January 17, 2018

225 years ago
1793

World events
Two days after France's National Convention had voted to convict deposed King Louis XVI of treason and one day after voting in favour of his execution, 380 deputies voted in favour of Louis' immediate execution while 310 requested mercy.

130 years ago
1888

Died on this date
Big Bear, 62. Canadian Indian chief. Big Bear, whose Indian name was Mistahi-maskwa, was a Cree chief in the part of the Northwest Territories that's now in Saskatchewan. He objected to signing Treaty 6 with the Canadian government, and led his people against the Blackfoot Confederacy in the Battle of the Belly River in 1870. When white people were killed in the Frog Lake Massacre in 1885, Big Bear was convicted of treason, despite evidence that seemed to support his innocence. He was released because of failing health after serving two years of a three-year prison sentence, and died soon after.

125 years ago
1893

Died on this date
Rutherford B. Hayes, 70. 19th President of the United States of America, 1877-1881. Mr. Hayes, a Republican, represented Ohio's 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1865-1867, and was Governor of Ohio from 1868-1872 and 1876-1877. He became President after one of the most contentious elections in American history. Democratic Party candidate Samuel Tilden won the majority of the popular vote in 1976 and 184 electoral votes, one short of a majority, with 20 electoral votes in dispute. An electoral commission examined the issue, and on March 2, 1877, two days before the inauguration, voted 8-7 along party lines to give all the votes to Mr. Hayes, giving him a 185-184 win. As President, Mr. Hayes ended the policy of Reconstruction in the South; initiated civil service reform; and became the first sitting President to travel west of the Rocky Mountains. He declined to run for a second term, and died from the effects of a heart attack.

Abominations
The Citizens' Committee of Public Safety, a group of American sugar planters led by Lorrin A. Thurston, overthrew Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii and established a provincial government with Sanford Ballard Dole as President (see also here).

Politics and government
The New York State Legislature elected Democratic Party candidate Edward Murphy, Jr. to represent the state in the United States Senate. Mr. Murphy received 73 votes in the State Assembly and 17 in the Senate, while incumbent Frank Hiscock, the Republican Party candidate, received 52 votes in the State Assembly and 12 in the Senate. Whitelaw Reid received 1 vote in the Senate as a Republican. The election was necessitated because Mr. Hiscock's term was due to expire on March 3, 1893.

100 years ago
1918

Born on this date
Keith Joseph. U.K. politician. Sir Keith, a Conservative, represented Leeds North East in the House of Commons from 1956-1987, and held various cabinet posts, including Secretary of State for Education and Science in the government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher from 1981-1986. He was created Baron Joseph in 1987, and sat in the House of Lords until his death on December 10, 1994 at the age of 76.

George M. Leader. U.S. politician. Mr. Leader, a Democrat, represented the 28th District in the Pennsylvania Senate from 1951-1954, and was Governor of Pennsylvania from 1955-1959. He died on May 9, 2013 at the age of 95.

War
The first serious battles took place between the Red Guards and the White Guard in the Finnish Civil War.

75 years ago
1943

War
German bombers raided the greater London area in reprisal for the previous night's Royal Air Force raid on Berlin,the first such RAF raid since November 7, 1941. Soviet forces recaptured the railroad junction of Millerovo on the Rostov-Moscow line, 130 miles north of Rostov. U.S. forces claimed to have killed 1,032 Japanese on Guadalcanal since January 13. The Greek submarine Papanikolis captured the 200-ton sailing vessel Agios Stefanos and manned her with part of her crew.

Defense
The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Cowpens was launched at Camden New Jersey, the sixth since U.S. entry into World War II on December 7, 1941.

Oil
Eugene Houdry announced an adiabiatic catalytic refining process to procure aviation gasoline from heavy naphtha.

Baseball
The New York Baseball Writers named Boston Red Sox' left fielder Ted Williams as the player of the year for 1942. Mr. Williams won the American League triple crown, leading the league in batting average (.356); home runs (36); and runs batted in (137). He also led the AL in runs (141); bases on balls (145); and slugging average (.648) in 150 games.

70 years ago
1948

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard) (Best Seller): Ballerina--Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra (6th week at #1)

