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| Year | Stories |
|---|---|
| 1854 | 53 |
| 1858 | 1 |
| 1859 | 6 |
| 1860 | 12 |
| 1861 | 58 |
| 1862 | 65 |
| 1863 | 44 |
| 1871 | 1 |
| 1872 | 14 |
| 1876 | 9 |
| 1877 | 11 |
| 1878 | 7 |
| 1879 | 3 |
| 1882 | 3 |
| 1883 | 35 |
| 1884 | 11 |
| 1885 | 18 |
| 1886 | 10 |
| 1887 | 9 |
| 1888 | 6 |
| 1889 | 57 |
| 1890 | 8 |
| 1891 | 212 |
| 1892 | 184 |
| 1893 | 105 |
| 1894 | 17 |
| 1895 | 111 |
| 1897 | 2 |
| 1899 | 1 |
| 1902 | 1 |
| 1903 | 23 |
| 1904 | 5 |
| 1905 | 1 |
| 1908 | 1 |
| 1909 | 94 |
| 1910 | 7 |
| 1911 | 11 |
| 1912 | 4 |
| 1914 | 11 |
| 1915 | 8 |
| 1916 | 11 |
| 1917 | 3 |
| 1919 | 1 |
| 1922 | 1 |
| 1923 | 13 |
| 1924 | 2 |
| 1925 | 10 |
1,280 stories
- The Speaker’s High-Stakes Balancing Act
Speaker Meigs stacks the House Public Morals Committee with an even split of prohibitionists and anti-prohibitionists, leaving the committee’s crucial legislative decisions deadlocked.
- Legislators Target Predatory 'Loan Sharks'
Senator Cotterill introduces a bill to curb abusive salary-assignment lending practices.
- Legislative 'Easy Money' Still Thriving at State Capitol
Lawmakers continue to collect generous travel mileage payments from the state, far exceeding their actual transit costs.
- The War Over the State's Marketing Budget
Legislative jealousy between Seattle and Tacoma erupts on the floor of the House as King County representatives move to kill a bill meant to benefit Tacoma.
- Legislators Break Promises to Labor Unions
Despite campaign pledges, Olympia lawmakers stall on key labor legislation, leaving unions with little to show for their efforts.
- The First State Legislature Closes Shop
After passing tide land bills and appointing regents, Washington's first-ever state legislature adjourns amid whispers of a necessary extra session.
- Why Olympia Should Be the Capital
A robust argument for keeping the state capital in Olympia, citing its climate, central location, and superior hotel infrastructure.
- Territorial Turf Wars: Defending Governor Stevens
A heated dispute between the Pioneer and The Oregonian over legislative representation and political representation in early Washington Territory.
- The Unfilled Chair
The Washington Territorial Legislature pauses in solemn tribute following the sudden death of a pioneer lawmaker.
- The First Territorial Legislature Debates Statehood Infrastructure
Lawmakers in 1854 wrestle with the practicalities of building a new government, from authorizing ferries across the Columbia to navigating relations with Governor Isaac Stevens.
- The Struggle for Temperance in the New Territory
Legislators in the newly formed Washington Territory debate a strict 'Maine-style' liquor law, aiming to build a moral foundation for the burgeoning frontier society.
- Legislative Debate Over Land Rights for Discharged Soldiers
Olympia lawmakers clash over proposed land grants for discharged soldiers, fearing corporate land speculation.
- The Futility of Prohibition
A skeptical legislator warns that strict alcohol bans in Washington Territory will lead only to evasion, black markets, and public distrust.
- Prospectors Return From the Wild Olympics
An exploration party recounts the rugged terrain and gold-bearing quartz found near the head of the Hood Canal.
- The Looming Legislative War Over Temperance
A local editor warns that stalling on the anti-saloon 'local option' bill will only lead to future political ruin for state lawmakers.
- Washington Territory Declares Loyalty to the Union
Legislators in the newly formed territory pass formal resolutions condemning secession and the proposed Pacific Confederacy on the eve of the Civil War.
- The Silent Hours at the State Capitol
A local labor newspaper questions the integrity of the state labor commissioner, accusing him of ignoring labor violations to serve his political masters.
- Olympia Named Temporary Seat of Government
The Council debates and finalizes the definition of judicial districts, securing Olympia's status as the provisional capital.
- Surveying the Mullan Trail
Lieutenant Mullan completes a successful survey of a new mountain route, paving the way for immigration and rail in the Pacific Northwest.
- Two Convicts Escape Thurston County Jail
A pair of prisoners utilized a stolen bolt to force their cell door open and escape custody Saturday night.
- An Editor Steps Down Amidst Political Intrigue
James Lodge defends his reputation after withdrawing from the Pioneer and Democrat, denying secret negotiations with Republican rivals.
- The War on Cigarettes
A new, stringent state law bans the possession of cigarette papers and wrappers, sparking debate over government overreach.
- Allegations of Land Office Fraud
A citizen accuses political candidate S. Garfielde of withholding land certificates and pocketing fees during his time as a receiver of public moneys.
- The Constitutional Debt Fight
As the constitutional convention debates municipal debt limits, local editors fear Oregon-style fiscal conservatism will hinder growth.
- Legislators Behaving Badly
Lawmakers attending a local performance in Olympia disrupt the show, casting doubt on their suitability for office.