Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Lillian Russell, the famous actress, was dead-set against cigarette smoking.

Russell was especially appalled that the “unhealthy and dangerous” habit was growing rapidly among the girls and women of America.

Here’s what she wrote in her syndicated column in The Spokesman-Review:

“No person, man or woman, can live a normal, healthy life who is addicted to the intemperate habit of cigarette smoking. It seems appalling that it is growing at such a pace. Where will be the standard for motherhood in a few years, if it is kept up? Nothing is so detrimental to health as cigarette smoking. It destroys appetite for food and cultivates a thirst for drink. It dries up the blood as effectually as the smokehouse dries up the flesh of the beef and hog. It destroys a good complexion and ruins the tone of the voice. And women who smoke cigarettes carry with them an obnoxious odor that is repelling.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1935: The Commonwealth of the Philippines was established as its new president, Manuel L. Quezon, took office.

1969: A quarter of a million protesters staged a peaceful demonstration in Washington against the Vietnam War.