Uruguay ends military rule

On August 9, 1977, the military government of Uruguay announced that it would hold free elections in 1981 to return the country to civilian rule.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Republic of Ireland Act enters force

On April 18, 1949, the Republic of Ireland Act went into force, creating a republic in the state of Ireland.

Treason charges against poet Ezra Pound dropped

On April 18, 1958, treason charges against American poet Ezra Pound, first laid in 1943 in connection with his wartime broadcasts for the Italian Fascist government of Benito Mussolini, were dropped.