's national health insurance program.

Business
The U.S. National Association of Manufacturers ended a three-day convention in New York after passing resolutions opposing government business controls, warning of inflation and urging reduction of government expenditures.

Labour
The Congress of Industrial Organizations American Radio Association accepted a 10% wage increase from West Coast shippers, the last of five striking unions to reach a settlement.

Disasters
The Chinese steamer Kiangya, filled with refugees bound for southern China, exploded and sank near Shanghai, killing 1,100 passengers and crew members.

50 years ago
1958

Space
U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered a compromise in the dispute over National Aeronautics and Space Administration efforts to take over Army space scientists and facilities, transferring the Army's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California to NASA, but allowing the Army to keep its Ballistic Missile Agency and team of 2,000 space scientists.

Roy Johnson, director of the U.S. Defense Department Advanced Research Projects Agency, announced that the Air Force planned to launch Earth satellites at the rate about one per month, starting in 1959.

War
Syrian artillery shelled Hulata and seven other villages in the Huleh Valley region, following an exchange of gunfire begun when Syrian troops fired on an Israeli shepherd.

Defense
The East German Parliament unanimously declared that it would "conscientiously" assume Soviet military functions in Berlin.

At the Geneva talks on the suspension of nuclear tests, U.S. delegation chief William Foster introduced a plan for the creation of a detection system to guard against surprise missile attacks.

Protest
4,000 jobless Brazilians sacked the town of Caninde in Ceara State.

Economics and finance
The Indonesian Parliament approved a bill authorizing nationalization of an estimated $1.5 billion worth of Dutch holdings seized within the past year.

Labour
A six-day strike of 240,000 Argentine railway workers ended after troops were assigned to guard installations and run the trains.

The International Machinists Association and Trans World Airlines agreed on a new three-year contract, ending a strike of 6,700 workers.

United Mine Workers of America President John L. Lewis signed a contract with the Bituminous Coal Operators Association, increasing the daily wages of soft-coal miners by $2.

40 years ago
1968

Hit parade
#1 single in Switzerland (Swiss Hitparade): With a Little Help from My Friends--Joe Cocker

On television tonight
Singer Presents...Elvis, on NBC

Popularly known as the "'68 Comeback Special," Elvis Presley's first TV special was the highest-rated program of the season, and inspired Mr. Presley to resume live performances, which he had abandoned shortly after returning from his tour of duty in the United States Army in 1960.

Died on this date
Dick Shikat, 71. German wrestler. Mr. Shikat wrestled professionally from 1918-1953, and was world heavyweight champion for 54 days in March-April 1936. He was also recognized as world heavyweight champion by the New York State Athletic Commission in 1929 and by the National Wrestling Association in Florida in 1940.

30 years ago
1978

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): Dreadlock Holiday--10cc

#1 single in Switzerland: You're the Greatest Love--Luv' (2nd week at #1)

Died on this date
William Grant Still, 83. U.S. composer. Mr. Still, the "Dean of Afro-American composers," wrote over 200 works, including five symphonies and six operas. His best-known work was Symphony No. 1 "Afro-American" (1931), which was, until 1950, the most widely-performed symphony composed by an American.

Terrorism
Former FLQ terrorists Jacques Cossette and Micheline Lanctôt returned from exile in Cuba and France, eight years after the Quebec organization had kidnapped U.K. High Commissioner to Canada James Cross and kidnapped and murdered Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte.

Economics and finance
A three-day summit on Quebec's cultural industries began in Quebec City, with a bill concerning the creation of a Cultural Enterprise Development Corporation (SODEC) at the heart of the discussions.

Disasters
6 people were killed an 60 injured when seven of eight passenger cars of the Southern Railway's Southern Crescent derailed, 35 miles south of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Hockey
NHL
Toronto 2 @ Philadelphia 7
Montreal 4 @ Buffalo 1

25 years ago
1983

Hit parade
#1 single in France: Comment ça va--The Shorts (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in the Netherlands (De Nederlandse Top 40): (Hey You) The Rock Steady Crew--The Rock Steady Crew (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Love of the Common People--Paul Young

#1 single in the U.K.: Uptown Girl--Billy Joel (5th week at #1)

#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): All Night Long (All Night)--Lionel Richie (4th week at #1)

