November 16, 2020

300 years ago
1720

Born on this date
Carlo Antonio Campioni. French composer. Mr. Campioni wrote several sets of trio sonatas. He died on April 12, 1788 at the age of 67.

130 years ago
1890

Born on this date
Elpidio Quirino. 6th President of the Philippines, 1948-1953; Vice President of the Philippines, 1946-1948. Mr. Quirino, a member of the Liberal Party, held various positions before taking office as Vice President and succeeding to the presidency upon the death of Manuel Roxas. He was defeated in a bid for re-election in 1953 and retired from politics. Mr. Quirino died on February 29, 1956 at the age of 65.

125 years ago
1895

Born on this date
Paul Hindemith. German-born U.S. composer. Mr. Hindemith achieved renown as a violinist and an avant-garde composer, but fell out of favour with the Nazi regime in Germany, and emigrated first to Switzerland and then the United States. His works included the song cycle Das Marienleben (1923) and the opera Mathis der Maler (1938). Mr. Hindemith died on December 28, 1963 at the age of 68.

100 years ago
1920

Died on this date
James Uttley. Canadian police officer. Constable Uttley of the Manitoba Provincial Police died of wounds suffered in a November 11 liquor raid on the Stockyards Hotel in St. Boniface; Constable Alexander McCurdy died from injuries hours after the raid, and a third officer was seriously wounded.

Transportation
Qantas, Australia's national airline, was founded as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited.

90 years ago
1930

Football
NFL
Chicago Bears (5-4-1) 12 @ New York (10-2) 0
Green Bay (8-1) 6 @ Chicago Cardinals (5-5-2) 13

80 years ago
1940

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Only Forever--Bing Crosby with John Scott Trotter and his Orchestra (5th week at #1)

Television
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved the expenditure of $3 million on research and experimentation in 10 television projects.

Movies
Delegates to the 17th annual convention of the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures in New York unanimously recommended films to stress the "social behavior and idealism of our youth."

War
In response to the leveling of Coventry by the German Luftwaffe two days before, the British Royal Air Force bombed Hamburg. Reports from the front said that Italian troops were abandoning Koritza in Albania.

Abominations
In occupied Poland, the Nazis closed off the Warsaw Ghetto from the outside world.

Diplomacy
Moscow newspapers published the two-year-old treaty between Germany and Slovakia, indicating recognition of the German protectorate of this segment of former Czechoslovakia.

Politics and government
The Communist Party U.S.A. voted to dissolve it affiliation with the Communist International in order to remove itself from the terms of the so-called Voorhis Act, which required groups under foreign control to register with the Justice Department.

Defense
United States Navy officials disclosed that the new 35,000-ton dreadnoughts North Carolina and Washington would be completed several months early, giving the Navy 17 battleships or the strongest battle line in the world. An official compilation showed that the War Department since July 1, 1940 had awarded contracts totalling more than $4.5 billion.

Crime
New York City's "Mad Bomber" George Metesky, apparently motivated by an inability to obtain compensation for a workplace injury sustained nine years earlier, placed his first bomb at a Manhattan office building used by Consolidated Edison.

Football
CRU
IRFU
Finals
Toronto 1 @ Ottawa 12 (First game of 2-game total points series)

ORFU
Finals
Sarnia 0 @ Toronto 12 (First game of 2-game total points series)

The Argonauts opened the scoring against the Rough Riders at Lansdowne Park with a rouge in the 2nd quarter on a missed field goal attempt by Annis Stukus. Ottawa came back with a touchdown by Tommy Daley, converted by Tiny Herman. Sammy Sward punted for a 60-yard single in the 3rd quarter, and Orville Burke concluded the scoring with a 35-yard field goal in the 4th quarter.

Balmy Beach halfback Johnny Manson rushed 34 yards to the Imperials’ 2-yard line and then rushed 2 yards for the touchdown. Reg Turnbull returned a blocked Sarnia punt for the other touchdown. Bob Porter added a punt single for Balmy Beach.

NCAA
Cornell (7-0) 7 @ Dartmouth (3-4) 3

The unbeaten and untied Big Red scored a converted touchdown on a pass from Pop Scholl to William Murphy on the last play of the game to defeat the Indians at Memorial Field in Hanover, New Hampshire. Two days later, referee Red Freisell admitted that he had mistakenly allowed Cornell to have a fifth down on the drive that produced the winning touchdown. Cornell University president Edmund Ezra Day and the Big Red team then sent a telegram to Dartmouth offering to forfeit the victory. The offer was accepted.

