A Custom Official's Reputation Cleared
A malicious smear campaign against a Seattle official, fueled by Tacoma gossip, falls apart after the accuser retracts his claims.
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.
As heretofore stated in the POST-INTELLIGENCER, each day's developments reveal some new act on the part of the Tacoma Ledger to spy around and obtain unreliable street gossip, which by distortion and misrepresentation could be used to cast an odium on the customs officers. Last week the Ledger charged Special Deputy Plummer with having extorted an illegal fee from Mark Ten Sue, of Seattle. On investigation it was proven to be untrue. In connection therewith the following letter was received today: 'SEATTLE, Wash., May 19th, 1893. Hon. A. A. Plummer, Deputy Collector, Port Townsend, Wash.—Sir: I have just read the issue of the Tacoma Ledger containing an attack upon you in relation to the certificate which you kindly signed for me. I regret that any statement made by me in connection with the matter could have been contorted into a reduction upon your official character. Thanking you for past favors, I remain, very respectfully, MARK TEN SUE.' Mr. Plummer sent the following reply: 'OFFICE OF COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS, PORT OF PORT TOWNSEND, Wash., May 27, 1893. Mr. Mark Ten Sue, Seattle—Sir: Acknowledging receipt of your favor of the 15th inst., I appreciate the motive that prompted your letter, but assure you that no acquaintance of mine would consider anything written upon my personal or official character that the Ledger dare not assume editorial responsibility for. Written in ignorance and inspired by malice, the article in question was received by all with the contempt it deserved. Respectfully, A. A. PLUMMER.'
“Written in ignorance and inspired by malice, the article in question was received by all with the contempt it deserved.”
This 1893 conflict between Seattle and Tacoma represents the height of the 'city rivalry' era, where newspapers weaponized local business disputes to smear their neighbors. While the medium has shifted from print to social media, the regional animosity and the weaponization of personal testimony remain a persistent thread in Pacific Northwest civic life.
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