The Shadow of the Mine Wars at Seattle City Hall

SEATTLE, MARCH 31, 1892. TO THE EDITOR: I am informed that John Huff, recently appointed by Mayor Ronald as lieutenant of the city police, is the same man who was employed by Thug Sullivan as one of his lieutenants during the miner's trouble in this county last spring. I hereby protest against him holding a public office, on the ground that no law-breaker should ever be intrusted with the enforcement of law. For authority that Huff did break the law, I will cite as nearly as I can remember the words of Governor Ferry: 'The armed force now employed by the Oregon Improvement Company at the mines in King county is contrary to our state constitution, but unfortunately there was no provision made by the legislature giving me the power to enforce that section of the constitution. The anti-Pinkerton law passed by the legislature aimed to give me that power, but Mr. Laughton having vetoed it leaves me powerless to act. I have, however, no hesitancy in saying that every armed man now in the employ of the Oregon Improvement Company at their mines is there contrary to law.' I think that is sufficient evidence to prove that Huff did maliciously and willfully violate our constitution. Mayor Ronald acted as chairman of a citizens' committee organized for the very purpose of compelling Mr. Huff to cease menacing the life of peaceful citizens. From my knowledge of the mayor's character, I am inclined to believe that he would not willfully appoint a lawbreaker as captain of our police. I take it for granted that Mr. Ronald is not aware of Huff's actions during the strike, and I take this occasion to request him to investigate the statements made by me in this letter, and if found true I have no doubt he will manfully confess his mistake and correct the error. ABE SPRING.