TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1846, the British Possessions Act gave the provinces power to enact their own tariff and other agreements. The act, which was passed in London, allowed colonial legislatures to reduce or repeal imperial customs duties they were subject to, and allowed them to have free trade.

In 1872, the world’s first “Wild West Show” was staged at Niagara Falls, Ont. The main attraction was American frontiersman James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickock who appeared in “Buffalo Bill’s” show until 1874. Hickock’s reputation as a marksman made him a celebrity in the travelling show.

In 1904, the first jail sentence for speeding was handed down in Newport, R.I. -- five days -- for driving 32 km/h.

In 1907, United Parcel Service had its beginnings as the American Messenger Company of Seattle.

In 1913, author Robertson Davies was born at Thamesville, Ont. He died Dec. 2, 1995.

In 1914, British and German forces fought the first major naval battle of the First World War, the Battle of Heligoland Bight. In 1922, radio station WEAF in New York City aired the first radio commercial -- a 10-minute pitch for a new co-op apartment house. In 1926, the Soviet ship “Buryvestnik” struck a pier at Kronstadt, USSR, killing 300 people. In 1947, legendary bullfighter Manolete died after being gored during a fight in Linares, Spain. He was 30.