February 15

On this day. 1879: President Hayes signed a bill that allowed female attorneys to argue cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

On this day. 1903: With President Theodore Roosevelt's permission, a toy store began selling the first "Teddy bears." The inspiration for the Teddy bear was one of Roosevelt's hunting trips. TR, an avowed conservationist, was also a big game hunter. President Roosevelt described himself as a conservationist; yet on one trip to Africa alone, he and his party killed some 6,000 animals.

On this day. 1933: President-elect Franklin Roosevelt escaped an assassination attempt. But Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak was killed in the attack. After the shooting, FDR's car sped to the hospital. The fatally wounded Cermak whispered to him: "I am glad it was me instead of you."

Quote of the Day
"We've got to teach history based not on what's in fashion but what's important." -Ronald Reagan

More from West Wing Reports...

* Chester Arthur: The Indignity!

* An early look at Senate races in 2014

* Photo of Lincoln at Gettysburg?