September 23, 2013

675 years ago
1338

War
The Battle of Arnemuiden was fought in what is now in the Netherlands but was then part of the Kingdom of France, resulting in a French victory over English forces. It was the first naval battle of the Hundred Years' War and the first naval battle using artillery, as the English ship Christofer had three cannon and one hand gun.

300 years ago
1713

Born on this date
Ferdinand VI. King of Spain, 1746-1759. Ferdinand VI succeeded his father Philip V on the throne. He died at the age of 45 on August 10, 1759 and was succeeded by his brother Charles III.

210 years ago
1803

War
British East India Company forces commanded by General Arthur Wellesley--later to become the Duke of Wellington--defeated a combined Confederacy army of Daulat Scindia and the Raja of Berar in the Battle of Assaye.

175 years ago
1838

Born on this date
Victoria Woodhull. U.S. social activist. Mrs. Woodhull, born Victoria Claflin, was a spiritualist who advocated "free love" and ran for President of the United States of America in 1872 as the candidate of the Equal Rights Party, although women weren't allowed to vote in the United States at that time. She died on June 9, 1927 at the age of 88.

150 years ago
1863

Born on this date
Mary Church Terrell. U.S. social activist. Mrs. Terrell was one of the first Negro woman in America to graduate from college, earning a Master's degree from Oberlin College in 1888. She became the first president of the National Association of Colored Women in 1896. Mrs. Terrell died on July 24, 1954 at the age of 90.

140 years ago
1873

Politics and government
In Winnipeg, Ambroise-Dydime Lépine was arrested for treason. A Metis leader in the provisional government of Manitoba at the time she became a province in 1870, Mr. Lépine had been president of the court-martial which had condemned and executed Orangeman Thomas Scott in 1870--an incident which had exacerbated relations with the rest of Canada.

Labour
The Canadian Labour Union was founded in Toronto as a central organization representing 31 unions. Membership fees were set at five cents every three months.

120 years ago
1893

Transportation
The Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway opened an extension to Madawaska, Ontario.

Baseball
Elton Chamberlain of the Cincinnati Reds pitched a no-hitter for 7 innings as the Reds blanked the Boston Beaneaters 6-0 in the second game of a doubleheader at League Park in Cincinnati in a game that was called on account of darkness.

100 years ago
1913

Aviation
Roland Garros of France became the first person to fly in an airplane across the Mediterranean Sea, going from St. Raphael, France to Bizerte, Tunisia.

75 years ago
1938

Defense
The Czechoslovakian army mobilized in response to the Munich Crisis regarding German dictator Adolf Hitler's demand that Sudetenland, an area of Czechoslovakia mainly populated by ethnic Germans, be returned to Germany.

70 years ago
1943

Died on this date
Elinor Glyn, 78. U.K. authoress. Mrs. Glyn, born Elinor Sutherland, was known for writing risqué romantic fiction, and for coining the term "It" to refer to romantic and sexual appeal. She became famous in England for her novels and then moved to Hollywood in 1920 and wrote screenplays for movies starring actresses such as Clara Bow and Gloria Swanson.

Marija Bursać, 23. Yugoslavian resistance activist. Miss Bursać was a Communist who joined the 10th Krajina Brigade in February 1943, fighting against invading German forces and serving as a nurse. She was wounded in the leg while throwing grenades in September 1943, and died after her wound developed gangrene. Miss Bursać was proclaimed a People's Hero of Yugoslavia on October 15, 1943, becoming the first woman to be so honoured.

Salvo D'Acquisto, 22. Italian military officer. Mr. D'Acquisto was in temporary command of the Italian Carabinieri in the vicinity of Torre di Palidoro when a German soldier was killed and two others wounded on September 22 when an explosion occurred while the soldiers were inspecting boxes of abandoned munitions. When 22 innocent civilians were rounded up and were about to be executed despite Mr. D'Acquisto's protest that the explosion had been accidental, he confessed to the crime in order to save the lives of the civilians. Mr. D'Acquisto was executed by firing squad and was posthumously awarded Italy's Gold Medal of Military Valour.

