The birthday entry is rarely of a person still living, but at a full century old I think we can make an exception for Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother. During the bombing of London she and King George VI walked through the streets to personally survey the damage, she had been home at Buckingham Palace when it was hit by a bomb in September 1940. When she was urged to take her daughters to a safer area, she cemented her place in England's heart by saying, "The children won't leave without me, I won't leave without the King and the King will never leave."
A crucially important legal event began on this day when the editor of a New York paper was brought to trial for "seditious libel." The governor was tired of being attacked, but when all the arguments were heard it took the jury only ten minutes to bring back a not guilty verdict, establishing truth as a defense against libel charges in American law.
After the American Revolution the navy and army were both disbanded, but the smuggling of goods that had foiled the British tax collectors continued. Treasury Secretary Hamilton created the Marine Revenue Service on this day to stop smugglers, in 1832 Treasury Secretary McLane ordered the cutters to start winter cruises to assist mariners in need, and the service became the US Coast Guard in 1915, including the Light House and Life Saving Services. The Coast Guard is, because the other services were temporarily disbanded, the oldest continuously serving service in the US.
1693 - Dom Pierre Perignon, a blind Benedictine monk at the abbey of Hautvillers, invents sparkling wine by accidentally bottling a batch of partially fermented wine. He discovered the accident the next spring when most of the bottles explode, allegedly remarking "I'm drinking stars."
1735 - After eight months in prison John Peter Zenger, printer and editor of the New York Weekly Journal, was brought to trial on charges of seditious libel against New York Colonial Governor William Cosby. Defense attorney Andrew Hamilton stipulated the publication but argued that the articles were truthful. Found not guilty about a week later.
1790 - Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton authorized the purchase of 12 "revenue cutters" to ensure that imports landed at approved Ports of Entry and that duties on the cargoes were paid, creating the United States Revenue Marine.
1914 - Great Britain declared war on Germany. Germany declared war on Belgium. US President Woodrow Wilson declared neutrality.
1983 - During warmups at Toronto's Exhibition Stadium, New York Yankees right fielder Dave Winfield threw a ball which killed a seagull. Toronto police arrested Winfield after the game on chareges of "causing unnecessary suffering to an animal," he was released on $500 bond, the charges were dropped later.
Constitution Day, Cook Islands - Commemorates the 1965 constitution that gave internal self-government to the New Zealand dependency.
1900 - Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon, British royalty - Born at St. Paul's Waldenbury, Hitchin, Hertfordshire to the Earl and Countess of Strathmore. Grew up on family estate in Scotland, married "Prince Bertie," second son of George V. When Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 the couple became king and queen. Had two daughters, Elizabeth (current monarch) and Margaret Rose Windsor. Highly visible during reign, particularly during World War II, took title of Queen Mother after the 1952 death of the king. Recently involved as president or patron of 350 organizations. Wears great hats.
Harbour (n): A place where ships taking shelter from storms are exposed
to the fury of the Customs.
- Ambrose Bierce
The Queen Mother, with a lifetime's popularity, seemed incapable of a
bad performance as national grandmother - warm, smiling, human, understanding,
she embodied everything the public could want of its grandmother.
- John Pearson
As I watched the seagulls, I thought, That's the road to take; find the
absolute rhythm and follow it with absolute trust.
- Nikos Kazantzakis
After all, what is your hosts' purpose in having a party? Surely not
for you to enjoy yourself; if that were their sole purpose, they'd have
simply sent champagne and women over to your place by taxi.
- P. J. O'Rourke
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