U.S.A. top 10 (Cash Box)
1 All Night Long (All Night)--Lionel Richie (3rd week at #1)
2 Say Say Say--Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
3 Uptown Girl--Billy Joel
4 Islands in the Stream--Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton
5 Love is a Battlefield--Pat Benatar
6 Cum On Feel the Noize--Quiet Riot
7 Say it Isn't So--Daryl Hall-John Oates
8 Union of the Snake--Duran Duran
9 Crumblin' Down--John Cougar Mellencamp
10 Heart and Soul--Huey Lewis and the News

Singles entering the chart were Karma Chameleon by Culture Club (#41); The Curly Shuffle by Jump 'n the Saddle (#77); The Big Crash by Eddie Money (#78); Remember the Nights by the Motels (#79); Take Me Back by Bonnie Tyler (#83); The Politics of Dancing by Re-Flex (#86); This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) by the Talking Heads (#88); and (You Can Still) Rock in America by Night Ranger (#90).

Canada's top 10 (RPM)
1 All Night Long (All Night)--Lionel Richie (2nd week at #1)
2 Islands in the Stream--Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton
3 Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)--Sheena Easton
4 Uptown Girl--Billy Joel
5 Say Say Say--Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
6 In a Big Country--Big Country
7 True--Spandau Ballet
8 Tonight I Celebrate My Love--Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack
9 Crumblin' Down--John Cougar Mellencamp
10 Modern Love--David Bowie

Singles entering the chart were Lick it Up by Kiss (#39); I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues by Elton John (#41); That's All by Genesis (#44); Whistle Down the Wind by Nick Heyward (#48); and Red Red Wine by UB40 (#50).

War
Syria attacked U.S. reconnaissance planes in Lebanon.

Football
CFL
All-Star Game @ B.C. Place Stadium, Vancouver
West 25 East 15

British Columbia Lions' quarterback Roy Dewalt completed 23 of 41 passes for 360 yards as the West defeated the East before a crowd estimated at 10,000-14,000 in the first CFL All-Star Game since 1978, the first to be played in the post-season since 1958, and the only one to be played indoors. Warren Moon of the Edmonton Eskimos, playing the final game of his 6-year CFL career before joining the Houston Oilers of the NFL, completed 6 of 13 passes for 65 yards before leaving in the 2nd quarter with a pulled hamstring. The West opened the scoring at 8:33 of the 1st quarter when Dave Fennell of the Edmonton Eskimos, who had been named to the team as an alternate, sacked Toronto Argonauts' quarterback Condredge Holloway for a safety touch and a 2-0 lead. Trevor Kennerd of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers missed a 48-yard field goal for a single point later in the quarter, giving the West a 3-0 lead. The West scored the game's first touchdown exactly 1 minute into the 2nd quarter when Calgary Stampeders' running back Ray Crouse fumbled at the East 7-yard line, and the ball bounced into the end zone. Calgary guard Dave Kirzinger recovered for the only touchdown of his CFL career, and Mr. Kennerd converted to give the West a 10-0 lead. Chris Isaac of the Ottawa Rough Riders, who had lost the position as starting quarterback with the Rough Riders when J.C. Watts returned from retirement but had been named to the East team as an alternate because of injuries to other East Division quarterbacks, alternated with Mr. Holloway, and got the East onto the scoreboard with a 64-yard touchdown pass to Terry Greer of the Argonauts with 4:54 remaining in the 1st half. Bernie Ruoff of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats converted to make the score 10-7. Mr. Kennerd kicked a 33-yard field goal with 1 second left to give the West a 13-7 halftime lead. There was no scoring in the 3rd quarter, but Mr. Holloway left the game when he was sacked by Calgary defensive tackle Randy Trautman. The West took a 15-7 lead just 48 seconds into the 4th quarter when Hamilton running back Johnny Shepherd was tackled in his own end zone by B.C. defensive end Mack Moore for a safety touch. B.C.'s Lui Passaglia, who shared the kicking duties with Mr. Kennerd, kicked a 32-yard field goal with 9:44 remaining to make the score 18-7. The East struck for its second and last touchdown on a 50-yard pass from Mr. Isaac to Hamilton wide receiver Ron Johnson. Mr. Isaac then completed a 5-yard pass to Mr. Greer for a 2-point convert, drawing the East to within 18-15. With about 5 minutes left in the game, Mr. Dewalt connected with Winnipeg's James Murphy for a 76-yard gain and then handed off to Mr. Crouse for a 4-yard touchdown rush. Mr. Kennerd converted to end the scoring with 4:47 remaining. The West's defense held the East's offense to 10 first downs and 15 yards rushing, made 2 interceptions and recovered a fumble, and recorded 5 quarterback sacks. Mr. Crouse led all rushers with 10 carries for 55 yards. Ottawa's Skip Walker, the CFL's leading rusher during the season, led the East with just 10 yards on 4 carries. Mr. Greer led all receivers with 100 yards on 4 receptions, with Mr. Johnson recording 78 yards on 3 receptions. Mr. Murphy caught 5 passes for 98 yards and Chris DeFrance of the Saskatchewan Roughriders added to the West's total with 6 receptions for 90 yards. Edmonton's Tom Scott threw the only pass of his 11-year CFL career, completing it for 3 yards. Mr. Holloway completed 6 of 15 passes for 46 yards and an interception, while Mr. Isaac, whose 2-year CFL career ended with this game, completed just 8 of 22 passes for 227 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception. Mr. Dewalt was named the game's outstanding offensive player, while Mr. Fennell, playing the final game of his 10-year CFL career, played his best game of the season and was named the game's outstanding defensive player. The game was of a scheduled five straight All-Star games to be played at B.C. Place Stadium, but the attendance was so poor that those plans were scrapped, and the only subsequent All-Star game was played in the pre-season between the defending Grey Cup champion Edmonton Eskimos and the CFL All-Stars at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on June 23, 1988.

