The 'Tillicum' Plot to Scalp John B. Allen
Tacoma political operators allegedly plot a complex, backroom scheme to unseat Senator John B. Allen in favor of a coalition candidate.
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.
Some of the Pierce county representatives who bolted the Republican ticket at the late election are again monkeying with the political buzz-saw. Judge George Turner, of Spokane, permits himself to be courted by the element which has a selfish interest in opposing United States Senator John B. Allen. The 'Tillicums,' Tacoma’s new Tammany, are suggesting a 'double deal' where Democrats might vote for a candidate like Nelson Bennett if Republicans won't support their first choice. This political caucus, featuring figures like John J. Malone, Henry J. Snively, and George Hazzard, allegedly operates from the corridors of the Tacoma Hotel. Despite the maneuvering, many legislators believe Senator Allen has the political machinery to secure his position.
“Those who caucus are, to the world, out of politics. So they say. In this case their political ghosts do stalk numerously through the corridors and occult passages of the Tacoma hotel.”
The 'Tillicums' represent a classic example of 19th-century political machines using private influence to dictate public outcomes. Today’s Seattle political landscape often features similar debates over the power of special interest groups and 'caucusing' vs. open civic engagement.
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