Today in history

Today is Tuesday, May 23, the 143rd day of 2017 and the 65th day of spring.

On this date in the SCV: In 1919, The Signal reported that our duty as citizens called us to exercise the ballot in our choice of those who head our local schools. Those who were chosen were obligated to see that the best talent possible was obtained for instructors, and to properly handle all matters pertaining to the good of the school. In addition, the greatest power for good that a child could possibly have was the training it received in the home before and during its school life. The influence of a bad environment was the greatest obstacle for a teacher to overcome in her endeavor to instruct—greater than hereditary weakness that could be found in the child. Finally we could not succeed in the proper training of our children without giving them the advantages of the religious training so ably handled by the churches.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1788, South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. In 1846, Mexican President Mariano Paredes issued a manifesto unofficially declaring war on the United States. In 1934, outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were fatally shot by police officers in Black Lake, Louisiana. In 1949, the Federal Republic of

Germany was established. In 1960, a tsunami killed 61 people in Hilo, Hawaii.

Today’s fact: The Hawaiian tsunami on this day in 1960 was triggered by a massive 8.5-magnitude earthquake off the Chilean coast that had killed thousands the day before.

Today’s sports: In 1895, the Louisville Colonels forfeited a home game to the Brooklyn Bridegrooms in the third inning because they ran out of baseballs.

Today’s number: 48 million – worldwide sales of Margaret Wise Brown’s “Goodnight Moon” in various formats since it was first published in 1947.

Today’s moon: Between last quarter moon (May 18) and new moon (May 25).