Political Infighting Hits Washington’s Young Agricultural College
Regents move to meet in North Yakima in an apparent power struggle to depose college president Warren Lilley.
The story, cleaned up
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SPOKANE, Nov. —President Lilley's goose is cooked. At least the action of the board of regents of the state agricultural college is so construed this evening. It looks as if North Yakima has stolen a march on Pullman. Smith moved that when the board adjourned it adjourned to meet at North Yakima December 12. No one seconded the motion, but Felloes said: 'What do you want to meet at Yakima for? Do you suppose the fence will be up?' This raised laughter, but Smith stuck to his motion, asserting that it needed no second. Bellinger evidently favored it and finally put the motion, Felloes consenting though he did not vote for it. It is evident that Warren Lilley is to be removed as soon as Lesh is on hand to vote with them. It is an open secret that Smith and Bellinger have not dropped their war on Lilley. There is little doubt that he would have been removed this time if Lesh had been on hand to vote with them.
“President Lilley's goose is cooked.”
The Washington State Agricultural College, which later became Washington State University, faced early instability and political maneuvering at the regent level. This mirrors the recurring challenges faced by public institutions in navigating civic control and academic leadership throughout state history.
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