Protests Against the White River Ditch
A contentious battle over land damages and irrigation pits the county commissioners against local landowners, headed for court.
The story, cleaned up
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Prosecuting Attorney McBride has filed with the clerk of the board of county commissioners his order regarding the White River ditch petition case. Claims for damages were filed at the last meeting of the board, but nothing was done until Monday when they were turned over to the prosecutor for examination. The order filed rejects the claims of the 'kickers' against the ditch. The protests were overruled, as they were more numerous than the promoters of the ditch, and the claims for damages of J. H. Kengstorff, John Squire, O. P. Askam and others were denied. They had claimed a total of $14,000 in damages. Kengstorff claimed $2,000, Squire $5,000, Askam $7,000, and others smaller amounts. It is expected that the damaged property owners will ask the decision of the commissioners to be reviewed by the superior court.
“The protests were overruled, as they were more numerous than the promoters of the ditch.”
The struggle over the White River ditch highlights Seattle’s long history of complex, often litigious infrastructure battles. Much like today’s controversies over development and water rights, the clash between private property owners and public works projects remains a hallmark of regional growth.
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