Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The Spokesman-Review offered a classic example of wishful thinking, editorial-style.

The editorial page predicted that its favorite candidate, Theodore Roosevelt, and his Progressive Party (the Bull Moose Party) would sweep into office on Election Day.

“The outlook, two days before election day, is certainly most reassuring to the Progressives,” said the editorial. “… Each successive day seems only to emphasize again and again that the trend of sentiment the country over is toward Theodore Roosevelt and the Progressive cause.”

The writer dismissed the notion that enthusiasm for Roosevelt was not as strong in the East as it was in the West. “Splendid reports” were coming in from many points in the East.

It concluded by gushing that “the tide is running full” and would reach its height on Tuesday.

The results on Tuesday? Woodrow Wilson trounced Roosevelt, 42 percent to 27 percent, with the incumbent Taft bringing up the rear with 23 percent.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1839: The first Opium War between China and Britain broke out. … 1903: Panama proclaimed its independence from Colombia. … 1992: In Illinois, Democrat Carol Moseley-Braun became the first black woman elected to the U.S. Senate.