March 15, 2016

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Walker Morrow!

160 years ago
1856

Born on this date
Hara Takashi. Prime Minister of Japan, 1918-1921. Mr. Takashi was a diplomat before joining the new Rikken Seiyūkai in 1900 and becoming the party's first secretary-general. He represented Iwate Prefecture in the House of Representatives and was Minister of Communications and later Home Minister (1906-1913), effecting bureaucratic reforms. Mr. Takashi became president of Rikken Seiyūkai in 1914, losing its majority in the House in the 1915 election, but regaining it in the 1917 election. Mr. Takashi became Prime Minister after the resignation of Terauchi Masatake, and was the first commoner to hold the office. He was unpopular with liberals, socialists, conservatives, ultranationalists, and the military. While at Tokyo Station to catch a train to a party conference in Kyoto on November 4, 1921, Mr. Takashi, 65, was stabbed to death by Nakaoka Kon'ichi, a right-wing railroad switchman whose reasons for the assassination included a belief that Mr. Takashi was corrupt. Mr. Takashi was succeeded as Prime Minister by Takahashi Korekiyo.

150 years ago
1866

Born on this date
Johan Vaaler. Norwegian inventor. Mr. Vaaler, a patent clerk, designed a form of paper clip which was patented in Germany in 1899 and in the United States in 1901. He died on March 14, 1910, the day before his 44th birthday.

110 years ago
1906

Politics and government
The Alberta Legislature opened its first session in temporary quarters at the Thistle skating rink in Edmonton.

Business
Rolls-Royce Limited was incorporated in the United Kingdom.

100 years ago
1916

Born on this date
Harry James. U.S. musician. Mr. James was a trumpeter who led Harry James and his Music Makers, one of the most popular big bands from 1939-1946, with hits too numerous to list here. He died on July 5, 1983 at the age of 67.

Fadil Hoxha. Albanian politician. Mr. Hoxha was a Communist who served as Prime Minister of Kosovo from 1945-1963 and President of Kosovo from 1945-1953 and 1967-1969. He ran afoul of the government of President Slobodan Milošević in later years, and was tried for treason in 1991. Mr. Hoxha died on April 22, 2001 at the age of 85.

War
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson sent 4,800 American troops over the U.S.–Mexico border to pursue Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa.

90 years ago
1926

Politics and government
Dictator Theodoros Pangalos was elected President of Greece without opposition.

75 years ago
1941

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Song of the Volga Boatmen--Glenn Miller and his Orchestra

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Mike Love! The lead singer of the Beach Boys and cousin of Beach Boys brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson grew up in the Los Angeles suburb of Hawthorne, California. When Brian quit touring with the group late in 1964, it was Mr. Love's ability as a showman that helped the group maintain its popularity as a live act. He and Bruce Johnston remain the only "real" members still performing under the Beach Boys' name. In addition to singing lead on the fast songs, Mr. Love plays saxophone, although his playing rarely made it to record (the honking break on Shut Down is the best-known example. For a rare example of an extended sax solo by Mike Love, look for the Beach Boys' version of the Ray Charles hit What'd I Say, which was recorded during a live appearance in Sydney in January 1964. It was released as a track on an album titled Beach Boys/Brian Wilson Rarities, released on Capitol Records in Australia in 1981.

War
Greek Chief of Staff Field Marshal Alexander Papagos proclaimed that his troops had smashed the Italian spring offensive in Albania tha had begun seven days earlier.

Defense
The Ankara newspaper Aksam said that Turkey would adhere firmly to her military alliance with the United Kingdom. Turkish President Ismet Inonu informed Germany that Turkey had no territorial ambitions, but was determined to maintain her independence and integrity. U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said in a radio address that aid to the Allies would be increased until total victory had been won. Brazilian Foreign Minister Oswaldo Aranha said that in defense of American territorial integrity, Brazil stood firm in her obligations assumed with other American republics.

Journalism
United Press Berlin reporter Richard C. Hotelet was arrested by the Gestapo on "suspicion of espionage."

Law
U.S. Attorney General Robert H. Jackson said that 8,091 warrants of deportation had been issued against aliens, but 6,249 of them could not be executed because of the European war.

Transportation
Philippine Airlines, the flag carrier of the Philippines made its first flight between Manila (from Nielson Field) to Baguio City with a Beechcraft Model 18, making the airline the first and oldest commercial airline in Asia operating under its original name.

Business
The government of Bolivia refused to consider the claims of Standard Oil Company (New Jersey) for properties confiscated in 1937.