U.S. top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Ballerina--Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra (4th week at #1)
--Buddy Clark
--Bing Crosby with the Rhythmaires
2 Too Fat Polka (I Don’t Want Her) (You Can Have Her) (She’s Too Fat for Me)--Arthur Godfrey
3 Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo)--Danny Kaye and the Andrews Sisters
--Louis Prima and his Orchestra
--Jack Smith and the Clark Sisters
--Ray McKinley and his Orchestra
--Woody Herman and his Orchestra
4 How Soon (Will I Be Seeing You)--Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra
--Jack Owens
--Bing Crosby and Carmen Cavallaro
--Dinah Shore
5 You Do--Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra
--Bing Crosby and Carmen Cavallaro
--Margaret Whiting
--Dinah Shore
--Vic Damone
6 Near You--Francis Craig and his Orchestra
--Larry Green and his Orchestra
--The Andrews Sisters
--Alvino Rey and his Orchestra
--Elliot Lawrence and his Orchestra
7 Serenade of the Bells--Sammy Kaye and his "Swing and Sway" Orchestra
--Jo Stafford
--Kay Kyser and his Orchestra
8 Golden Earrings--Peggy Lee
9 I'll Dance at Your Wedding--Ray Noble and his Orchestra with Buddy Clark
--Peggy Lee
10 Pass That Peace Pipe--Margaret Whiting
--Beryl Davis

Singles entering the chart were I Can't Give You Anything But Love by Rose Murphy (#21); I'm My Own Grandpaw by Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians (#27); In a Little Book Shop by Dianh Shore (#28); The Dream Peddler by Frankie Carle and his Orchestra (#33); and The Best Things in Life are Free, with versions by Dinah Shore with the Four Hits, and the Ink Spots (#35). The version of The Best Things in Life are Free by Dinah Shore with the Four Hits was the other side of At the Candlelight Cafe, charting at #30.

War
The Renville Agreement between the Netherlands and Indonesian Republicans was signed by Dutch officials and Indonesian nationalist leaders aboard a U.S. transport ship off the Java coast, recognizing a cease-fire along the "Van Mook Line."

Palestinian Arabs killed 35 Haganah soldiers attempting to reach the Jewish settlement of Kfar Etzion south of Jerusalem.

Society
Negro American golfers Bill Spiller, Ted Rhodes, and Madison Gunter sued Richmond (Virginia) Golf Club and the Professional Golfers Association for $105,000, charging that they had been barred from a Richmond tournament on racial grounds.

60 years ago
1958

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K. (New Musical Express): Great Balls of Fire--Jerry Lee Lewis (2nd week at #1)

On television tonight
Harbor Command, starring Wendell Corey
Tonight's episode: Trapped Pilings

Diplomacy
Hungarian First Deputy Premier Ferenc Munnich assured visiting American newsmen that his government had "no right to interfere" with the U.S. legation in Budapest, and would permit Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty to remain there until he went "to heaven."

Aviation
An experimental Trident jet interceptor built in France reached an altitude of 62,378 feet, a world record for a ground takeoff flight.

Football
The Canadian Football Council, meeting in Winnipeg, changed its name to the Canadian Football League. Winnipeg lawyer G. Sydney Halter was chosen as Commissioner.

Baseball
The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to play their 1958 and 1959 home games in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a $600,000 rental.

50 years ago
1968

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K. (Record Retailer): Hello Goodbye--The Beatles (7th week at #1)

Australia's top 10 (Go-Set)
1 Hello Goodbye/I Am the Walrus--The Beatles
2 Snoopy's Christmas--The Royal Guardsmen
3 Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)--Johnny Farnham
4 Daydream Believer--The Monkees
5 The Last Waltz--Engelbert Humperdinck
6 You've Not Changed--Sandie Shaw
7 The Rain, The Park and Other Things--The Cowsills
8 World/Sir Geoffrey Saved the World--The Bee Gees
9 Cathy Come Home/The Way They Play--The Twilights
10 (The Lights Went Out In) Massachusetts--The Bee Gees

Singles entering the chart were Let the Heartaches Begin by Long John Baldry (#32); Incense and Peppermints by Strawberry Alarm Clock (#35); Paint It, Black by Chris Farlowe (#38); and Different Drum by the Stone Poneys (#39).

Politics and government
U.S. President Lyndon Johnson delivered his State of the Union address, once again calling upon Congress to enact a 10% income tax surcharge to reduce an estimated $20 billion budget deficit for 1968 to $8 billion for 1969. He also stressed the need for money to attack the problems of decaying cities, unemployment, poverty, and pollution, while continuing to spend $25 billion per year for the war in Vietnam. President Johnson outlined many specific areas where he hoped to see legislation, such as gun control, auto insurance, and hazardous radiation. He reported that the fiscal budget for 1969 was $186 billion.



Disasters
A United States Air Force jet tanker crashed and burned on takeoff in Minot, North Dakota, killing all 13 aboard.

A pile-up of 18 vehicles in fog near Louisville, Kentucky killed 5 people and injured 15.

40 years ago
1978

On television tonight
Family, on ABC
Tonight's episode: Echoes of Love

Hockey
WHA
All-Star Game
All-Stars 4 @ Quebec 5

6,143 were in attendance at Le Colisee to see the defending Avco World Trophy champion Nordiques edge the All-Stars. Marc Tardif led the Nordiques with 1 goal and 4 assists, and was named the Nordiques' outstanding player. Mark Howe of the New England Whalers was named the All-Stars' outstanding player.

