Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

William Jennings Bryan won the Democratic presidential preference vote in Spokane County, with a substantial lead over Champ Clark and Woodrow Wilson. A county party spokesman said that it showed how much respect voters had for Bryan, who had been the Democratic candidate in three previous elections.

However, Bryan had repeatedly said he would not run in 1912. Wilson would go on to win the nomination and the election.

From the scandal file: Marie Brennan, who had once falsely accused the dean of All Saint’s Cathedral with serious improprieties, was in more hot water.

Brennan was in jail for attempting to stab a woman who had publicly accused Brennan of being a “professional blackmailer.” Brennan tracked her down in her hotel and went after her, unsuccessfully, with a knife. 

Brennan’s earlier accusations against the dean had resulted in a $50,000 libel suit against the Spokane Press, later withdrawn when the paper retracted the story and apologized.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1775: Patrick Henry delivered an address to the Virginia Provincial Convention in which he is said to have declared, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”