Sunday 31 May 2015

May 31, 2015

375 years ago
1640


Born on this date
Michał I
. King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, 1669-1673. Michał I was the son of powerful border magnate and prince Jeremi Wiśniowiecki, and was elected king after the abdication of Jan II. He had to deal with internal strife, and the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth lost territory in a war against the Ottoman Empire in 1672. King Michał was preparing for another campaign against the Ottomans when he died, ostensibly from a severe case of food poisoning, on November 10, 1673 at the age of 33.

275 years ago
1740


Died on this date
Friedrich Wilhelm I, 51
. King in Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg, 1713-1740. Friedrich Wilhelm (Frederick William) was preceded by his father Friedrich I. He was succeeded by his son Friedrich II, better known as Frederick the Great.

225 years ago
1790


Exploration
Alferez Manuel Quimper explored the Strait of Juan de Fuca; he claimed the area for Spain on August 1, 1790.

Law
The first U.S. copyright law--the Copyright Act of 1790--was enacted, protecting books, maps, and other original materials.

220 years ago
1795


Law
The French Revolutionary Tribunal was suppressed, after the elimination of most of those associated with the Reign of Terror.

125 years ago
1890


Baseball
George Gore, Buck Ewing, and Roger Connor hit consecutive home runs in the 8th inning as the New York Giants whipped the Pittsburgh Burghers 23-3 in a Players League game at Brotherhood Park in New York.

100 years ago
1915


Americana
City Stadium, later renamed Balboa Stadium, was dedicated in City Park--later renamed Balboa Park--in San Diego.

Auto racing
Ralph DePalma, accompanied by riding mechanic Louis Fontaine, won the Indianapolis 500 with an average speed of 89.84 miles per hour. 24 drivers participated.



80 years ago
1935


Disasters
A 7.-Mw earthquake destroyed Quetta, in modern-day Pakistan, killing 40,000.

75 years ago
1940


On the radio



War
A record total of 68,000 Allied soldiers were evacuated from Dunkirk, France. The French were critical of the failure to evacuate more of their troops from Dunkirk. Japan announced near-agreement on peace terms with the government in central China led by Wang Ching-wei.

Diplomacy
U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill and French Prime Minister Paul Reynaud met again in Paris.

Defense
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress for $1 billion in supplemental defense funds and authority to call the National Guard and Army reserves to active duty.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau told the House and Representatives Ways and Means Committee that it was essential to raise the national debt limit to $45 billion to help finance the defense effort.

Politics and government
The U.S. Senate approved the transfer of the Bureau of Naturalization and Immigration from the Labor Department to the Justice Department.

A Gallup Poll reported that 56% of Republican voters favoured New York City District Attorney Thomas Dewey over U.S. Senators Robert Taft (Ohio) and Arthur Vandenberg (Michigan) as the party's candidate for President of the United States in the November 1940 election.

Economics and finance
The U.S. liner Exeter docked at Jersey City, New Jersey with $4 million in gold bullion assigned to the New York Federal Reserve Bank by the Bank of International Settlements.

70 years ago
1945


Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Long Ago (And Far Away)--Bing Crosby; Dinah Shore (1st month at #1)

Died on this date
Odilo Globocnik, 41
. Austrian SS officer. Gruppenführer Globocnik was an associate of Adolf Eichmann who had a leading role in Operation Reinhard, which saw the murder of over one million mostly Polish Jews in Nazi extermination camps Majdanek, Treblinka, Sobibor, and Belzec. He committed suicide by biting on a suicide capsule shortly after being arrested with seven other Austrian Nazis.

War
U.S. Undersecretary of War Robert Patterson said that lowering the Army discharge age would further increase front line service of men in the Pacific theatre. The 4th Queen's Own Hussars, a British armoured cavalry unit, captured Austrian Nazis Odilo Globocnik, Georg Michalsen, Friedrich Rainer, Ernst Lerch, Hermann Höfle, Karl Hellesberger, Hugo Herzog and Friedrich Plöbat at the Möslacher Alm in Austria. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered his commander-in-chief in the Middle East, General Sir Bernard Paget, to intervene in Syria to halt the bloodshed between French forces and those of Syria and Lebanon who were fighting for their independence. French troops in Syria and Lebanon agreed to a cease-fire at the demand of the British government.

Diplomacy
At the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco, the Big Four powers--U.S.A.; U.S.S.R.; U.K.; and China--warned France that her continued conflict with Syria jeopardized her request for changes in the security charter.

