Political Rebellion in the State Legislature
Senator Hutchinson breaks with the Democratic caucus in Olympia to challenge railroad-backed influence in Washington politics.
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.
Though no Democrat followed Senator Hutchinson when he stepped out of the Griggs ranks today, a number would have been delighted to do so. Hutchinson took the step after having been vigorously told that it would be injurious to his chances for an appointment. The real reason for Hutchinson's action is his strong hostility to the Northern Pacific company. He was originally opposed to Griggs, preferring James Hamilton Lewis or Louis K. Church, and since the nomination of the Tacoma capitalist he has chafed under the caucus rule that required him to vote for Griggs, whom he regards as in league with the Northern Pacific. Today, when his name was reached, he arose and nominated J. J. Browne for United States senator. Senator Hutchinson trembled visibly as he read, and the sheets of paper in his hands shook as if blown by a wind.
“I propose to exercise my right as an American citizen and vote as I see fit.”
The struggle between 'caucus rule' and individual conviction in Olympia remains a central theme in Washington politics. Much like today's legislative battles over corporate influence, the 1893 deadlock over US Senate appointments highlights the persistent tension between party loyalty and public interest.
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