January 16: ON THIS DAY in 1953, Soviets purge East Germany
ON THIS DAY IN 1926, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “Moscow, Jan. 16 (AP) — Russian workers and peasants are flocking by the scores of thousands to enjoy the dazzling splendor of the crown jewels of the Romanoffs, now the property of every poor citizen of the Communist republic. This collection of gems, the estimated value of which is $250,000,000, has been turned into a source of revenue by the Soviet government, which has placed it on exhibition at the Soviet Trade Union House in Moscow. The regal collection represents the accumulated treasure of ten different Russian royal families, and includes crowns, scepters, coronets, emblems, tiaras, diadems, necklaces, bracelets, rings and gems of many other kinds. The general public is charged an admission fee of $1, but members of the trade unions and Communist organizations pay only 25 cents. Extraordinary precautions are taken against theft. Armed soldiers are stationed throughout the building.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1938, the Eagle reported, “Washington, Jan. 15 (AP) — A clear majority of administration supporters on the Supreme Court appeared assured today when President [Franklin] Roosevelt nominated Solicitor Gen. Stanley Reed, a veteran defender of the New Deal enactments, to succeed retiring Justice George Sutherland. Senators, who must pass upon the nomination, generally applauded the selection of the bald-headed Kentucky lawyer and dairyman. Even some bitter foes of the president’s defeated bill to reorganize the high tribunal joined in expressing approval. But there were numerous demands that public hearings be conducted before the Senate votes on the appointment, in view of the public furor caused by belated revelations that Justice Hugo L. Black, President Roosevelt’s only other nominee to the court, was once a member of the Ku Klux Klan.”