Today is Tuesday, Feb. 12, the 43rd day of 2008. There are 323 days left in the year. On this date

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 12, the 43rd day of 2008. There are 323 days left in the year. On this date in 1809, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is born in present-day Larue County, Ky.

In 1554, Lady Jane Grey, who’d claimed the throne of England for nine days, and her husband, Guildford Dudley, are beheaded after being condemned for high treason. In 1818, Chile officially proclaims its independence, more than seven years after initially renouncing Spanish rule. In 1870, women in the Utah Territory gain the right to vote. (However, that right is taken away in 1887). In 1908, the first round-the-world automobile race begins in New York. (It ends in Paris the following July with the drivers of the American car, a Thomas Flyer, declared the winners over teams from Germany and Italy.) In 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is founded. In 1912, Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, abdicates, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty. In 1915, the cornerstone for the Lincoln Memorial is laid in Washington, D.C., a year to the day after groundbreaking. In 1940, the radio play “The Adventures of Superman” debuts with Bud Collyer as the Man of Steel. In 1973, Operation Homecoming begins as the first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict takes place. In 1999, the Senate acquits President Clinton of perjury and obstruction of justice.

February 12, 1983: One of the strongest Northeast blizzards on record virtually paralyzes parts of seven states with a blanket of snow up to 3 feet deep.

Although his proposed permanent 90 percent income tax surcharge may be unpopular, Gov. Richard F. Celeste says it is the only realistic solution to Ohio’s financial crisis.

Youngstown State University trustees approve spending $860,000 to add 1,600 seats to the Beeghly Physical Education Center, home of YSU basketball, which seats 6,000.

February 12, 1968: A power failure originating at the Newton Falls substation hits portions of Mahoning, Trumbull, Portage, Geauga and Ashtabula counties.

John E. Connelly, who began his career with the Youngstown Post Office as a substitute carrier in 1927, is the new assistant postmaster, succeeding the late Arthur Stockstil.

Speaking at the installation banquet of Youngstown Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 28 at Mahoning Country Club, Ohio Atty. Gen. William B. Saxbe proposes creation of volunteer committees of community activists to fight crime on the local level.

February 12, 1958: Robert L. Lilly, 37, and seven of his eight children die as fire sweeps through their two-story home in Alliance. His wife, 29, saved the baby, Miles, 5-months old.

Arctic weather continues its grip on the Youngstown district with the mercury hovering near zero. In New York, a blizzard dumps 37 inches of snow on the Syracuse area.

David A. Endres, superintendent of Youngstown Hospital Association, says there is a waiting list of 110 patients for the hospital, pointing up the need for a $2.4 million expansion project.

Sen. Harry F. Byrd, D-Va., third in seniority in the U.S. Senate, says he will not seek re-election.

February 12, 1933: The total of delinquent real estate taxes and special assessments at the end of 1932 reach $7.5 million in Mahoning County, an increase of more than $2 million in a year.

Dr. Leonard W.S. Stryker, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, is tendered a testimonial service commemorating his 15th anniversary at the Wick Avenue church.

The American Tobacco Co. reduces the wholesale price for cigarettes to $5.50 per 1,000 from $6 per 1,000.