TODAY IN HISTORYToday is Saturday, December 31, the 365th and final day of 2005.

ON THIS DATE<$>

In 1775, British troops repel an attack by Continental Army generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold at Quebec. Montgomery is killed.

In 1857, Queen Victoria decides to make Ottawa the capital of Canada.

In 1879, inventor Thomas A. Edison gives first demonstration of his electric incandescent light at Menlo Park, New Jersey.

In 1966, the United States says it will halt bombing of North Vietnam when Hanoi gives assurance that it will discuss peace terms seriously.

In 1988, India and Pakistan agree not to attack each others’ nuclear facilities.

In 1991, representatives of North Korea and South Korea agree not to use nuclear weapons.

In 1994, a New Year’s Eve assault by Russian forces on Grozny, Chechnya, produces one of the bloodiest days of the war. Both sides claim success.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The past at least is secure — Daniel Webster, American statesman (1782-1862).