Representatives of 16 nations gathered in London for the first meeting of the United Nations War Crimes Commission.

In a memorandum to U.S. President Harry Truman, Bernard Baruch said that the most important factor in making peace was the "earliest definite settlement of what is to be done with Germany and Japan," saying that both must be kept from re-establishing themselves as industrial nations capable of mass production of military arms.

U.S. Senator Bob La Follette, Jr. (Progressive--Wisconsin) criticized the Dumbarton Oaks plan for creation of a United Nations organization, attacking the right of the Big Five powers--U.S.A.; U.S.S.R.; U.K.; France; and China--in the Security Council.

Politics and government
Chiang Kai-shek resigned as Premier of Nationalist China and was succeeded by acting Premier T.V. Soong.

The Norwegian government of Prime Minister Johann Nygarrdvold arrived in Oslo after five years of exile in Britain.

French leader General Charles de Gaulle announced that the French people would vote later in the year to determine what type of government they wanted.

The government of Argentina proclaimed its "Organic Statute of Political Parties," which laid down rules for approval of parties and made voting compulsory. Observers charged that the document was an abridgement of domestic political freedom.

60 years ago
1955


Hit parade
#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Ganz Paris träumt von der Liebe--Caterina Valente (3rd month at #1)

50 years ago
1965


Hit parade
#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Poupée De Cire, Poupée De Son--France Gall

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Every Step of the Way--Dickie Rock (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Canada (RPM): Ticket to Ride--The Beatles (2nd week at #1)

Auto racing
Jim Clark won the Indianapolis 500 with an average speed of 150.686 miles per hour. Mr. Clark, a Scotsman, became the first non-American to win the race since Italian-born Englishman Dario Resta in 1916.





40 years ago
1975


Hit parade
#1 single in Italy (Hit Parade Italia): Piange il telefono--Domenico Modugno (6th week at #1)

#1 single in the Netherlands (Veronica Top 40): Swing Your Daddy--Jim Gilstrap

#1 single in the U.K.: Stand by Your Man--Tammy Wynette (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Before the Next Teardrop Falls--Freddy Fender

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 How Long--Ace
2 Shining Star--Earth, Wind & Fire
3 Before the Next Teardrop Falls--Freddy Fender
4 Thank God I'm a Country Boy--John Denver
5 Sister Golden Hair--America
6 Jackie Blue--The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
7 Bad Time--Grand Funk
8 Only Yesterday--Carpenters
9 When Will I Be Loved--Linda Ronstadt
10 Old Days--Chicago

Singles entering the chart were Listen to What the Man Said by Wings (#69); Please Mr. Please by Olivia Newton-John (#73); One of These Nights by the Eagles (#80); Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High) by Charlie Rich (#84); Take Me to the River by Syl Johnson (#85); Sooner or Later by the Impressions (#93); Look at Me (I'm in Love) by the Moments (#94); Wooden Heart by Bobby Vinton (#95); Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell (#96); Seven Lonely Nights by the Four Tops (#98); Christina by Terry Jacks (#99); and Tryin' to Beat the Mornin' Home by T.G. Sheppard (#100).

Canada's Top 10 (RPM)
1 Thank God I'm a Country Boy--John Denver
2 Only Yesterday--Carpenters
3 How Long--Ace
4 Jackie Blue--The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
5 Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)--Charity Brown
6 He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)--Tony Orlando and Dawn
7 Bad Time--Grand Funk
8 Hey You--Bachman-Turner Overdrive
9 The Immigrant--Neil Sedaka
10 Only Women--Alice Cooper

Singles entering the chart were Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me) by the Doobie Brothers (#92); Judy Mae by Boomer Castleman (#94); Sadie by the Spinners (#96); Lizzie and the Rainman by Tanya Tucker (#97); Why Can't We Be Friends? by War (#98); Let There Be Music by Orleans (#99); and T-R-O-U-B-L-E by Elvis Presley (#100).

