100 years ago in Spokane: City debates bonds for new bridges, schools

From our archives, 100 years ago

Spokane was debating two large bond issues. The first was for rebuilding many of the city’s bridges with new concrete structures. This was prompted by the fatal collapse of the Division Street bridge the year before.

“If our bridges are in danger, it is our duty to renew or replace them at once,” said Mayor Charles Fleming.

Meanwhile, a citizens group called the Association for Enlarging the Spokane School District met to discuss whether to ask for between $150,000 and $540,000 for new additions to the schools. Heated debate ensued about the size of the bond and its costs to taxpayers.

From the fur beat: The state game warden said that fashion trends on the East Coast might prove to be a boon for the state’s farmers.

Demand for fur was so high that Eastern fur houses had asked the warden to help secure pelts of “ground moles, gophers, and rabbits” in the state.

He noted that all of these animals were “a source of worry to farmers,” who might benefit from a reduction in population.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1991: Motorist Rodney King was severely beaten by Los Angeles police officers in a scene captured on amateur video.