The Everett Dog Catcher Conflict
A simmering dispute between the city marshal and the police captain over the humiliation of dog-catching duties ends in a standoff with service revolvers.
A lively set-to between Marshal Crowe and Capt. Shea of the police force is the talk of the town tonight. Crowe directed Shea to look after the dog catchers, who were started out today under orders of the council. Shea deemed it humiliating and refused to do it. He told Crowe that he ought not to ask him to do it, and would not if he had not been put up to it by Judge Mitchell. Crowe replied hotly, 'You’re a liar.' Shea said, 'You’re another.' Crowe advanced to strike him, and Shea, who has a lame arm, put his hand on his revolver, saying, 'Don’t you attack me while I am lame, or I will perforate you.' Crowe drew back and the affair ended for the time. It is likely to get before the city council and more trouble is anticipated.
“Don’t you attack me while I am lame, or I will perforate you.”
Pet control and municipal labor disputes have long been a source of civic friction in Washington. This story highlights the thin veneer of decorum in early Everett's city government.
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