The $10,000 Practical Joke on Representative Judson
Legislators in Olympia pull a prank by forging a bill in the name of an unsuspecting Representative, only to have it officially recorded in the House journal.
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.
Representative Judson was the victim of a practical joke today. On the last call of the session, a bill was sent to the clerk's desk by an unknown author on which was endorsed the statement that it was introduced by Judson, by request. The measure provided for the creation of the office of superintendent of construction of buildings, and John Rigby, of Seattle, was named to fill the office until the next general election at an annual salary of $10,000. Judson was not attentive when the title of the bill was read, and the measure was referred before he became aware of its character. The bill was so peculiar that Judson was called to the press table to furnish information about it. As soon as he ascertained the unwarranted use that had been made of his name, he became indignant and, rising to a question of personal privilege, disclaimed all responsibility for the measure. The bill was then indefinitely postponed.
“Judson was not attentive when the title of the bill was read, and the measure was referred before he became aware of its character.”
Pranks on the floor of the legislature are a reminder that the hallowed halls of Olympia have always been susceptible to the same juvenile antics found in any high school. It serves as a reminder that behind the serious veneer of state lawmaking lie individuals prone to errors of attention and moments of genuine absurdity.
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