May 12, 2015

150 years ago
1865

War
The Battle of Palmito Ranch, the last major land action to take place during the U.S. Civil War, began east of Brownsville, Texas.

140 years ago
1875

Transportation
The Prince Edward Island Railroad opened at Charlottetown.

130 years ago
1885

War
In the North-West Rebellion, the four-day Battle of Batoche, pitting rebel Métis against the Canadian government, ended in a decisive victory for the government forces commanded by General Frederick Dobson Middleton.

125 years ago
1890

Scandal
General Sir Frederick Dobson Middleton was criticized by a select committee of the Canadian House of Commons for misappropriation of furs from a Métis named Charles Bremner during General Middleton's command of Canadian forces during the North-West Rebellion in 1885. Sir Frederick resigned his post under censure in June 1890.

Baseball
A scoreless National League pitching duel between Amos Rusie of the New York Giants and Kid Nichols of the Boston Beaneaters at the Polo Grounds in New York ended in the 13th inning when Mike Tiernan of the Giants hit a long home run to give the Giants a 1-0 win. The ball cleared the center field fence and landed in adjacent Brotherhood Park, where the Giants of the Players League were playing. Mr. Tiernan was cheered by the fans of both teams. In the Players League game, the Boston Reds beat the Giants 12-2.

120 years ago
1895

Born on this date
William Giauque. Canadian-born U.S. chemist. Dr. Giauque, a native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, taught at the University of California at Berkeley from 1922-1962. He was awarded the 1949 Nobel Prize in Chemistry "for his contributions in the field of chemical thermodynamics, particularly concerning the behaviour of substances at extremely low temperatures." Dr. Giauque died on March 28, 1982 at the age of 86.

Jiddu Krishnamurti. Indian-born philosopher. Mr. Krishnamurti reported having psychic experiences early in life, and in 1909 he was discovered by British Theosophist and self-proclaimed clairvoyant Charles Webster Leadbeater, who claimed to see a perfect aura around the adolescent Mr. Krishnamurti. Mr. Leadbeater and American Theosophist Annie Besant promoted Mr. Krishnamurti as the new "World Teacher" and vehicle for Lord Maitreya, an advanced spiritual entity and high-ranking member of a hidden Spiritual Hierarchy, the Masters of the Ancient Wisdom in Theosophical doctrine. The Theosophical Society established the Order of the Star in the East (OSE) in 1911 to prepare the world for the coming appearance of the World Teacher, and Mr. Krishnamurti was named to head the OSE. Jiddu and his brother Nitya went to California in 1922; shortly thereafter, Jiddu had a spiritual experience which led to increased belief in his messianic status. However, Nitya died of tuberculosis in 1925, which contributed to Jiddu's increasing disillusionment with theosophy. He dissolved the OSE in 1929, claiming that there was no one path to truth, resulting in opposition from some of his previous supporters. Mr. Krishnamurti spent the rest of his life delivering lectures promoting his broad idea of truth, and meeting prominent people such as Aldous Huxley and the Dalai Lama. Mr. Krishnamurti rejected the idea that anyone would succeed him, and said that the "supreme intelligence" that guided him would be gone with his death. He delivered his final lecture shortly before his death on February 17, 1986 at the age of 90.

90 years ago
1925

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Yogi Berra! The Baseball Hall of Fame catcher for the New York Yankees (1946-1963) and New York Mets (1965) and manager of both clubs was born in St. Louis.

80 years ago
1935

On the radio
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Louis Hector and Leigh Lovell, on NBC

Died on this date
Józef Piłsudski, 67. Chief of State of Poland, 1918-1922; Prime Minister of Poland, 1926-1928; 1930. Mr. Pilsudski, "First Marshal of Poland," was the person most responsible for the creation of the Second Republic of Poland in 1918, and served as the country's de facto dictator from 1926 until his death from liver cancer.

