The Political Schemer of Tacoma
How a local industrialist bought a newspaper to build his own influence and secure public contracts.
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.
Having bought up all local newspaper opposition in Tacoma, Nelson Bennett, through the Ledger, had worked up considerable prejudice against Senator John B. Allen. This prejudice reached its height two months ago, but has since declined. Everything went well for Bennett so long as he touted Tacoma as against imagined enemies, but a revolt came with the 'show-down.' Bennett was for Bennett. He always is. He tried to make it appear that Senator Allen was an enemy of Tacoma because he coveted the Senator's seat, and he attacked the water company because he wanted a $2,000,000 contract to build new water works. Builders estimate that at that price, there is at least a half million dollars 'in it' for Bennett. Candidates here do not think their personal friendships should make them outcasts in their own home, and they do not wish to herd with Mr. Bennett and his little 'Mugwump' clique.
“He tried to make it appear that John B. Allen was an enemy of Tacoma; he coveted a seat in the United States senate.”
The practice of wealthy figures buying media outlets to influence local policy and secure municipal contracts is a recurring theme in Seattle's history, echoing modern concerns about developer influence in City Hall.
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