Under Saturday, February 25, the book of history records, among other things:
1623: The Palatinate electoral dignity, which was withdrawn from the (Bohemian) “Winter King” Friedrich, is awarded to Duke Maximilian I of Bavaria.
1928: In Berlin, the Austrian Willy Böckl becomes world champion in figure skating.
1938: After the resignation of Anthony Eden, who disapproved of Chamberlain’s policy of “appeasement” towards Hitler, Lord Halifax became British Foreign Secretary.
1948: After a two-week government crisis in Czechoslovakia, the communists, led by Klement Gottwald, assume sole power. President Edvard Beneš accepts the resignation of the ministers appointed by the conservative parties.
1968: The one millionth television viewer is registered in Austria.
1978: Operations begin on the first section of the Vienna underground (U1 Reumannplatz – Kagran).
1988: General Roh Tae Woo, comrade-in-arms and successor to military dictator Chun Doo Hwan, is sworn in as South Korea’s president.
1988: The National Council passes an art promotion law which, after a four-party amendment, obliges the state to promote art by law for the first time.
1998: In South Africa, the old abbot of Wilten Abbey, Alois Stöger, is killed in a bus accident. Another five travelers from Tyrol are injured.
2003: After more than 30 years, the Pioneer 10 space probe has fallen silent. It is sending the last signal from more than twelve billion kilometers from the edge of our solar system.
2003: South Korea’s new President Roh Moo Hyun is sworn in. He is committed to the principles of his predecessor Kim Dae Jung’s reconciliation policy towards North Korea.
birthdays: Enrico Caruso, Italian opera singer (1873-1921); (according to other sources February 27); John Foster Dulles, US politician (1888-1959); Wolfgang von Gronau, German aviation pioneer (1893-1977); Karl Heinz Stroux, German director/artistic director (1908-1985); Gert Fröbe, German actor (1913-1988); Stefan László, Austria Bishop (1913-1995); Bibiane Zeller, Austria actress (1928); Friedl Koncilia, former Austrian Footballer (1948); Julio Iglesias (jr.), Spanish singer (1973).
days of death: Frederick I, King in Prussia (1657-1713); Tennessee Williams, US playwright (1911-1983); Eddie Constantine, US film actor (1917-1993); Vico Torriani, Switzerland. Singer/Entertainer (1920-1998).
name days: Walpurga, Adeltrud, Viktor, Adelhelm, Sebastian, Adam, Konstantin, Edeltraud.