70 years ago
1946

War
U.S. military authorities in Berlin captured Mildred Gillars of Portland, Maine, who had made radio propaganda broadcasts under the name "Midge at the Mike" aimed at the Allies during World War II. Miss Gillars was better known as "Axis Sally."

Diplomacy
Iranian Prime Minister Ahmad Ghavam Salataneh announced that he would appeal to the United Nations Security Council against the U.S.S.R.'s continued occupation of Iran.

General J.M. Bevans of the U.S. military government in Germany said that American soldiers were forbidden to marry Germans because the latter were "still our enemies."

Defense
Speaking in New York, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill denied that he had proposed a military alliance in his March 5 "Iron Curtain" speech, but reiterated his plea for an Anglo-American "fraternal association."

Politics and government
Dr. Jose Tamborini conceded the Argentine presidential election to Juan Peron.

Economics and finance
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend until March 31, 1947 the second War Powers Act, which gave the President authority over rationing and production priorities.

The Supreme Soviet adopted a new five-year plan designed to increase production 50% over the pre-World War II level, and voted to change the administrative title "Commissar" to "Minister."

Energy
The U.S. Senate Atomic Energy Committee voted for a nine-man advisory board with military participation to assist the civilian control commission.

Disasters
A series of earthquakes shook southern California from the San Joaquin Valley to Mexico, damaging the Los Angeles aqueduct.

60 years ago
1956

Hit parade
#1 single in France (IFOP): Chanson pour l'Auvergnat--Georges Brassens (3rd week at #1)

At the movies
When Gangland Strikes, directed by R.G. Springsteen, and starring Raymond Greenleaf, Marjie Millar, and John Hudson, opened in theatres.



Theatre
My Fair Lady, starring Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison, opened at the Mark Hellinger Theatre on Broadway in New York City.

50 years ago
1966

On television tonight
The Fugitive, starring David Janssen, on ABC
Tonight's episode: With Strings Attached, with guest stars Donald Pleasence, Carol Eve Rossen, and Rex Thompson

Died on this date
Abe Saperstein, 63. U.K.-born U.S. basketball coach. Mr. Saperstein, a native of London who moved to the United States at an early age, founded and coached the Harlem Globetrotters fo many years. He also founded the American Basketball League in 1961 and served as the ABL's commissioner until the league folded on December 31 1962. Mr. Saperstein was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971.

40 years ago
1976

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Convoy--C.W. McCall (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun--Masato Shimon (11th week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Hay Que Lavalo--La Charanga Del Tío honorio

#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Moviestar--Harpo (5th week at #1)

Died on this date
Gordon Devitt, 57. Canadian educator. Mr. Devitt had a long career in eduation in the Northwest Territories. He was employed by the territorial government when he suffered a fatal heart attack as he was arriving at his office to begin the week. Mr. Devitt remains greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Julius Stephen, 34. U.K. terrorism victim. Mr. Stephen, the driver of a London Underground train, was shot dead as he chased a gunman after a bomb exploded on his train. The provisional Irish Republican Army in Dublin had issued warnings of terrorist acts several days earlier.

Diplomacy
The Egyptian People's Assembly voted 307-2 to end the 1971 treaty of friendship and cooperation with the U.S.S.R.

Music
The Juno Awards for 1975, recognizing the best achievements in the Canadian recording industry, were presented at Ryerson Theatre in Toronto, and were televised live for the first time. Bachman-Turner Overdrive won for Group of the Year; Best Selling Album (Four Wheel Drive); and Best Selling Single (You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet). Gino Vannelli was named Male Artist of the Year, and Joni Mitchell was named Female Artist of the Year.

Economics and finance
Frence withdrew her currency from the joiint European float called the snake in response to speculative pressure.

30 years ago
1986

Hit parade
#1 single in Italy (FIMI): Adesso Tu--Eros Ramazzotti (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): Burning Heart--Survivor (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in the Netherlands (De Nederlandse Top 40): When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going--Billy Ocean (5th week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Absolute Beginners--David Bowie

#1 single in the U.K.: Chain Reaction--Diana Ross

#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Sara--Starship

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Sara--Starship
2 These Dreams--Heart
3 Kyrie--Mr. Mister
4 Secret Lovers-Atlantic Starr
5 Silent Running--Mike & the Mechanics
6 How Will I Know--Whitney Houston
7 R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.--John Cougar Mellencamp
8 Rock Me Amadeus--Falco
9 King for a Day--Thompson Twins
10 Life in a Northern Town--The Dream Academy

Singles entering the chart were Harlem Shuffle by the Rolling Stones (#39); Why Can’t This Be Love by Van Halen (#47); American Storm by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band (#51); Take Me Home by Phil Collins (#79); Whisper in the Dark by Dionne Warwick (#83); and Twist My Arm by the Pointer Sisters (#90).

