The Political Bazaar of 1887
Before the Washington State Legislature even convened, the corridors of Olympia hotels turned into a chaotic, horse-trading marketplace for the speakership.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The speakership in this council and house is now the subject of trading at every street corner and in the hotels incessantly. It is, of course, the absorbing thought. Regarding the contest, the Republicans, on the other hand, name O.C. White of Dayton, T.W. Steele of Tacoma, G.W. Gowey of Olympia, and J. any other of their number, and offer to do everything else in exchange for the seat. The only stipulation made is that the president shall have the power of naming the committees, etc., leagued to him in full. It is generally conceded that if the right to appoint the chief clerk is given to the Republicans, they will give the office to P.B. Johnson. Johnson says he will freely risk his chances in front of a Democrat if the Republicans secure the president by the sacrifice. The suggestion of Joseph Foster, Democrat, from King County, is that there shall be an equal division of clerkships and that a penny be loaned for the presidency. So far, nothing has been done but a street corner and hotel lobby canvass for a preference. Tom Humes, of Seattle, is a strong favorite in a good field. Aside from his personal popularity and strong qualifications, the recent date of Humes' election is argued in his favor. He has not had time, it is said, to have effected combinations. Coming directly out of a room, straight from the hands of the people, so to speak, he must necessarily be free from the idea of jobs. This logic seems to be a telling one, and is having its effect with the Democrats.
“The speakership... is now the subject of trading at every street corner and in the hotels incessantly.”
The frantic, transactional nature of 1887 legislative politicking in hotel lobbies bears a striking resemblance to the influence of special interest lobbying in modern Olympia. The 'street corner and hotel lobby canvass' described here remains the unglamorous, behind-the-scenes reality of how political power is consolidated before a single vote is officially cast.
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