Jim Kershner’s This day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Republic, Wash., saloonkeeper Tom Finn endured a “trying ordeal” at the hands of a burglar.

The criminal, who was armed with a “big revolver,” broke a window to gain entry. When Finn, who lived upstairs with his family, heard the noise, he came downstairs “attired only in his night clothes.” The man, who didn’t disguise himself, threatened to kill Finn if he did not “open the safe and deliver up to $400 in cash and valuables.”

After Finn handed over the money, the man, whom Finn recognized as a local miner, then demanded a drink. He took a bottle of whiskey, then marched Finn to the Catholic church, left him there, and went back to the saloon to rifle the safe again before fleeing.

From the shots fired beat: Words were exchanged between a painter and the Northern Pacific Depot master, resulting in a shot fired, a melee and a police chase. After being told to leave the premises by the depot master, the painter took a gun out from under his coat, shouted, “I’ll get you” and fired. He missed. The two men then grappled before the painter could break free. He was spotted running down First Avenue before being captured at Washington Street by a Spokane police officer.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1920: The 19th Amendment, which guarantees the right of all American women to vote, was ratified.