Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Judge Sam Hyde and probation officer W. Winans were on a crusade against dealers of tobacco to underage boys – and they made an example of Neal McLain.

McLain was sentenced to 30 days in jail for what the judge called the “vicious act” of selling cigarettes and chewing tobacco to boys under 18. Two 12-year-olds testified that they bought tobacco from McLain.

“This is a very flagrant and vicious case, as it endangers the future of these young boys,” intoned the judge. “While the prisoner is guilty and has committed the vicious act, I wish to add that the best way to stop children from using tobacco in Spokane is for the parents to quit using it.”

From the crime beat: The Spokesman-Review featured Stella Ward on the front page for the third straight day. This time, they ran a photo of the 20-year-old nurse, with the headline, “White Girl Involved in Chinese Case.”

Two Chinese noodle parlor proprietors had engaged in a bloody fight over her. The caption noted that one was found with a duplicate of the photo in his possession when he was arrested.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1790: President George Washington signed a measure authorizing the first U.S. Census.