From the Lawrence Daily World for Dec. 9, 1907: “It is now reported that more than 500 were killed in the mine explosion in Fairmount, W.Va., yesterday, making it the worst mine disaster in U.S. history. It is feared the death toll may reach 700. : Kansas City was considered the favorite as the site for the Republican National Convention next year but the final vote was about 2-1 in favor of Chicago. : The semi-centennial reunion of the first Free State Legislature (1857 in Lecompton) has brought six survivors to Topeka and Lawrence and the group met here in Learned Hall.”