Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Several new forest fires were raging in the Coeur d’Alene district, including one that partially burned the mining town of Gem, Idaho.

The fire swept in and burned a church, a schoolhouse and three houses. Other fires were burning in Fourth of July Canyon, Hayden Lake, Rathdrum, Rimrock and Cataldo. 

A stiff wind blew steadily all day, making it difficult to check the blazes. 

From the dog beat: Spokane’s humane officer (dog-catcher) was drafting an ordinance aimed at curbing vicious fighting bulldogs. 

“There are a number of people in this city owning bulldogs who delight in seeing their dogs chew up other animals, and it is these persons we want to get at,” he said.

Officer Rudersdorf said that when fighting dogs attack other dogs, he can’t bring action against them because the current ordinance applies only to dogs that bite persons.

“The French, Boston and English bulldogs are not combative animals, but the pit bull terrier and the English terrier are natural fighters and do the damage,” he said. “Common sense, of course, will be used in the administration of this ordinance, for in many cases, the bulldog is not the aggressor.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1945: Indonesian nationalists declared their independence from the Netherlands.