75 years ago
1940

War
German forces in Belgium crossed the Albert Canal and took the city of Wareem. Holland was virtually cut in two by advancing German forces. General Heinz Guderian's panzers struck across the Semois and occupied Sedan. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's forces reached the Meuse River near Dinant.

Diplomacy
Argentine Foreign Minister Jose Cantillo said that the Americas should adopt a non-belligerent attitude toward the European war.

Politics and government
A Gallup Poll survey of potential 1940 U.S. presidential preferences showed that President Franklin D. Roosevelt would get 52% of the vote to New York City District Attorney and potential Republican Party nominee Thomas Dewey.

Journalism
The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano agreed to cease publication of political news at the request of the Italian government.

Baseball
Leo Durocher of the Brooklyn Dodgers received The Sporting News Award as the outstanding major league manager of 1939. In Mr. Durocher's first year as manager, the Dodgers had finished third in the National League with a record of 84-69, 12½ games behind the pennant-winning Cincinnati Reds. In 1938, with Burleigh Grimes as manager, the Dodgers had finished seventh with a record of 69-81, 17½ games behind the pennant-winning Chicago Cubs.

70 years ago
1945

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): My Dreams are Getting Better All the Time--Les Brown and his Orchestra (vocal chorus by Doris Day) (Best Seller--6th week at #1; Juke Box--4th week at #1; Honor Roll of Hits--7th week at #1); There! I've Said it Again--Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra (vocal refrain by Vaughn Monroe and the Norton Sisters) (Airplay--1st week at #1)

Died on this date
Achmed Abdullah, 64. U.S. author. Mr. Abdullah, an immigrant who claimed descent from the Russian royal family, was known for his stories of adventure that appeared in pulp fiction magazines. He wrote screenplays or titles for such movies as The Thief of Bagdad (1924); Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness (1927); and The Lives of a Bengal Lancer (1935). Mr. Abdullah died on his 64th birthday.

Diplomacy
The Security Committee of the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco agreed on an 11-member Security Council, with non-permanent members chosen by the General Assembly.

Acting U.S. Secretary of State Joseph Grew opposed Yugoslavian leader Marshal Josip Tito's claim to Trieste and the surrounding area, saying that Marshal Tito had previously agreed to Allied military control of the region.

Law
U.S. President Harry Truman named Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Hodgson as U.S. commissioner to the United Nations War Crimes Commission. The UN War Crimes Commission indicted German Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering on eight counts of war crimes.

Economics and finance
The U.S. Foreign Economic Administration announced the suspension of Lend-Lease shipments to the U.S.S.R., as such aid was only a war measure.

Labour
Argentinian labour leader José Peter declared the Federación Obrera de la Industria de la Carne (Meat Industry Workers Federation) dissolved.

Horse racing
Horse racing reopened at Naragansett Park in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, as the $3,000 Inaugural Purse drew 25 entries overnight. A national wartime ban on horse racing had been lifted on May 9.

60 years ago
1955

World events
Austria regained its independence as the Allied occupation following World War II ended.

Protest
Rioting broke out in Singapore 19 days after bus workers had gone on strike, seriously impacting the colony's bid for independence from the United Kingdom.

Baseball
Sam Jones walked 7 batters and threw 136 pitches, but pitched a no-hitter for the Chicago Cubs as they blanked the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-0 before 2,918 fans at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Mr. Jones had 2 of the Cubs' 15 hits off Nellie King and Vernon Law. Mr. King pitched the first 2 innings and was charged with the loss. Chicago shortstop Ernie Banks had 2 singles and a triple, and later referred to the game as "The Game I'll Never Forget" when interviewed for that Baseball Digest feature in 1971.

50 years ago
1965

At the movies
The Girls on the Beach, starring Noreen Corcoran, Martin West, the Beach Boys, and Lesley Gore, opened in theatres.

Space
The Soviet probe Lunik V hit the Sea of Clouds on the Moon three days after launch, but failed to make a soft landing.

