The Senate Deadlock Breaks at Olympia
After weeks of gridlock, Washington's legislature moves to re-elect John B. Allen to the U.S. Senate as the opposition dissolves.
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.
John B. Allen will be re-elected United States senator on Monday. The contest is practically over. The most sanguine of the Turner men have given up hope, and no further serious effort will be made to continue the deadlock. The Republican differences will be healed and the right of the majority to control will prevail. Today Judge Turner had but twenty-three Republican votes and the support of Moore, independent. Outside of Spokane he had only 16 votes. Senator Allen's vote was increased to 52, Senator Rutter having, in obedience to the will of his constituents, made the King county delegation again solid for Allen. Miles C. Moore departed this afternoon, saddened by the sorrow of another defeat, and expressing the opinion that a senator can be elected without his help. The deadlock has not been strong enough to last as long as he and his fellow conspirators wished.
“Miles C. Moore departed this afternoon, saddened by the sorrow of another defeat, and expressing the opinion that a senator can be elected without his help.”
This story highlights the intense political maneuvering in Olympia during the early days of statehood. The 'deadlock' culture in legislative bodies persists, illustrating that civic frustration over stalled governance is a foundational element of Washington's political history.
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