Fatal Blasting Accident at Blue Mountain

A foreman is killed in a gruesome explosion while attempting to clear a stalled dynamite charge on the railroad grade.

“Lamkins' remains were torn and mutilated almost beyond recognition.”

The Man Who Cut Off His Own Foot

Desperate and denied by surgeons, a young Washington man performs a self-amputation with a pocketknife to save his life.

The Rogue Commissioner of Snohomish County

Local ranchers file affidavits against a young U.S. Commissioner accused of extortion, petty larceny, and raiding the local candy supply.

“Manny manny times he has known the parties who was doing business with Morrill as said commissioner come down from his office and describe how Morrill was using them.”

Vigilante Attack in Snohomish County

A rancher involved in a homestead dispute is brutally beaten by a 'White Cap' mob near Arlington.

“He was pretty severely beaten, and claims his assailants made him promise to leave the country.”

Candy, Land Claims and a 'Confidence Man': Arlington's Commissioner Hits Back

George Morrell denies stealing ginger snaps and swindling settlers—then accuses his accuser of running an extortion racket with a Seattle police escort.

“Jones is thoroughly unreliable and is a general confidence man...”

A Road Through the Barn: Drunk Commissioners and a Judge's Rebuke

A Snohomish County road crew moves to cut a highway through T. Larson's house and barn; testimony says two commissioners were too drunk to inspect the route.

“The commissioners were hauled back to Arlington in a complete state of intoxication.”

A Ghastly Discovery on the Riverbank

Signs of a struggle and blood found near a new ferry landing in Arlington spark fears of a dark local crime.

“Some dark crime may be hid by the silent waters.”

The Rival Post Offices of Haller City and Arlington

Postal inspectors find two town sites competing for a single post office in Snohomish County.

“These are two rival townsites, but so close to each other that there is but need for one postoffice.”

The Price of Political Ink

Snohomish County newspapers unite to end the practice of providing free space to political candidates.

“The profuse thanks of the office seeker is not legal tender with the linotypeman, the paperman, nor the local tradesman.”

Uprising Against a Commissioner in Haller City

Over 200 residents of Snohomish County petition for the removal of U.S. Commissioner George Morrill, citing alleged graft and dishonest land-filing practices.

“Morrill is accused of abusing his office in making exorbitant charges to settlers who desired to prove up on their lands.”