Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Father Roccati of Gonzaga University delivered a speech to the gathered members of Spokane’s Italian community, describing their situation – and their potential.

“We have the material to make the Spokane Italian colony prosperous and respected,” said the priest. “We have the brains, the good will and the disposition. There are some who dislike us because we do not speak English with ease, but we can speak our own tongue among ourselves as well as our American friends speak theirs. But we need not be discouraged. We can express ourselves and do it most powerfully at the polls.”

He went on to thank the mayor and city commissioners for their “impartiality and fair treatment of our people.”

From the poisoning beat: Police still had no clues about who tried to poison the Ilse family by leaving strychnine-laced shredded wheat biscuits on their porch.

Mrs. Ilse said she was afraid to step outside, and Mr. Ilse was suffering recurring bouts of an old neurological affliction, brought on since the poisoning attempt.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1763: Britain, Spain and France signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Seven Years’ War (also known as the French and Indian War in North America).