March 2, 2011

220 years ago
1791

Died on this date
John Wesley, 87. English theologian. Rev. Wesley was an Anglican minister who, with his brother Charles and George Whitefield, founded the evangelical movement known as Methodism. John Wesley believed that it was possible for Christians to achieve sinless perfection in this life, but never believed that he had achieved such perfection. The Holiness movement, which came along in later years and was influenced by Mr. Wesley, started to go astray when some of its adherents claimed to achieved sinless perfection. John and Charles Wesley also composed numerous hymns.

Communications
Claude Chappe and his brothers sent the message “si vous réussissez, vous serez bientôt couverts de gloire” (If you succeed, you will soon bask in glory) between Brulon and Parce, a distance of 16 kilometres (9.9 miles), marking the introduction of the semaphore line.

200 years ago
1811

War
A royalist fleet defeated a small flotilla of revolutionary ships in the Battle of San Nicolás on the River Plate in the Argentine War of Independence.

175 years ago
1836

Americana
Texas declared its independence from Mexico.


110 years ago
1901

Politics and government
The U.S. Congress passed the Platt Amendment as part of the 1901 Army Appropriations Bill, limiting the autonomy of Cuba as a condition of the withdrawal of American troops.

Transportation
The government of Ontario started a $1-million highways program.

Business
United States Steel Corporation was founded as a result of a merger between Carnegie Steel Company and Federal Steel Company which became the first corporation in the world with a market capital over $1 billion.

90 years ago
1921

Died on this date
Champ Clark, 70. U.S. politician. Mr. Clark, a Democrat, represented Missouri's 9th District in the U.S. House of Representatives (1893-1895, 1897-1921), serving as House Minority Leader (1909-1911) and Speaker (1911-1921). In 1911, Mr. Clark delivered a speech suggesting that the recent Canadian–American Reciprocity Treaty would lead to the incorporation of Canada into the United States; he thus inadvertently helped to defeat the treaty, and influence the outcome of that year's Canadian federal election. Mr. Clark ran for the Democratic Party U.S. presidential nomination in 1912 and had a majority of delegates at the party convention, but was unable to secure the two-thirds needed to capture the nomination, and lost to Woodrow Wilson, who went on to win the election. Mr. Clark supported most of Mr. Wilson's legislation, but opposed the creation of the Federal Reserve Act in 1913, and split the party when he opposed American entry into World War I in 1917. Mr. Clark was defeated in the 1920 congressional election, and died five days before his 71st birthday, and two days before the expiration of his term in office.

80 years ago
1931

On the radio
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Richard Gordon and Leigh Lovell, on NBC
Tonight’s episode: The Blanched Soldier

70 years ago
1941

On the radio
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, on NBC
Tonight’s episode: The Speckled Band

War
Advance units of the German Wehrmacht reached the Greek border through Bulgaria. British shipping losses for the previous week totalled 29 ships and 148,038 tons, the third highest for any week of the European war.

Diplomacy
U.K. Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden arrived in Athens to confer with Greek leaders.

French Ambassador to Japan Charles Arsene-Henry indicated that the Vichy regime accepted virtually all of the Japanese demands for the cession of Indochinese territory to Thailand.

Science
Drs. Emilio Segre and Gleen Seaborg announced that they had split uranium and thorium into equal parts, using the University of California's cyclotron.

Society
After the Delaware state legislature refused to abolish Sunday blue laws, Delaware Attorney General James Morford ordered the arrest of every person violating them, in order to prove that the laws were unenforceable.

Sport
Torger Tokle won the U.S. national ski-jumping championship on Olympian Hill near Hyak, Washington, with a 288-foot jump, breaking the North American record by 31 feet.

60 years ago
1951

On the radio
Hear it Now, hosted by Edward R. Murrow, on CBS

Tonight's program included news about congressional hearings on various subjects, including organized crime.

At the movies
Native Son, directed and co-written by Pierre Chenal, based on the novel by Richard Wright, and co-written and starring Mr. Wright, opened in theatres in Argentina.





War
The Department of National Defence published the first Canadian casualty list from Korea, with six soldiers killed.

Diplomacy
Veteran U.S. diplomat John Carter Vincent, accused by Senator Joe McCarthy (Republican--Wisconsin) of advocating appeasement in the Far East, was shifted from his post as minister to Switzerland to become chief of the U.S. mission in Tangier, Morocco.