Winnipeg's Top 30 (CFRW)
1 Pinball Wizard--Elton John (LP track)
2 Jackie Blue--The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
3 I Don't Like to Sleep Alone--Paul Anka
4 (Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song--B.J. Thomas
5 How Long--Ace
6 Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)--Leo Sayer
7 Killer Queen--Queen
8 Sister Golden Hair--America
9 Chevy Van--Sammy Johns
10 Lovin' You--Minnie Riperton
11 The Immigrant--Neil Sedaka
12 Thank God I'm a Country Boy--John Denver
13 Philadelphia Freedom--The Elton John Band
14 He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)--Tony Orlando and Dawn
15 Bad Time--Grand Funk
16 Old Days--Chicago
17 Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)--Charity Brown
18 Shame, Shame, Shame--Shirley (And Company)
19 No No Song--Ringo Starr
20 Stand by Me--John Lennon
21 Autobahn--Kraftwerk
22 Hey You--Bachman-Turner Overdrive
23 Magic--Pilot
24 Wildfire--Michael Murphey
25 Rainy Day People--Gordon Lightfoot
26 Love Will Keep Us Together--The Captain & Tennille
27 Essence of Joan--Andy Kim
28 You are So Beautiful--Joe Cocker
29 Lady Marmalade--LaBelle
30 Hit the Road Jack--Stampeders

Winnipeg's Top 30 (CKRC)
1 Sister Golden Hair--America
2 I Don't Like to Sleep Alone--Paul Anka
3 Bad Time--Grand Funk
4 Jackie Blue--The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
5 Pinball Wizard--Elton John (LP track)
6 Killer Queen--Queen
7 Old Days--Chicago
8 How Long--Ace
9 Magic--Pilot
10 Thank God I'm a Country Boy--John Denver
11 Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me)--The Doobie Brothers
12 Only Yesterday--Carpenters
13 He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)--Tony Orlando and Dawn
14 Sail on Sailor--The Beach Boys
15 Hey You--Bachman-Turner Overdrive
16 Love Will Keep Us Together--The Captain & Tennille
17 Stand by Me--John Lennon
18 When Will I Be Loved--Linda Ronstadt
19 Wildfire--Michael Murphey
20 Cum Hear the Band--April Wine
21 Hit the Road Jack--Stampeders
22 Only Women--Alice Cooper
23 Philadelphia Freedom--The Elton John Band
24 Emma--Hot Chocolate
25 Listen to What the Man Said--Wings
26 (Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song--B.J. Thomas
27 Shining Star--Earth, Wind & Fire
28 Don't Leave Me in the Morning--Odia Coates
29 Love Won't Let Me Wait--Major Harris
30 Just Like Romeo and Juliet--Sha Na Na

Baseball
The Montreal Expos sent first baseman Ed Kurpiel, who was on the roster of the Memphis Blues of the AAA International League, to the Detroit Tigers as the final player to be named later in the August 7, 1974 trade that had sent outfielder Jim Northrup to Montreal. Mr. Kurpiel, who had been acquired by the Expos on December 6, 1974 with infielder Rudy Kinard from the St. Louis Cardinals for first baseman and outfielder Ron Fairly, was batting .175 with no home runs and 9 runs batted in in 29 games with Memphis. The Tigers assigned him to the Evansville Triplets of the AAA American Association.

Vern Ruhle pitched a 2-hitter and Willie Horton hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 4th inning as the Detroit Tigers blanked the Chicago White Sox 2-0 before 13,152 fans at Tiger Stadium in a game that was over in 1 hour and 35 minutes. Mr. Ruhle improved his 1975 record to 5-1, while losing pitcher Jim Kaat, who allowed just 5 hits in 8 innings, dropped to 8-2.

Catfish Hunter allowed just 1 hit--a single by Cesar Tovar with 2 out in the 6th inning--in pitching the New York Yankees to a 6-0 win over the Texas Rangers before 38,714 fans at Arlington Stadium. The top of the Yankees' batting order--Bobby Bonds, Elliott Maddox, and Roy White--each had 3 hits.

Mike Cuellar allowed just 1 hit--a single by Bruce Bochte in the 3rd inning--and Brooks Robinson hit his first home run of the season in the 8th inning as the Baltimore Orioles edged the California Angels 1-0 before 15,880 fans at Anaheim Stadium in a game that was over in 1 hour and 46 minutes. Losing pitcher Bill Singer allowed just 3 hits and struck out 10 in pitching a complete game.

Rookie Dennis Eckersley pitched a 6-hit complete game to improve his record for the season to 3-0 as the Cleveland Indians beat the Oakland Athletics 4-1 before 7,754 fans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. George Hendrick drove in 3 runs with 2 home runs for the Indians, and Tom McCraw added a solo homer.

Mike Jorgensen led off the bottom of the 9th inning with a home run off relief pitcher Gary Lavelle to give the Montreal Expos a 3-2 win over the San Francisco Giants before 11,492 fans at Jarry Park in Montreal. Montreal starting pitcher Steve Rogers had a shutout going until pinch hitter Glenn Adams hit a 2-run homer--his first of the season--with none out in the top of the 9th to tie the game. Dan Warthen, who retired the last San Francisco batter, received credit for his first major league win. Mr. Rogers allowed just 4 hits in 8 2/3 innings, and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Jim Barr allowed just 6 hits in 8 innings for the Giants before Mr. Lavelle entered the game and promptly allowed the game-winning homer.

