Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The U.S. still remained neutral in the raging European War (known today as World War I), but it was clearly a contentious subject across the nation and in Spokane.

Spokane County Superior Court Judge William Huneke felt it necessary to ban jurors from discussing and debating the war. He specifically ordered prospective jurors not to attempt any debate on the underlying causes of the conflict.

He then delivered a stern speech to the men and women of the jury panel.

“Thousands of our people have come from these (warring) countries, and, although they are good American citizens, they can not altogether forget the ties that bind them to their native lands,” Judge Huneke said. “Many of them are probably on this jury. I am giving you this precaution partly because of the proclamation of neutrality issued by President Wilson, and also because, if the jurors become involved in disputes about the war, they can not discuss the cases in which they are called to without bias and prejudice.”

On a related issue, Judge Huneke said he was distressed to learn that a lot of Spokane citizens were attempting to avoid jury duty.

He called jury duty “a patriotic duty,” and a small sacrifice compared to the sacrifices made by people in Europe “on the altar of their country’s need.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

2004: Richard G. Butler, founder of the Aryan Nations, was found dead at his home in Hayden; he was 86.