30 years ago
1988

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): Faith--George Michael (7th week at #1)

#1 single in Switzerland: China in Your Hand--T'Pau (5th week at #1)

Football
NFL
NFC Championship
Minnesota 10 @ Washington 17

Doug Williams' 7-yard touchdown pass to Gary Clark, converted by Ali Haji-Sheikh with 5:06 remaining in regulation time, broke a 10-10 tie and provided the winning margin for the Redskins as they defeated the Vikings before 55,212 fans at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. The Vikings drove down to the Redskins' 6-yard line in the final minutes, but Minnesota quarterback Wade Wilson's pass on fourth down was incomplete.



AFC Championship
Cleveland 33 @ Denver 38

The Broncos led 21-3 at halftime before 76,197 fans at Mile High Stadium, but barely held on to win. The Browns, trailing 38-31, appeared headed for the tying touchdown, but Earnest Byner fumbled at the Denver 3-yard line with 1:05 remaining in regulation time, and Denver defensinve back Jeremiah Castille recovered. The Broncos gave up a safety touch with 8 seconds remaining, and the Browns fielded a free kick at their own 24-yard line. Quarterback Bernie Kosar's desperation pass fell incomplete on the last play.



25 years ago
1993

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand: I Will Always Love You--Whitney Houston (5th week at #1)

#1 single in Austria (Ö3): Would I Lie to You?--Charles & Eddie

#1 single in Switzerland: I Will Always Love You--Whitney Houston

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): I Will Always Love You--Whitney Houston (8th week at #1)

Football
NFL
AFC Championship
Buffalo 29 @ Miami 10

Steve Christie tied an NFL playoff record for a single game with 5 field goals and the Buffalo defense recovered 3 Miami fumbles and made 2 interceptions and 4 quarterback sacks as the Bills beat the Dolphins before 72,703 fans at Joe Robbie Stadium.



NFC Championship
Dallas 30 @ San Francisco 20

Troy Aikman passed for 322 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Emmitt Smith rushed 24 times for 114 yards, caught 7 passes for 59 yards, and scored 2 touchdowns as the Cowboys defeated the 49ers before 64,920 fans at Candlestick Park. San Francisco quarterback Steve Young passed for 313 yards, but threw 2 interceptions in the 4th quarter.



20 years ago
1998

Scandal
U.S. President Bill Clinton, in a 6-hour session, defended himself under oath (and perjured himself) against accusations of sexual misconduct while he was governor of Arkansas.

Journalism
The Drudge Report became the first news source to break the Bill Clinton–Monica Lewinsky scandal to the public.

10 years ago
2008

Died on this date
John McHale, 86. U.S. baseball player and executive. Mr. McHale played centre with the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team (1939-1940) before playing first base with the Detroit Tigers (1943-1945, 1947-1948), batting .193 with 3 home runs and 12 runs batted in in 64 games. He was with the Tigers when they won the 1945 World Series, batting 0 for 3 in 3 World Series games. Mr. McHale hit .270 with 68 homers in 447 games in 4 seasons in the minor leagues (1941-1942, 1945-1946). He directed the Tigers' farm system in the 1950s, eventually serving as their general manager (1957-1959). Mr. McHale moved on to the Milwaukee Braves, serving as general manager (1959-1966) and president (1961-1966) through the team's move from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966. He was chief aide to baseball Commissioner Spike Eckert (1967-1968) and received support from 11 of 12 American League owners to succeed him as commissioner, but National League owners thought Mr. McHale was more valuable as president of the expansion Montreal Expos. He was with the Expos as president (1968-1986) and general manager (1978-1984). Mr. McHale's teams were talented and competitive, but failed to live up to expectations. He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, and was a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame's Veterans Committee (2000-2007). Mr. McHale died on January 17, 2008 at the age of 86, after a bad fall and a series of strokes.

Bobby Fischer, 64. U.S. chess player. Mr. Fischer began playing chess as a child, and became the youngest grandmaster in history at the age of 15, shortly after winning his first of eight U.S. championships. He defeated Boris Spassky of the U.S.S.R. to win the world championship in 1972 in Reykjavik in the most publicized match ever, but was stripped of the title when Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), the game's governing body, refused to agree to his conditions for a match. Mr. Fischer didn't play another competitive match until 1992, when he defeated Mr. Spassky in a rematch in Belgrade, in defiance of U.S. and United Nations sanctions against Yugoslavia. Mr. Fischer spent his last years as a fugitive, spouting hatred of Jews despite his own Jewish ancestry, finally obtaining Icelandic citizenship. He died of renal failure after refusing medical treatment.

Ernie Holmes, 59. U.S. football player. Mr. Holmes was a defensive tackle with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1971-1977) and New England Patriots (1978), best known as a member of the "Steel Curtain" defense that helped the Steelers win Super Bowls in 1975 and 1976. He was killed in a car accident.