The Houston Astros scored 12 runs in the 8th inning and 3 in the 9th as they came from behind to rout the Philadelphia Phillies 15-3 before 18,094 fans at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. Houston pinch hitter Cliff Johnson came to bat twice in the 8th inning, driving in 3 runs with a double and home run and scoring twice.

Andy Messersmith pitched 2 scoreless innings to earn a save and then pitched 7 innings in taking a loss as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-1 before 21,197 fans at Wrigley Field in Chicago in the completion of a suspended game from the previous day, before losing 2-1 before 21,344 fans in the regularly-scheduled game. Rick Reuschel pitched a 3-hit complete game for the Cubs to win the pitchers' duel with Mr. Messersmith.

30 years ago
1985


Hit parade
#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): You Can Win If You Want--Modern Talking

#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Live is Life--Opus

Disasters
41 tornadoes struck Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario, leaving 76 dead. They hit the central Ontario communities of Barrie, Grand Valley, Orangeville, and Tottenham, killing 12, injuring hundreds, and damaging or destroying at least 1,000 buildings.

Soccer
Three days after a riot instigated by English fans at Heysel Stadium in Brussels that resulted in 39 deaths, the British government announced a ban on travel to continental Europe for English soccer teams and their fans for the foreseeable future.

25 years ago
1990


Hit parade
#1 single in Finland (Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland): Vogue--Madonna (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Put 'em Under Pressure--The Republic of Ireland Football Squad

On television tonight
Seinfeld, premiered on NBC
Tonight's episode: The Stake Out

This was the first regular episode of the series.

Died on this date
Charlie Shoemaker, 50
. U.S. baseball player. Mr. Shoemaker was a second baseman who played at the University of Arizona (1959-1961), earning All-America honours in all three seasons. He played with the Kansas City Athletics (1961-1962, 1964), batting .258 with no home runs and 4 runs batted in in 28 games. Mr. Shoemaker played 1,146 games in 11 seasons in the minor leagues (1961-1971), with 7 homers and 275 RBIs. He committed suicide by shooting himself.

Diplomacy
U.S.S.R. President Mikhail Gorbachev and his entourage, which included his wife Raisa, were welcomed at the White House by U.S. President George Bush and his wife Barbara. The leaders and their aides met twice, focusing on the issue of German reunification, but failed to resolve the question of a united Germany’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which Mr. Gorbachev opposed. Mrs. Gorbachev helped to open an exhibit of Russian religious texts at the Library of Congress, and a number of leaders in the arts, entertainment, and politics attended a reception hosted by the Gorbachevs at the Soviet embassy.

Terrorism
Palestine Liberation Organization chairman Yasser Arafat denied that the PLO had any official connection with the previous day's raid on the coast of Israel by guerrillas in speedboats, which resulted in the capture of both boats and the deaths of four guerrillas. A radical faction of the PLO had claimed responsibility. Israeli leaders called on the United States to end its diplomatic contacts with the PLO.

Politics and government
Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney invited provincial premiers to Ottawa for a meeting on June 3 to try and save the Meech Lake constitutional accord, but refused a full First Ministers Conference. Mr. Mulroney said that Senate reform was the main obstacle.

Law
Assembly of First Nations Chief George Erasmus said that First Nations were pleased with the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling requiring governments to bargain on native rights and land claims, and not ignore treaty obligations.

Crime
Two Colombians and a New Yorker were convicted by the Quebec Superior Court of attempting to smuggle and traffic $200 million worth of cocaine through New Brunswick in April 1988; they were given sentences of 10-25 years.

Business
Alberta Premier Don Getty announced that Alberta would privatize 50% of the $3-billion giant, Alberta Government Telephones (AGT); Albertans were given the first right to buy shares.

20 years ago
1995


Economics and finance
The Dow Jones industrial average closed at a record high of 4,465.14.

10 years ago
2005


Scandal
Former U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation official Mark Felt identified himself as "Deep Throat," the secret Washington Post source that helped bring down President Richard M. Nixon during the scandal over the June 1972 break-in at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and the subsequent cover-up. Mr. Felt's identity as "Deep Throat" was revealed by Vanity Fair magazine.

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