Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Someone was sabotaging railroad lines north of Spokane. Earlier in the week, a southbound passenger train ended up partially in a ditch because someone tampered with a switch.

A few days later, authorities discovered that someone placed obstructions on the tracks near Dart’s Siding, outside of Deer Park, in an apparent attempt to derail a freight train. A handcar was turned upside down on the tracks and piled with railroad ties. A switch had been partially broken. A mile farther down the line, someone had pulled some plugs on an irrigation flume, washing out a section of tracks. The vigilant crew of a freight train saw both of the problems in time to stop and repair the damage. 

Two “tramps” had been seen getting on the freight at Dart’s Siding. Police tracked them down and questioned them, but police were “partially satisfied” they knew nothing of the depredations. However, police were holding them for further questioning.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1804: The Lewis and Clark expedition to the Louisiana Territory and Pacific Northwest left Illinois camp.