Fifty Years Ago Today, October 9, 1965

White-Ruled Rhodesia Eyes British Break

Rhodesian Premier Ian Smith said today his white-ruled African colony "would rather go out fighting than go out crawling on our hands and knees" in the clash with Britain over independence. Smith has threatened to declare independence unilaterally -- the first British colony to do so since 1776.

Prayer Vigil

An all--night prayer vigil has been scheduled Tuesday night at St. Luke Methodist Church -- the night before Wednesday's mixed drinks referendum here.

Sports

Like "Old Man River," Smiths High School just keeps rolling along. Coach T.C. Britton's Panthers posted their 15th straight football victory -- fifth in a row this year -- with a surprising 32-20 triumph over Elmore County of Eclectic last night.

This story was originally published October 8, 2015 at 1:53 PM with the headline "Fifty Years Ago Today, October 9, 1965 ."