Canada’s Top 10 (RPM)
1 Kyrie--Mr. Mister (2nd week at #1)
2 How Will I Know--Whitney Houston
3 Conga--Miami Sound Machine
4 Sara--Starship
5 When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going--Billy Ocean
6 Nikita--Elton John
7 Living in America--James Brown
8 Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)--Glass Tiger
9 That’s What Friends are For--Dionne and Friends (with Elton John, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder)
10 These Dreams--Heart

Singles entering the chart were Bad Boy by Miami Sound Machine (#72); Why Can’t This Be Love by Van Halen (#75); Great Gosh A’Mighty! (It's a Matter of Time) by Little Richard (#77); The Captain of Her Heart by Double (#80); For America by Jackson Browne (#93); and Something About You by Level 42 (#96).

Disasters
33 people died when the Hotel New World in Singapore collapsed.

Sport
Canada beat England 3–1 In an international women's field hockey match at Wembley Stadium, London,

25 years ago
1991

Died on this date
Bud Freeman, 84. U.S. musician. Lawrence Freeman was a tenor saxophonist who played with the big bands of musicians such as Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman, and also led his own orchestra in a career that stretched from the 1920s to the 1980s. He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1992.

Germanica
The Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany came into effect, granting full sovereignty to the Federal Republic of Germany.

Politics and government
Yugoslavian President Borislav Jovic, an ally of Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, resigned after the federal executive body voted against declaring a national state of emergency so that the Yugoslav army could intervene in Serbia. Western observers believed Mr. Milosevic wanted martial law in Yugoslavia in order to safeguard his regime and bolster his power. Two more members of the executive body--one each from Montenegro and Vojvodina--who had voted in favour of martial law also resigned, reducing the collective presidency to five members.

Economics and finance
The United States Labor Department reported that producer prices for finished goods had declined 0.6% in February.

Track and field
Sergei Bubka of the U.S.S.R. became the first person to pole vault 20 feet when he cleared 20 feet ¼ inch at an international meet in San Sebastian, Spain. The vault bettered the world indoor record of 19 feet 11¼ inches he had set one month before.

Hockey
NHL
Edmonton 3 @ Winnipeg 4

20 years ago
1996

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Spaceman--Babylon Zoo (8th week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): How Deep is Your Love--Take That (3rd week at #1)

10 years ago
2006

Died on this date
Red Storey, 88. Canadian football player and hockey official. Roy Alvin Storey, a native of Barrie, Ontario, played several sports, but was best known as a halfback with the Toronto Argonauts from 1936-1941. He tied for the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union lead in touchdowns in 1938, and won the scoring title in 1939. Mr. Storey played on the 1937 and 1938 Grey Cup championship teams, and turned in one of the most outstanding individual performances in history in the 1938 Grey Cup. He spent the first 3 quarters on the bench, and entered the game in the 4th quarter with the Argonauts trailing the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 7-6. Mr. Storey scored 3 touchdowns to tie a Grey Cup record, and took a lateral on an interception and returned the ball 100 (or 102) yards to set up another TD as the Argonauts won 30-7. Mr. Storey was a referee in the IRFU for 12 years until his knees gave out on him, and was a referee in the National Hockey League from 1950-1959. He resigned from the NHL after league President Clarence Campbell refused to back him up after a controversial situation during the 1959 Stanley Cup semifinals between the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Black Hawks. Mr. Storey was a popular raconteur in his later years, and was a colour commentator on Hockey Night in Canada telecasts; he died 10 days after his 88th birthday.

Georgios Rallis, 87. Prime Minister of Greece, 1980-1981. Mr. Rallis, a member of the People's Party and then the New Democracy Party, was first elected to Parliament in 1950, and held numerous cabinet posts before becoming Prime Minister. He resigned from New Democracy and became an independent shortly after N.D. lost the 1981 parliamentary elections.

Tom Kennedy, 67. U.S. football player. Mr. Kennedy was a quarterback at California State University, Los Angeles before playing with the New York Giants (1966), rushing 5 times for 16 yards and completing 55 of 100 passes for 748 yards with 7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in 6 games.