The War of the Everett Editors
An arrest for criminal libel turns into a public spectacle as two rival newspaper editors battle over a municipal bridge contract.
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.
A sensation was created today by the arrest of J. W. Connella, editor of the 'Axe,' on a charge of criminal libel sworn out by James M. Vernon, editor of the 'Times.' The alleged libel is based on an article in the 'Axe' containing a scathing criticism of the 'Times' position on the purchase of the Everett avenue bridge. Deputy Sheriff Ed Dwyer served the warrant, and just before reaching the courtroom of Justice P. K. Lewis, Connella held out his hand and allowed Dwyer to clasp the handcuffs on for a joke. This was told around town with all seriousness, and added to the sensation.
“Deputy Sheriff Ed Dwyer served the warrant, and just before reaching the courtroom... Connella held out his hand and allowed Dwyer to clasp the handcuffs on for a joke.”
Local news feuds in early Everett were fierce, often reflecting the intense boosterism and political rivalries of a city under construction. The use of 'criminal libel' as a weapon between competing editors was a common, if heavy-handed, tactic in the 1890s.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.