The Political Pilgrimage to Steilacoom
In 1887, Washington Territorial legislators took a collective trip to inspect the state's asylum, but the solemn mission quickly devolved into a social affair that kept the real results hidden from the public.
Olympia, Dec. 15 — The legislative visit to the Territorial Insane Asylum at Steilacoom concluded today. The lawmakers traveled to the facility in a body, arriving on a special train. The intention was to conduct a serious inspection of the institution, but the event took on a social character. After the inspection, the visitors were treated to a dinner by the asylum staff, and many of the legislators stayed for an evening social. A large number of ladies of both parties joined the company, and the entire affair remained a mystery to the outside world until the party returned. Because the legislators were so preoccupied with the social activities, it became impossible for reports of the actual conditions to be sent away or made public at the time. The members who went seemed very satisfied with the asylum, though the official findings remained obscured by the festivities.
“Because the legislators were so preoccupied with the social activities, it became impossible for reports of the actual conditions to be sent away.”
The tension between 'serious oversight' and 'social junket' is a perennial feature of Washington politics. Just as in 1887, when legislators found it easier to enjoy a dinner than to issue a critical report on the state of public health facilities, modern citizens often struggle to pierce the veil of political optics to see the true state of institutional care.
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