Day in history for June 15, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

Informed that a private American army is being fitted out for an invasion of Cuba, President Franklin Pierce has warned that such a military adventure would be contrary to treaties between the U.S. and Spain. Cuba is a Spanish possession.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Since John B. Hawley of Rock Island seems certain to be named Secretary of War, the anti-Hawley faction in the Republican party here is trying to sidetrack him by advocating the appointment instead of former Governor Richard Oglesby.

1904 -- 100 years ago

Fire in the excursion steamer General Slocum took the lives of at least 522 persons today in the East River, New York City. The boat had been chartered for the annual Sunday school excursion of St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Foster Wright, Rock Island cornet player, is a member of an orchestra which will fill engagements in Europe this summer.

1954 -- 50 years ago

L.A. ''Duke'' Rowland, formerly of Moline, Deere And Co. vice president and general manager of the Grand River Division, came out of retirement to manage the $20 million fertilizer plant near Pryor, Oklahoma.

1979 -- 25 years ago

East Moline Mayor Dennis Jacobs traveled to Springfield to ask Governor James Thompson to keep the East Moline Mental Health Center open or to convert the facility for use as a new county jail.

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