75 years ago
1945

Science
University of California chemistry professor Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg announced the discovery of elements 95 (americium) and 96 (curium) as a result of bombarding Uranium-238 and Plutonium 239 with high energy ions of 40 million electron volts.

War
Lieutenant General Albert Wedemeyer ordered U.S. Marines in North China to carry out an air strafing mission against a Communist-held village on the Tangshan-Chinwangtao railway unless Communist troops stopped firing upon Americans.

World events
Led by the Communist Party, rebels revolted in Russian-occupied Azerbaijan, and the Iranian government charged the Russians with supporting the move.

Diplomacy
The United Nations Economic, Social, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted a constitution at its closing session in London signed by 44 nations. Educational equality, regardless of sex, race, or other distinctions was stressed.

The United States reported ongoing conferences with the U.S.S.R. on Korea, and hoped communications, trade, and travel would be resumed between the northern and southern zones.

Politics and government
The United States informed Bulgaria that as a result of Mark Ethridge's report that only a single list of candidates would appear in the November 18 elections and that "threats of coercion and later reprisals" were being used, it would not consider the election fair or free.

Defense
Escorted by a military guard, 88 captured German scientists arrived in New York City to work on secret national scientific projects.

Supreme Allied Commander in Europe General Dwight D. Eisenhower told a United States Senate committee that a single U.S. defense command was essential to prevent another Pearl Harbor and to effect a 25% saving in service personnel and expenses.

Economics and finance
United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration Director Herbert Lehman warned a United States House of Representatives committee that unless $1.35 billion was appropriated by the agency, a new social disaster would arise on the international scene.

Labour
The government of Mexico settled the strike on the Southern Pacific Railroad, granting wage increases of 20c per day.

70 years ago
1950

Died on this date
Billy B. Van, 79. U.S. entertainer. Mr. Van, born William Van de Grift, performed in minstrel shows, vaudeville, burlesque, serious theatre, and silent movies from 1879-1927. He was a motivational speaker after leaving show business, and died from an apparent heart seizure.

Bob Smith, 71. U.S. physician. Dr. Smith, popularly known as "Dr. Bob," was a physician who was a heavy drinker from his days as a university student until he met Bill Wilson at an Oxford Group meeting in Akron, Ohio on May 13, 1935. Mr. Wilson, an occultist, had learned how to stay sober, and he helped Dr. Smith. The two men founded Alcoholics Anonymous on June 10, 1935, the day that Dr. Smith took his last alcoholic drink. Dr. Smith remained sober until his death from colon cancer.

War
Although continuing to move men and supplies down from Manchuria in the face of U.S. air attacks, Chinese Communist forces pulled back several miles along the critical western front in Korea. Canadian troops arrived at U.S. Army facilities at Fort Lewis, Washington, for special training, before being sent to Korea. U.S. President Harry Truman told a news conference that the U.S.A. "never at any time entertained any intention to carry hostilities into China" and "will take every honorable step to prevent the extension of hostilities in the Far East." The U.S. Defense Department announced that American casualties in Korea now totalled 28,881, with 4,794 dead.

Defense
The U.S.A. and U.K. began to strengthen their West Berlin garrisons.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Nahas Pasha demanded immediate British withdrawal from the Suez Canal Zone and the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan.

Labour
Federal mediation efforts failed to end the week-old national strike of telephone workers in the United States.

60 years ago
1960

Died on this date
Clark Gable, 59. U.S. actor. The "King of Hollywood," most famous for his starring roles in Gone With the Wind (1939), Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), and It Happened One Night (1934)--for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor--died of a heart attack shortly after finishing work on The Misfits, which was released to theatres three months later.

Gilbert Harding, 53. U.K. radio and television personality. Mr. Harding, a panelist on the radio program We Beg to Differ and the television program What’s My Line?, was known for his outspoken manner.

Labour
A strike by British Columbia fishermen ended; the 12-month labour dispute shut down the province's herring fishery.