War
860 aircraft passed through Edmonton's Blatchford Field, involved in the Commonwealth Air Training Plan (CATP) and building the Alaska Highway. Soviet troops captured Poltava, the last major German base in southern Ukraine.The aerodrome at Finschhafen, New Guinea was taken by Australian troops, placing them within 3/4 mile of the Japanese-held town. U.S. troops destroyed all remaining Japanese forces on the north shore of Arundel Island and on nearby Sagakarisa Island.

World events
The Republica Sociale Italiana (RSI) (Italian Social Republic) was founded as a puppet state of the Nazis, led by Duce Benito Mussolini and the reformed Republican Fascist Party. Only Germany and its satellites accorded diplomatic recognition to the new state.

Economics and finance
The U.S.A., U.K., U.S.S.R., and China agreed on the creation of a United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration to function in liberated areas when the military asked for assistance.

Labour
Congress of Industrial Organizations United Auto Workers of America President R.J. Thomas and three CIO organizers were arrested in Pelly, Texas after addressing a meeting of the CIO without a license. Robert W. Johnson resigned as chairman of the U.S. War Production Board Smaller War Plants Corporation, charging that his agency had been a "political football."

60 years ago
1953

On the radio
I Was a Communist for the FBI, starring Dana Andrews

50 years ago
1963

On television tonight
The Outer Limits, on ABC
Tonight's episode: The Hundred Days of the Dragon, starring Sidney Blackmer, Phillip Pine, Nancy Rennick, and Richard Loo

This is my favourite episode of the series.

At the movies
Gone are the Days, based on Ossie Davis's play Purlie Victorious and starring Mr. Davis, Ruby Dee, and Godfrey Cambridge, opened at the Lux East Theatre in New York City, and attracted exactly one paid admission to its first screening. The film also marked the movie acting debut of Alan Alda.

Religion
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, leader of the Spiritual Regeneration Movement, delivered a public lecture on "deep meditation" in the Crystal Ballroom of the Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia.

Football
CFL
British Columbia (7-3) 17 @ Ottawa (4-3) 23
Edmonton (2-7) 15 @ Winnipeg (5-5) 24

Dave Thelen rushed for 3 touchdowns to lead the Rough Riders over the Lions at Lansdowne Park. B.C. quarterback Joe Kapp threw touchdown passes to Jerry Janes and Willie Fleming.

George Fleming scored 18 points on 2 touchdowns, 2 converts, a field goal, and a single as the Blue Bombers beat the Eskimos before 13,083 fans at Winnipeg Stadium. Winnipeg defensive back Dick Thornton, who had returned 2 interceptions for touchdowns against the Eskimos in Edmonton on August 23, returned another 65 yards for his third TD against Edmonton in 1963. Bruce Claridge and Joe Hernandez scored the Edmonton touchdowns.

40 years ago
1973

Died on this date
Pablo Neruda, 69. Chilean poet. Born Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto, Mr. Neruda won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. A Communist who had been a fervent admirer of Josef Stalin before eventually regretting his support for the Soviet dictator, Mr. Neruda supported Marxist Salvador Allnde's successful Presidential election campaign in 1970. Mr. Neruda died of heart failure in a clinic in Santiago 12 days after the death of Mr. Allende during the military coup that seized power in Chile; it was unclear what role, if any, the new junta had in Mr. Neruda's death.

Politics and government
After 18 years out of power, Juan Peron was re-elected President of Argentina with 61% of the vote. His wife Isabel was elected Vice-President. The government outlawed the People's Revolutionary Army.

12 days after seizing power, Chile's military junta began dismantling the socialist institutions established by deposed President Salvador Allende, as food and price control agencies were abolished. The junta promised to return land that had been illegaly expropriated under Dr. Allende's rule.

Labour
United Auto Workers and Chrysler Coroporation signed a three-year contract giving Canadian auto workers wage parity with American workers for the first time. The contract, which ended a nine-day strike by 117,000 employees, provided for a 5% wage increase in the first year and 3% in each of the next two years, and also included restrictions on compulsory overtime and a full-benefit returement program after 30 years.

