Jim Kershner’s This day in history » On the Web: spokesman.com/topics/local-history

From our archives, 100 years ago

A tiny delegation of “Calispel” (Kalispel) Indians, including its ancient, bent-over chief, arrived on the campus of Gonzaga College to make an entreaty to Father Taelman, the college president.

They wanted him to travel to their village on the Pend Oreille River and perform a ceremony. Chief Massalah, who claimed to be over 100 years old, said he and many elders of the tribe had been too old to make the trip on the Feast of Corpus Christi to the DeSmet Mission. They needed the priest to come to them.

Back in 1844, Father DeSmet had converted many members of the tribe to Catholicism – Massalah among them.

From the fireworks beat: New “safe and sane” fireworks laws were in effect and merchants were reporting that people were snapping up milder July Fourth novelties.

One was called an “air torpedo,” which made a loud crack when swatted against an object. The noise came from a bursting piece of paper.

Another big-seller: The serpent’s nest, a small pellet that uncoiled like a snake when lit.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1972: The Supreme Court, in Furman v. Georgia, struck down a trio of death sentences, saying they constituted cruel and unusual punishment. The ruling prompted states to effectively impose a moratorium on capital punishment until laws could be revised.