50 years ago
1970

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Lookin' Out My Back Door/Long as I Can See the Light--Creedence Clearwater Revival (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Kyōto no Koi--Yūko Nagisa (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): N'A Veiriña Do Mar--María Ostiz

Economics and finance
Canada arranged a $20-million development loan for Botswana.

Football
NFL
St. Louis (7-2) 38 @ Dallas (5-4) 0

Johnny Roland returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown and added touchdowns on rushes of 9 and 3 yards to lead the Cardinals. Wide receiver John Gilliam scored another touchdown on a double reverse that covered 48 yards. Roy Shivers scored the final touchdown on a 29-yard rush in the 4th quarter. Jim Bakken converted all 5 touchdowns and added a 31-yard field goal. Many of the 69,323 fans at the Cotton Bowl began leaving in droves when Mr. Shivers scored his touchdown. It was the first shutout against the Cowboys in their 11-year history, and an especially humiliating defeat considering it was on Monday Night Football. For the Cardinals, it was their third consecutive shutout, matching a record set by the New York Giants in 1935.



40 years ago
1980

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): Master Blaster (Jammin')--Stevie Wonder (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Switzerland: Woman in Love--Barbra Streisand

War
Iraq claimed to have killed more than 500 Iranian troops in a battle for the town of Susangird in southwestern Iran. Kuwait accused Iran of a rocket attack on an area of the country bordering Iraq, and Saudi Arabia offered to go to Kuwait’s aid in case of danger.

Religion
Pope John Paul II continued his visit to West Germany, conducting masses in Osnabruck and Mainz.

Politics and government
Doug Christie, leader of the separatist Western Canada Concept movement, was outside Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton--as fans were entering to watch the Western Bowl football game--passing out leaflets promoting his upcoming appearance at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton.

Disasters
Brush fires began in southern California that eventually swept across 30,000 acres, forcing thousands to flee, and destroying nearly 100 homes.

Football
CFL
Eastern Final
Montreal 13 @ Hamilton 24

Dave Marler threw touchdown passes of 3 and 4 yards to Gord Paterson as the Tiger-Cats, trailing 13-6 after 3 quarters, scored 18 points in the 4th quarter to win their first Eastern Football Conference title since 1972. Mr. Marler completed just 11 of 25 passes for only 99 yards and 2 interceptions, but engineered a rushing attack that amassed 200 yards and controlled the ball when necessary. Obie Graves gained 149 yards on 18 carries, including a run of 55 yards to set up the game’s first touchdown; Mr. Marler carried 6 times for 46 yards. Bernie Ruoff converted both Hamilton touchdowns and added 3 field goals and a single. Gerry McGrath kicked 4 field goals and a single for the Alouettes, who failed to score a touchdown and were held to 9 first downs and 132 yards net offense. David Green, who had won the Schenley award as the CFL’s most outstanding player in 1979, concluded a relatively poor 1980 season--and his 3-year Alouette career--with 5 rushes for 20 yards, while backfield mate Skip Walker was held to 20 yards on 9 carries and 25 yards on 4 pass receptions. Former Oakland Raider star Fred Biletnikoff ended his football career by catching 3 passes for 52 yards. John Holland led the Tiger-Cats with 48 yards on 3 receptions; Mr. Paterson caught 4 for 25. Montreal quarterback Gerry Dattilio completed 13 of 28 passes for 125 yards and 1 interception. 30,838 attended the game at Ivor Wynne Stadium.



