Feb 7 Astronomical Society of Pacific holds 1st meeting in San Francisco Feb 8 Flood ravages Dutch coast Feb 9 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is established as a Cabinet-level agency. Feb 11 Meiji constitution of Japan adopted; 1st Diet convenes in 1890 Feb 12 Caesar Franck's Symphony in D premieres Theater Premiere Feb 12 Henrik Ibsen's play "Fruen fra havet" (The Lady from the Sea) premieres in Oslo Playwright Henrik Ibsen Feb 14 1st train load of fruit (oranges) leaves LA for east Feb 22 US President Cleveland signs bill to admit Dakotas, Montana & Washington state to the union 1888 Historical Events by Year 1890