Disasters
At least 60 people were dead or missing after a severe storm in northern Japan caused landslides and floods.

Football
CFL
Toronto (5-3-1) 10 @ Montreal (4-4-1) 19
British Columbia (3-7) 12 @ Calgary (5-4) 13

Touchdown rushes of 1 yard by John Harvey in the 1st quarter and 21 yards by Larry Smith in the 2nd quarter held up as the Alouettes beat the Argonauts at Autostade. Toronto opened the scoring on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Joe Theismann to Tony Moro just 2:26 into the game, but the only other points they scored were the convert by Zenon Andrusyshyn and a 32-yard field goal by the "Big Z" on the last play of the 1st half. The only points of the 2nd half were scored in the 4th quarter by the Alouettes on a safety touch when Gordon Judges sacked Mr. Theismann in the Toronto end zone, and a 12-yard field goal by Don Sweet with 43 seconds remaining.

A 43-yard punt single by Don Moulton with 1:41 remaining in the game provided the winning margin for the Stampeders as they held on to edge the Lions at McMahon Stadium. Larry Robinson kicked 4 field goals to account for the other Calgary points, with his last coming from 38 yards with 3:25 remaining in the game to give the Stampeders a 12-5 lead. Ted Gerela kicked a field goal and 2 singles on missed field goals for the Lions and converted the game's only touchdown, a 7-yard pass from Karl Douglas to Jim Young with 29 seconds remaining in the game. For Mr. Gerela, it was the last game of his 7-year CFL career as the Lions' placement kicker. After making just 6 of 21 field goal attempts in 10 games, former Ottawa Rough Rider and Toronto Argonaut Ivan MacMillan was brought in to handle field goals and converts, and Mr. Gerela's kicking was confined to kickoffs.

30 years ago
1983

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): Life Begins at Forty--Dave and the Dynamos (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Sunshine Reggae--Laid Back (3rd week at #1)

Diplomacy
The Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis, popularly known as Saint Kitts and Nevis, was admitted to the United Nations.

Terrorism
All 112 people aboard Gulf Air Flight 771, a Boeing 737-2P6 bound from Karachi to Abu Dhabi, were killed when a bomb in the plane exploded on approach to Abu Dhabi International Airport. The bombing was apparently the work of the Abu Nidal organization in an attempt to extort protection money from Saudi Arabia.

Boxing
Gerrie Coetzee (29-3-1) of South Africa became the first African win a world championship when he knocked out Michael Dokes (26-1-2) at 3:08 of the 10th round to win the World Boxing Association world heavyweight title at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio.

25 years ago
1988

Hit parade
#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Girl You Know it's True--Milli Vanilli (6th week at #1)

Olympics
Ben Johnson of Canada won the men's 100-metre run in a world record time of 9.79 seconds in Seoul, South Korea. Carl Lewis of the U.S.A. finished second. The race took place on September 24 in Seoul, but it was still September 23 in Canada.



Football
CFL
British Columbia (5-7) 22 @ Calgary (5-7) 40

CIAU
Calgary 44 @ Alberta 3

Baseball
Felix José led off the top of the 14th inning with a single, advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt, stole third, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Doug Jennings to break an 8-8 tie as the Oakland Athletics edged the Milwaukee Brewers 9-8 before 24,163 fans at County Stadium in Milwaukee. Oakland right fielder José Canseco became the first member of the 40–40 club when he stole his 39th and 40th bases of the season and hit his 41st home run of the season. The player who had come closest to the club prior to Mr. Canseco was Bobby Bonds of the San Francisco Giants, who had stolen 43 bases and hit 39 home runs in 1973. Odell Jones, the second of four Milwaukee pitchers, allowed 4 hits and 3 runs--all earned--in 3 1/3 innings, with no walks and 2 strikeouts, in the 201st and last game of his 9-year major league career.

Pinch hitter Spike Owen singled home 2 runs to climax a 3-run 9th-inning rally as the Boston Red Sox came back from a 9-5 deficit to defeat the New York Yankees 10-9 before 51,511 fans at Yankee Stadium.

