The Machine versus the People in Federal Patronage
Col. C. W. Griggs challenges the Democratic 'party machine' in Washington, proposing a merit-based 'centers of population' approach for federal appointments over partisan cronyism.
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.
Tacoma, March 31. What is known as the Griggs faction in state politics considers favorably this ticket for the leading Federal offices: Collector, W. H. Talbot, Seattle; Marshal, Stephen Judson, Tacoma; Attorney, J. L. Sharpstein, Walla Walla; Surveyor General, C. H. Warner, Colfax. Col. C. W. Griggs, the accepted leader of the faction named after him, was asked today regarding his stance on Federal patronage. Griggs stated: 'I am opposed to bossism in every form and shape. I want no rings, no cliques, no factions. The state organization was not created for that purpose. It was essentially a campaign committee. The whole body of the people, and not a ring, should be heard.' Griggs argues that appointments should go to worthy men who reflect credit upon the principles of Democracy, rather than those who serve the interests of a party organization. While critics suggest he is merely building a machine of his own to facilitate a run for the U.S. Senate, Griggs maintains he is not seeking any office and is focused on ensuring diverse representation from Seattle, Tacoma, Walla Walla, and Spokane.
“I am opposed to bossism in every form and shape. I want no rings, no cliques, no factions.”
This power struggle over who gets to dispense federal jobs (patronage) highlights the historical tension between party bosses and civic reform. Today, the debate has shifted from individual patronage to the influence of political action committees and large-scale donor networks on local governance, yet the core question—who actually holds the reins of the party—remains unchanged.
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