A series of accidents on the Columbia River ferries prompted the Spokane Daily Chronicle editorial page to call for “radical and quick action in devising safer methods for transportation across the river.”

Two people had died recently in separate accidents when their autos plunged from ferries. Also, the old and poorly maintained Vantage ferry had been swept downstream in a windstorm and remained out of action. A scheme to build a temporary pontoon bridge at Vantage had proved impractical.

The Chronicle called ferries a “primitive means of transportation,” and called on local officials to “devise plans at once for the building of substantial bridges.”

From the horse racing beat: More than 26,000 people attended Spokane Derby day at the Interstate Fair, threatening attendance records.

Two hours before post time, every seat in the grandstand and bleachers were occupied. Thousands more lined the fences, sometimes 10 or 15 people deep.

“The royal box was bedecked for Miss Frances Trunkey (the fair queen) and her party for the crowning of the derby winner.”

The winner: Grayson, a brown 4-year-old gelding, owned by G. Drumheller and ridden by E. McEwan.