CIAU
Western Bowl
Western Ontario 4 @ Alberta 14

The Golden Bear defense limited the high-powered, top-ranked Mustangs to 10 first downs and 253 yards net offense as they advanced to the Canadian College Bowl for the first time in 8 years. Alberta scored the game’s first point when Rick Magee missed a 40-yard field goal for a single 4:30 into the game. Western Ontario scored all its points in the 2nd quarter on a 31-yard field goal by Kevin Rydeard at 5:33 and a 40-yard single on a missed field goal attempt by Mr. Rydeard at 12:10. The Golden Bears marched 80 yards in 7 plays early in the 3rd quarter, and quarterback Forrest Kennerd completed a 9-yard pass to Mike Wolfram at 2:59 for the game’s first touchdown. Frank Boehres missed the convert, leaving the Golden Bears ahead 7-4. Rick Paulitsch rushed 3 yards for a touchdown with 32 seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter, and Mr. Boehres converted to complete the scoring. The Golden Bears outrushed the Mustangs 124 yards to 106. Sean Kehoe led Alberta with 84 yards on 19 carries, while Greg Marshall led the Western Ontario ground game with 87 yards on 18 carries. Peter Eshenko, whose spectacular catch set up the first touchdown, caught 4 passes for 84 yards, while Mr. Wolfram caught 4 for 49 and Mr. Kehoe 5 for 35. Dan Dominico led Western Ontario’s receivers with 78 yards on 2 receptions; Ryan Potter caught 2 for 27. Mr. Kennerd, playing his final home game, completed 17 of 29 passes for 205 yards and shared the honour as the game’s most valuable player with Alberta defensive tackle Rollie Miles. Western Ontario quarterback Andy Rossit completed just 7 of 21 passes for 147 yards and allowed 4 interceptions, 2 of them by Glen Music. 3,600, including this blogger, attended the game at Commonwealth Stadium.

30 years ago
1990

Died on this date
Northern Dancer, 29. Canadian racehorse. Northern Dancer, foaled at E.P. Taylor's Windfields Farm in Oshawa, Ontario, was Canadian champion as a 2-year-old, and became the first Canadian-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby. He won the 1964 Kentucky Derby in a then-record time of 2 minutes flat, followed with a victory in the Preakness Stakes, finished third in the Belmont Stakes, and ended his career by winning the Queen's Plate. Northern Dancer won 14 of 18 races, never finishing worse than third. He was retired to stud in 1965 at Windfields Farm in Oshawa, and moved to its Maryland division, where he became a very successful sire. Northern Dancer died of severe colic, and was buried at the Windfields Farm site in Oshawa.

Scandal
U.S. Senator Alan Cranston (Democrat--California), addressing a Senate Ethics Committee hearing into the relationship between several Senators and former savings and loan chairman Charles Keating, said that he had done no favours for Mr. Keating in exchange for political contributions. Senators John McCain (Republican--Arizona), John Glenn (Democrat--Ohio), and Donald Riegle (Democrat--Michigan) also denied any wrongdoing.

Politics and government
In a speech to the Supreme Soviet, U.S.S.R. President Mikhail Gorbachev said that unnamed officials were seeking to discredit him.

Economics and finance
The United States Commerce Department reported that the merchandise trade deficit had declined to $9.41 billion in September. The U.S. Labor Department reported that consumer prices had risen 0.6% in October.

25 years ago
1995

Hit parade
#1 single in Finland (Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland): Gangsta's Paradise--Coolio featuring L.V. (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Denmark (Nielsen Music Control & IFPI): Gangsta's Paradise--Coolio featuring L.V. (2nd week at #1)

Died on this date
Leah Betts, 18. U.K. drug victim. Miss Betts died three days after becoming unconscious following her consumption of an ecstasy tablet and then drinking seven litres of water in an attempt to counteract the dehydrating effects of the drug.

Protest
A five-day general strike in Bangladesh ended. The strike had been called in an attempt to topple the government.

Business
The Canadian government put Canadian National Railways on the block for $2.2 billion; the privatization was the biggest initial public offering in Canadian history.

20 years ago
2000

Diplomacy
The 21-nation Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit concluded in Brunei. U.S. President Bill Clinton persuaded the nations to issue a communiqué to endorse a resumption of global trade discussions that would seek to end trade barriers. Plans for such talks had been abandoned after a 1999 meeting in Seattle of the World Trade Organization.

Bill Clinton arrived in Hanoi, becoming the first U.S. President to visit Vietnam while in office since Richard Nixon had visited South Vietnam in 1969.

Business
Coca-Cola Company settled a class action racial disrimination suit with 2,000 current and former Negro employees for $192.5 million. The employees had alleged that they had suffered discrimination in pay, promotions, and performance evaluations. $113 million was awarded to the plaintiffs; $43.5 million was set aside for salary adjustments; and $36 million was pledged for the monitoring of future employment practices.

10 years ago
2010

War
U.S. President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta, the first living service member from the Afghanistan and Iraq wars to receive the nation's top military award.

Scandal
U.S. Representative Charles Rangel (Democrat--New York) was convicted on 11 of 13 charges related to financial misconduct, prompting fellow lawmakers to censure the 80-year-old Congressman.