The Baltimore Orioles gave up 3 runs in the top of the 9th inning to fall behind 4-3, but scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th to defeat the Detroit Tigers 5-4 before 24,792 fans at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. With the score tied 4-4 and the bases loaded with none out, Pete Stanicek grounded to Detroit third baseman Tom Brookens, who threw to catcher Matt Nokes to force Eric Davis out at home plate. Mr. Nokes threw wildly in an attempt to complete a double play at first base, allowing Jeff Stone to score the winning run. Mr. Nokes and Darrell Evans homered for the Tigers in the top of the 9th.

Jerry Reuss allowed 4 hits in 7 innings to win the pitchers' duel over Bret Saberhagen as the Chicago White Sox shut out the Kansas City Royals 2-0 before 11,548 fans at Comiskey Park in Chicago.

Mike Schooler walked 4 batters in the bottom of the 10th inning, the last of whom, Jerry Browne, forced home Bob Brower with the winning run as the Texas Rangers edged the Seattle Mariners 3-2 before 11,143 fans at Arlington Stadium. Charlie Hough pitched a 5-hit complete game victory.

Graig Nettles reached first base on a fielder's choice, driving in pinch runner Rex Hudler to break a 2-2 tie, as the Montreal Expos edged the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 before 13,386 fans at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. Mr. Hudler was running for Tim Wallach, who led off the inning with a double. The Phillies had the potential tying run on second base with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th, but Chris James flied out to right field and pinch hitter Greg Gross lined out to left field to end the game.

Vance Law and Darrin Jackson singled home runs in the top of the 10th inning to break a 3-3 tie as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3 before 19,552 fans at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh.

The Cincinnati Reds scored a run in the 2nd inning and 4 in the 3rd, and held on to defeat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 before 10,223 fans at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The Braves scored a run in the bottom of the 9th on a bases-loaded walk, and had the bases loaded with 1 out, but pinch hitter Lonnie Smith grounded into a force play at home plate and Gerald Perry lined out to shortstop Barry Larkin to end the game.

Dwight Gooden pitched a 4-hitter and carried a shutout into the 9th inning, but Ozzie Smith singled home Vince Coleman to tie the score and came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Pedro Guerrero as the St. Louis Cardinals scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to defeat the New York Mets 2-1 before 33,290 fans at Busch Memorial Stadium in St. Louis.

Mickey Hatcher hit a 3-run home run off Atlee Hammaker with 2 out in the top of the 8th inning for the only scoring as the Los Angeles Dodgers shut out the San Francisco Giants 3-0 before 22,341 fans at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Mr. Hatcher's homer was his first of the season. Orel Hershiser pitched a 5-hitter to improve his 1988 record to 23-8, earning his 8th shutout of the season.

Randy Ready singled home pinch runner Stan Jefferson with 1 out in the bottom of the 12th inning to give the San Diego Padres a 4-3 win over the Houston Astros before 9,929 fans at Jack Murphy-San Diego Stadium. Mr. Jefferson was running for Rob Nelson, who had walked to lead off the inning.

20 years ago
1993

Hit parade
#1 single in Finland (Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland): Got to Get It--Culture Beat (2nd week at #1)

Olympics
The International Olympic Committee announced that Sydney, Australia would host the 2000 Summer Olympic Games, rebuffing Beijing because of China's record on human rights.

10 years ago
2003

Died on this date
Zubayr Al-Rimi, 29. Saudi Arabian terrorist. Mr. al-Rimi was a member of al-Qaeda who was identified as one of those killed in a shootout with Saudi forces in an apartment complex in Jizan, where the terrorists were holding hostages.

Diplomacy
Opening the 58th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that the organization had come to a "fork in the road" and argued that fundamental weaknesses had to be addressed if the UN were to remain relevant, and said that unilateralism and preemptive action threatened to undermine the UN mission.

Health
Officials in Saskatchewan reported the deaths of three people from West Nile virus, bringing the provincail total to six. Saskatchewan had more than 400 comfirmed cases and probable cases of the virus in 2003, making it the province with the highest number of reported cases in Canada.