Diplomacy
West Germany and Israel established diplomatic relations, as their governments exchanged letters. Arab states began cutting diplomatic ties with West Germany.

Law
The Supreme Court of Canada upheld 1876 treaties with Saskatchewan Indian tribes requiring the Crown to give them free medical care.

40 years ago
1975

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Summer Love--Sherbet

#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Showa Kare Susuki--Sakura & Ichiro (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): El Bimbó--Bimbo Jet (3rd week at #1)

War
The U.S. merchant freighter SS Mayaguez was seized by Khmer forces in the Gulf of Thailand.

Diplomacy
Chinese Deputy Premier Deng Xiaoping began a five-day visit to France.

Hockey
WHA
Avco World Trophy
Finals
Houston 7 @ Quebec 2 (Houston won best-of-seven series 4-0)

Gordie Howe and Frank Hughes each scored 2 goals as the Aeros beat the Nordiques before 8,426 fans at Le Colisee to win their second straight Avco World Trophy. Mark Howe, Gord Labossiere, and Larry Lund scored the other Houston goals. Mr. Labossiere's goal, with 7 seconds remaining in the 1st period, proved to the the winner. Rejean Houle scored both Quebec goals. Houston goalie Ron Grahame, who stopped 36 shots, was named the first winner of the Gordie Howe Award as the Most Valuable Player in the finals.

Baseball
Pat Scanlon's first major league home run highlighted a 5-run 3rd inning as the Montreal Expos routed the Atlanta Braves 11-1 before 7,432 fans at Jarry Park in Montreal. Steve Rogers pitched a complete game for the win.

30 years ago
1985

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): We are the World--USA for Africa (4th week at #1)

#1 single in France (SNEP): We are the World--USA for Africa (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Switzerland: We are the World--USA for Africa (2nd week at #1)

Golf
Kathy Whitworth won the United Virginia Bank Classic in Suffolk, Virginia, for her 88th and final victory on the LPGA Tour. She holds the record for most titles of any golfer, male or female.

Hockey
NHL
Stanley Cup
Clarence S. Campbell Conference Finals
Edmonton 6 @ Chicago 8 (Best-of-seven series tied 2-2)
Prince of Wales Conference Finals
Philadelphia 3 @ Quebec 5 (Best-of-seven series tied 2-2)

Basketball
NBA
The New York Knickerbockers won the draft lottery, and used the first pick to select center Patrick Ewing of the Georgetown University Hoyas.

Baseball
San Francisco Giants’ pitcher Jim Gott hit 2 home runs as the Giants beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 in 10 innings before 19,614 fans at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Mr. Gott allowed 3 earned runs in 7 innings; Scott Garrelts pitched the 10th inning and was credited with the win.

25 years ago
1990

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Australian Music Report): Vogue/Keep It Together--Madonna (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Italy (FIMI): Vogue--Madonna

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Vogue--Madonna (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): Infinity (1990's... Time for the Guru)--Guru Josh

#1 single in France (SNEP): Words--The Christians

#1 single in the U.K. (CIN): Killer--Adamski featuring Seal

Netherlands Top 10 (De Nederlandse Top 40)
1 Kingston Town--UB40
2 The Power--Snap!
3 Vogue--Madonna
4 Black Velvet--Alannah Myles
5 Paint it Black--The Rolling Stones
6 Dub Be Good to Me--Beats International
7 Something Happened on the Way to Heaven--Phil Collins
8 Infinity (1990's... Time for the Guru)--Guru Josh
9 Save Me--Fleetwood Mac
10 Oranje Bovenaan--André Hazes

Paint it Black had originally been a hit in 1966. Singles entering the chart were Pump That Body by Mr. Lee (#26); All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You by Heart (#28); Hand In Hand Achter Oranje by Het Nederlands Elftal & Ron Brandsteder en de Havenzangers (#31); A Dreams a Dream by Soul II Soul (#33); What's a Woman? by Vaya Con Dios (#36); and Hangin' Tough by New Kids on the Block (#37). Hand In Hand Achter Oranje was the theme song for the Dutch soccer team in the 1990 World Cup.