Journalism
Washington Post columnist Drew Pearson sued Sen. McCarthy, broadcaster Fulton Lewis, syndicated columnist Westbrook Pegler, and the Washington Times-Herald for $3.6 million in damages as a result of his fight with Sen. McCarthy at the Sulgrave Club in Washington on December 12, 1950.

Labour
The Chilean Army took control of Antofagasta Province to quell disorders arising from a strike of white collar workers. The government charged that Communists were exploiting the strikes.

Basketball
NBA
All-Star Game @ Boston Garden
East 110 West 94

Ed Macauley of the hometown Celtics led all scorers with 20 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, added an assist, and was named the game's most valuable player in helping the Eastern Conference win before 10,094 fans in the first National Basketball Association All-Star Game. The game was created by Boston Celtics’ founder Walter Brown and NBA publicist Haskell Cohen.



50 years ago
1961

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (Lever Hit Parade): Wonderland by Night--Bert Kaempfert and his Orchestra

#1 single in the U.K. (Record Retailer): Walk Right Back/Ebony Eyes--The Everly Brothers

Defense
Evacuation of French regular military forces from bases in Morocco was completed in accordance with a 1960 agreement between the countries.

Disasters
22 miners were killed in a coal mine explosion at Terre Haute, Indiana.

Curling
The Joyce McKee rink of Saskatoon won the first National Canadian Women's Bonspiel.

40 years ago
1971

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Kvällstoppen): My Sweet Lord--George Harrison (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Switzerland (Swiss Hitparade): Butterfly--Danyel Gérard (2nd week at #1)

Politics and government
The non-socialist Norwegian government of Prime Minister Per Borten resigned after Mr. Borten admitted showing a confidential report on European Common Market negotiations to opponents of Norway’s membership.

Crime
Tony Boyle, president of the U.S. United Mine Workers of America, was indicted on charges of conspiracy, embezzlement, and making a total of $49,250 in illegal political contributions from the union’s treasury. Named in the indictment with him were UMW secretary-treasurer John Owens, as well as James Kmetz, director of Labor’s Non-Partisan League, described in the indictment as the union’s "political arm." A "Salute to [U.S. Senator Hubert] Humphrey" dinner was named as a major recipient of the alleged political contributions.

Terrorism
American agronomist Claude Fly, held captive for nearly seven months by Tupamaro guerrillas in Uruguay, was left on the doorstep of the British hospital in Montevideo after suffering a heart attack.

Transportation
The Canadian Transport Commission ordered Canadian National Railways to continue the Super Continental passenger service despite financial losses.

Boxing
Bob Foster (42-5) retained his World Boxing Council light heavyweight title with a knockout of Hal "TNT" Carroll (25-5) at 2:32 of the 4th round at the Catholic Youth Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Hockey
NHL
The Detroit Red Wings traded defenceman Dale Rolfe to the New York Rangers for left wing Jim Krulicki. Mr. Rolfe had 3 goals and 9 assists in 44 games with Detroit in 1970-71, while Mr. Krulicki had no goals and 2 assists in 27 games with New York in 1970-71.

30 years ago
1981

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Counting the Beat--The Swingers

#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Cherry Blossom--Seiko Matsuda (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): What's in a Kiss--Gilbert O'Sullivan (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Angel of Mine--Frank Duval & Orchestra (5th week at #1)

Terrorism
Three political dissidents, carrying what appeared to be hand grenades, hijacked a Pakistani jetliner with 117 people aboard and forced it to land in Kabul, Afghanistan. The hijackers demanded the release of 90 Pakistanis being held in Karachi as political prisoners.

Politics and government
Concerned that the British Labour Party was becoming too left-wing, 12 Labour members of Parliament resigned from the party and announced that they would form a new party, to be called the Social Democrats. The new party immediately became the third-highest contingent in the House of Commons, ahead of the 11-member Liberal Party caucus.

Defense
The U.S. State Department announced that it would expand military assistance to El Salvador by sending 20 additional military advisers and $25 million in military equipment to the government of President Jose Napoleon Duarte.

