Seattle and Port Townsend Vie for Methodist University

The committee appointed to investigate the locations for the proposed Methodist University reported a lively debate among local interests. The University was to be established by the Puget Sound Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The committee was empowered to consider propositions for the site of the proposed university.

Judge Thomas Burke addressed the committee, stating, 'I feel quite embarrassed. I am sorry in my heart that this came before the public print. If two bids were made, one for $10,000 and the other for $15,000, I would vote for the greater; but if two of the same amount were made, one for Port Townsend and the other for Seattle, I would vote for the latter, because Seattle has been associated with Port Townsend and been honest. We must be very careful, for what we do here will go abroad and be seen by honor, and we will face the appearance at least.'

Mr. Denison argued that the committee should favor the Seattle proposal, while others urged caution regarding land titles and financial guarantees. A final vote was taken, resulting in a decision to proceed with formalizing the land deal, though the contentious nature of the bidding process—framed as a choice between civic loyalty and personal enrichment—left many local leaders uneasy about the institution's future.