Today -100: January 2, 1910: Of nice young fellows, shaking hands, the Dick Law, moral decay in Philadelphia, and the need for speed

Senator Col. James Gordon, the possible Lincoln conspirator, has met President Taft. “He’s a mighty nice young fellow. I like him. I felt just like putting my hand on his shoulder and calling him ‘Bill.’” So Taft can breathe a sigh of relief.

Taft has successfully met the challenge of his first New Year’s Day reception at the White House. He stood in the Blue Room and shook hands, 5,575 of them, from 11:00 to 1:55. That’s 31.8 hands per minute.

Sing Sing abandoned its New Year’s custom of giving each convict a cigar with his noonday meal. Too many prisoners now, can’t afford it.

Headline of the Day -100: “All Militia to Aid Army. Lieut. Col. Weaver Certain that States Will Accept the Dick Law.”

In Philadelphia, 1 divorce suit was filed for every 11 marriage licenses issued in 1909.

Speaking of licenses, the New York Legislature is considering requiring driving licenses. And abolishing speed limits.