25 years ago
1986

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand: West End Girls--Pet Shop Boys (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Switzerland: Jeanny--Falco (7th week at #1)

20 years ago
1991

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Australian Music Report): I've Been Thinking About You--Londonbeat (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Italy (FIMI): Sadeness Part I--Enigma (5th week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Sadeness Part I--Enigma (6th week at #1)

#1 single in Denmark (Nielsen Music Control & IFPI): 3 A.M. Eternal--The KLF

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): Wicked Game--Chris Isaak (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in France (SNEP): Sadeness Part I--Enigma (5th week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (CIN): Do the Bartman--The Simpsons (3rd week at #1)

Netherlands Top 10 (De Nederlandse Top 40)
1 Crazy--Seal (2nd week at #1)
2 Knockin' Boots--Candyman
3 Liefde Voor Muziek--Raymond v/h Groenewoud
4 Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)--C&C Music Factory
5 Because I Love You (The Postman Song)--Stevie B.
6 Wicked Game--Chris Isaak
7 Innuendo--Queen
8 Can't Help Myself--2 Brothers On The 4th Floor & Da Smooth Baron MC
9 Love Let Love--Tony Scott
10 3 A.M. Eternal (Live at the S.S.L.)--The KLF

Singles entering the chart were Heal the Pain by George Michael (#24); No Woman No Cry by Londonbeat (#27); Papa by Stef Bos (#28); My Side of the Bed by Susanna Hoffs (#33); Satisfaction by M.C. Juice (#35); I Believe by EMF (#37); and Think by Information Society (#39).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Billboard)
1 All the Man that I Need--Whitney Houston (2nd week at #1)
2 Someday--Mariah Carey
3 One More Try--Timmy -T-
4 Where Does My Heart Beat Now--Celine Dion
5 Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)--C+C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams
6 Wicked Game--Chris Isaak
7 Show Me the Way--Styx
8 All This Time--Sting
9 Around the Way Girl--LL Cool J
10 Coming Out of the Dark--Gloria Estefan

Singles entering the chart were Rescue Me by Madonna (#15); Touch Me (All Night Long) by Cathy Dennis (#78); Here We Go by C+C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams (#82); In Your Arms by Little Caesar (#89); That's Why by the Party (#96); and Made Up My Mind by SaFire (#98).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 All the Man that I Need--Whitney Houston (2nd week at #1)
2 One More Try--Timmy -T-
3 Someday--Mariah Carey
4 Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)--C+C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams
5 Where Does My Heart Beat Now--Celine Dion
6 The First Time--Surface
7 Show Me the Way--Styx
8 All This Time--Sting
9 Coming Out of the Dark--Gloria Estefan
10 Disappear--INXS

Singles entering the chart were Rescue Me by Madonna (#20); Joyride by Roxette (#52); Don't Treat Me Bad by Firehouse (#83); Stone Cold Gentleman by Ralph Tresvant (#84); I Love You by Vanilla Ice (introducing Riff) (#87); All True Man by Alexander O'Neal (#88); Call it Rock N' Roll by Great White (#89); and Touch Me (All Night Long) by Cathy Dennis (#90).

Canada’s Top 10 (RPM)
1 All the Man that I Need--Whitney Houston
2 All This Time--Sting
3 Wicked Game--Chris Isaak
4 Show Me the Way--Styx
5 Someday--Mariah Carey
6 Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)--C+C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams
7 Waiting for Love--Alias
8 Disappear--INXS
9 How Long Can a Man Be Strong--The Jeff Healey Band
10 Don’t Hold Back Your Love--Daryl Hall John Oates

Singles entering the chart were I’ve Been Thinking About You by Londonbeat (#67); Just the Way it Is, Baby by the Rembrandts (#77); The Modern Age by Murray McLauchlan (#83); How Much is Enough by the Fixx (#86); This House by Tracie Spencer (#91); Proof by Paul Simon (#95); That's the Way by Jack de Keyser (#96); Being Boring by Pet Shop Boys (#97); and Taken the Pain by Haywire (#99).

Died on this date
Serge Gainsbourg, 62. French musician and actor. Mr. Gainsbourg, born Lucien Ginsburg, was a pianist, singer, and songwriter who was one of the most influential figures in French popular music from the late 1950s until his death from a heart attack. His songs often dealt with sexual themes. Mr. Gainsbourg appeared in about 50 movies.

Terrorism
At least 19 people, including Sri Lanka's Deputy Defence Minister, Ranjan Wijeratne, were killed in a car bomb explosion in the capital city of Colombo. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), better known as the Tamil Tigers, were suspected of planting the bomb in a parked car.

War
The United Nations Security Council approved terms governing the end of hostilities with Iraq. Iraq was requested to rescind its annexation of Kuwait; release all prisoners of war; return all Kuwaiti property; and end all military action.

Hockey
NHL
Montreal 3 @ Edmonton 1

10 years ago
2001

World events
The Taliban began destroying Buddhist statues in Afghanistan.

Politics and government
Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, regarded as a hawk on Middle East issues, was chosen by the Labour Party, now a partner in the prospective coalition government under Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon, as Israel’s new defense minister.