U.S.A. Top 10 (Billboard)
1 Nothing Compares 2 U--Sinéad O'Connor (4th week at #1)
2 Vogue--Madonna
3 I Wanna Be Rich--Calloway
4 All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You--Heart
5 How Can We Be Lovers--Michael Bolton
6 Hold On--Wilson Phillips
7 Sending All My Love--Linear
8 Alright--Janet Jackson
9 What it Takes--Aerosmith
10 Poison--Bell Biv DeVoe

Singles entering the chart were Rub You the Right Way by Johnny Gill (#49); The Power by Snap! (#81); Bad of the Heart by George LaMond (#84); Shake by Andrew Ridgeley (#86); When I Dream of You by Tommy Page (#87); Mentirosa by Mellow Man Ace (#88); Jealous Again by the Black Crowes (#95); and When Something is Wrong with My Baby by Linda Ronstadt (featuring Aaron Neville (#96).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Nothing Compares to U--Sinead O’Connor (3rd week at #1)
2 I Wanna Be Rich--Calloway
3 Vogue--Madonna
4 How Can We Be Lovers--Michael Bolton
5 All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You--Heart
6 Whip Appeal--Babyface
7 Don’t Wanna Fall in Love--Jane Child
8 What it Takes--Aerosmith
9 Alright--Janet Jackson
10 All Around the World--Lisa Stansfield

Singles entering the chart were When I Dream of You by Tommy Page (#53); Rub You the Right Way by Johnny Gill (#55); Hold On by En Vogue (#56); The Downeaster "Alexa" by Billy Joel (#75); Up All Night by Slaughter (#77); "B" Girls by Young and Restless (#82); and Blues Before and After by Smithereens (#91).

Canada's Top 10 (RPM)
1 Nothing Compares to U--Sinead O’Connor (2nd week at #1)
2 How Can We Be Lovers--Michael Bolton
3 All Around the World--Lisa Stansfield
4 Don’t Wanna Fall in Love--Jane Child
5 This Old Heart of Mine--Rod Stewart with Ronald Isley
6 Lover of Mine--Alannah Myles
7 All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You--Heart
8 Vogue--Madonna
9 The Heart of the Matter--Don Henley
10 I Wanna Be Rich--Calloway

Singles entering the chart were Before We Fall by Sheree (#72); The Humpty Dance by Digital Underground (#74); Your Baby Never Looked Good in Blue by Expose (#84); Get a Life by Soul II Soul (#88); Doubleback by ZZ Top (#90); and Hit 'Em with Your Thing by Nasty Joe (#91).

Politics and government
MPP Mike Harris (Nipissing) won the leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, defeating rookie MPP Diane Cunningham of London by a margin of 7,175-5,825. The leader was chosen a by one-member, one-vote system from 33,000 party members.

20 years ago
1995

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Se på mej--Jan Johansen (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Key to My Life--Boyzone (4th week at #1)

At the movies
The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain, starring Hugh Grant, Tara Fitzgerald, and Colm Meaney, opened in theatres.



Mia Martini, 47. Italian singer. Miss Martini, born Domenica Bertè, recorded intermittently from the 1960s through the 1990s, representing Italy several times in the Eurovision Song Contest and the Sanremo Festival. She suffered from painful fibroids, for which she took prescription drugs. Miss Martini died of a heart attack caused by a drug overdose.

Diplomacy
U.S. President Bill Clinton attended a service at Babi Yar, Ukraine, where 100,000 people were executed by Nazi soldiers during World War II.

Business
Cineplex Odeon Corporation. and Cinemark USA Incorporated terminated merger talks that would have created the world's largest movie theatre company.

Economics and finance
The United States Labor Department reported that consumer prices had increased 0.4% in April.