The Governor’s Rally in Snohomish
A political procession of 1,000 torchbearers marches through Snohomish to support John H. McGraw’s gubernatorial bid.
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.
SNOHOMISH, Oct. 18.—Hon. John H. McGraw spoke to over 1,100 people of all creeds and colors at Cathcart Opera House here tonight. The enthusiasm began at 7:30 p.m., when a procession composed of 1,000 citizens bearing torches, led by the Gem City band, started down Front street toward the opera house. Cheer after cheer rent the air as the procession passed. Inside, the auditorium was packed to the limit. Just before the opening, a leading member of the local Grand Army post, supported by a company of comrades, marched up the center aisle and draped an American flag over the seat occupied by Mr. McGraw. McGraw delivered a pointed speech on protectionism, and when challenged by a local critic, flourishly dismissed the attack with righteous contempt. The rally marked a high point in the town’s political season.
“As soon think of Webster discussing common law with a mountebank as that any right-minded person should need attempt to answer allegations of the sort found in nearly every community.”
In 1892, Snohomish was a critical hub for statewide political theater, with town-wide parades serving as the primary way for candidates to demonstrate strength. Today, while physical torchlight processions have largely been replaced by digital campaigns, the intense partisan fervor seen here remains a staple of Washington politics.
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