20 years ago
1988

Hit parade
#1 single in Italy (FIMI): È qui la festa?--Jovanotti

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): Wee Rule--Wee Papa Girl Rappers

#1 single in the Netherlands (De Nederlandse Top 40): Orinoco Flow--Enya

#1 single in France (SNEP): Pourvu qu'elles soient douces--Mylène Farmer

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Missing You--Chris de Burgh

#1 single in the U.K. (BMRB): First Time--Robin Beck (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley (Free Baby)--Will to Power

U.S.A. top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley (Free Baby)--Will to Power
2 How Can I Fall?--Breathe
3 Desire--U2
4 Look Away--Chicago
5 Bad Medicine--Bon Jovi
6 I Don't Want Your Love--Duran Duran
7 Giving You the Best That I Got--Anita Baker
8 Walk on Water--Eddie Money
9 Waiting for a Star to Fall--Boy Meets Girl
10 Kissing a Fool--George Michael

Singles entering the chart were Straight Up by Paula Abdul (#79); A Little Respect by Erasure (#82); What I Am by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians (#84); Wild Thing by Tone Loc (#85); Shake for the Sheik by Escape Club (#86); My Heart Can't Tell You No by Rod Stewart (#87); and It's No Secret by Kylie Minogue (#90).

Space
The U.S. space shuttle Atlantis continued its secret four-day mission for the U.S. Defense Department. It was believed that a new radar reconnaissance satellite, able to "see" through clouds and at night had been put into orbit.

Diplomacy
Soviet diplomats and representatives of Afghan rebels met in Taif, Saudi Arabia for three days of talks to discuss withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, scheduled for completion by mid-February 1989. The talks were believed to be the first contact between the U.S.S.R. and anti-Communist Muhajadeen rebels since the Soviet invasion in December 1979.

Health
U.K. Health Minister Edwina Currie alleged that most of Great Britain's egg production was infected with salmonella, provoking outrage from farmers and other politicians.

Hockey
NHL
Buffalo 2 @ Montreal 3 (OT)

10 years ago
1998

At the movies
Shakespeare in Love, directed by John Madden, and starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Ben Affleck, and Judi Dench, opened in theatres.

Died on this date
Pierre Hétu, 62. Canadian musician and conductor. Mr. Hétu, a native of Montreal, was a pianist before turning to conducting. He was assistant conductor of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (1963-1968) ; music director of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (1968-1972); associate director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (1970-1973); and music director (1973-1979) and principal guest conductor (1979-1980) of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. He died of cancer after years of declining health.