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| Year | Stories |
|---|---|
| 1888 | 5 |
| 1889 | 37 |
| 1891 | 19 |
| 1892 | 29 |
| 1893 | 67 |
| 1894 | 65 |
| 1895 | 99 |
321 stories matching session
- Streetcar Workers Demand Open County Meetings
Seattle’s Street Railway Employes’ Union petitions the legislature to force county commissioners to do the public’s business in public, after years of closed-door executive sessions.
- The Legislative Power Struggle in Olympia
Republicans scramble to organize the House as a looming senatorial battle threatens to stall state business.
- The Governor’s Executive Fiat
After the state legislature deadlocked and failed to elect a U.S. Senator, Governor McGraw unilaterally appointed John B. Allen to fill the seat.
- Republican Deadlock Finally Broken in Olympia
After intense lobbying and political maneuvering, John B. Allen secures the support needed to likely become the next U.S. Senator.
- The Last Midnight of the Washington Constitutional Convention
After fifty days of grueling debate and back-room maneuvering, delegates in Olympia finally finish the document that would define the state’s future.
- The Secret Plot to Block a City Appointment
When labor leaders discovered a politician was angling for a street commissioner post, they held a secret midnight meeting to kill his candidacy—but a reporter was listening through a hole in the roof.
- The Mayor Moves Against the Fire Commissioner
Mayor Phelps suspends Fire Commissioner George T. Masel, files five counts of incompetence and meddling with the chief, and calls a special session to hear them.
- The Black Diamond Eisteddfod
Welsh mining communities bring a tradition of choral excellence and literary competition to the Washington coal fields.
- Riot and Revelry at the Capitol
As the legislative session in Olympia concluded, members engaged in a chaotic scramble to loot furniture and equipment from the chambers.
- The Olympia Deadlock
Legislative chaos in Olympia as the Senate remains paralyzed by a months-long standoff over the election of a U.S. Senator.
- Officer Reprimanded for Abusive Conduct
A Seattle officer faces the police board after breaking down a door and using profanity during a raid on a lodging house.
- The Lobbying Push to Make Mount Rainier a National Park
Senators and scientists press a Senate committee to carve a national park out of the forest reserve surrounding Mount Rainier — before the session runs out.
- The Vulgarity of Legislative Gratuities
An editorial critique argues that tipping public officials during legislative sessions undermines the dignity of the state.
- City Council Rejects Fire Chief Nominee
In a tense, silent session, the Seattle City Council votes against confirming Gardner Kellogg as the new fire chief.
- Internal Strife Rocks the Seattle Police Force
In a three-hour secret session, police commissioners shuffle appointments, fire detectives, and grapple with accusations of graft and infighting.
- Fisticuffs at City Hall
A drainage ditch dispute erupts into a physical brawl between two men in the county commissioners' corridor.
- Fire Department Shake-up
Mayor and commissioners dismiss two captains after allegations of internal strife within the fireboat companies.
- A Low Bidder Cries Foul Over Tacoma’s New Water Pipes
Charges of inferior material and work outside the contract were briefly cleared—until affidavits from a lower bidder forced a fresh council inquiry.
- Lawyers Close Ranks Behind the Courts as Populism Roils the Bar
At the State Bar Association's Seattle session, a Spokane lawyer's attack on corporate influence in the judiciary drew a swift resolution of confidence—and a fight over nonpartisan judges and a state law school.
- Washington Kept Dodging Its Own Congressional Map
After the 1890 census gave Washington a second representative, the state spent years avoiding the required division into two congressional districts.
- Searching for Efficiency in City Hall
A joint committee of the Municipal League and the Chamber of Commerce begins an investigation into the spending habits of King County officials.
- The Populists and the 'Single Tax' Movement in Disarray
An account of the Populist party's executive session, featuring internal finger-pointing and failing funds.
- Washington State Legislature Ends in Gridlock
After a grueling, unproductive session, lawmakers fail to elect a U.S. Senator, leaving Governor McGraw to appoint a successor amidst a rush of last-minute legislation.
- The Railroad Freight Fight That Nearly Forced a Special Session
Farmers and reformers pushed the Anderson railroad bill to a Senate showdown, while Gov. McGraw threatened to keep lawmakers in Olympia until freight rates came down.
- Seattle’s Suspended Fire Commissioner Skips His Own Hearing
George T. Masel is a no-show before a joint session of the city council, and the rumor is he would rather face charges than let creditors see his property.