On this day... December 5

On this day...

December 5: St Nicholas's Eve in various European countries; The King's birthday, National Day and Father's Day in Thailand (1927) 1484 – Pope Innocent VIII issued the papal bullSummis desiderantes affectibus, givingDominican Inquisitor Heinrich Kramer explicit authority to prosecute witchcraft in Germany. 1876 – Fire engulfed the Brooklyn Theater(damage pictured) in Brooklyn, New York, killing at least 278 people, mostly due to smoke inhalation. 1916 – British Prime Minister H. H. Asquith resigned due to his lack of vigour over the conduct of the Great War. 1939 – The remains of Pedro II of Brazil, who was ousted and exiled in a republican coup, were buried after being repatriated. 1974 – The Birmingham Americans won the only World Bowl inWorld Football League history.