1652 In London Charles II suppressed coffee houses because of the “scandalous papers, books and libels from being read in them” and to prevent the freedom of speech or the right to express dissatisfaction with the government in the houses. It was rescinded in a fortnight when it elicited in equal measures ridicule and disbelief.
1780 In Victoria Buckley’s chance was taken when convict William Buckley, recently arrived, escaped into the bush. He lived 32 years among the Wathaurong people on the Mornington Peninsula. He became a peacemaker between the aborigines and European settlers and was pardoned to become a civil servant.
1900 In Wichita Kansas Carry Nation smashed up the bar at the elegant Carey Hotel. She had abandoned the nonviolent agitation of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union for direct action — “hatchetation.” Since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol, Nation argued that destroying saloons was an acceptable means for citizens to enforce the law when established authorities would not do so.
1904 In London ‘Peter Pan,’ by James Barrie, opened at the Duke of York’s Theater in London. Do you believe? Still playing in some form somewhere right now.
1945 In D.C. International Monetary Fund was established by twenty-nine member countries. It has done much to bring stability to the world’s finance.
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