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

From our archives, 100 years ago

A law under consideration by the Spokane City Commission would immediately shut down 126 saloons in Spokane.

The law would forbid breweries from having any ownership interest in saloons. It was common practice for breweries to have “house” saloons, selling their own beer exclusively.

The law would, according to its proponents, slash the number of saloons in Spokane from 230 to 58.

That was precisely the idea. It was all part of the Prohibition movement that was sweeping the country. It was aimed mainly at ridding America of what Prohibitionists believed was a blot on American life. Saloons were accused of fostering a culture of drunkenness and neglect of family.

The commission sent the proposed law to the city attorney for his opinion.

From the poisoning file: A coroner was investigating a mystery at a Fairfield farm. Emil Wrage had just finished eating a breakfast of his own homemade pancakes. When finished, he tossed the leftovers to his dog and cat.

Wrage fell dead while washing the dishes. His dog and cat were found dead as well. Wrage was well-liked, and the coroner had found no motive.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1890: The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in Washington, D.C.