The Ghost of the Printing Contract
A standoff between rival city newspapers turns the Seattle City Council into an empty room.
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.
The four aldermen who were so determined last Friday night that the Telegraph, the highest bidder, should have the city printing contract, stayed away from the meeting of the board last night at which the matter was to be settled. The absentees were Cram, Ingram, Stocks, and Jordan. Those present were Carle, Daulton, Miller, and Sweeney. The latter waited three-quarters of an hour on the obstructionists and then adjourned to meet this evening. Alderman Cram was unavoidably detained by the minstrel show, and the other absentees will have equally reasonable excuses to present to offset their fines when they draw their salaries. J. P. Gleason, treasurer of the Telegraph, did not put in an appearance until just before the adjournment was taken. It is possible that the aldermen may have a quorum tonight, but it is supposed the obstructionists are prepared to hold out until they can force a majority for the Telegraph.
“The latter waited three-quarters of an hour on the obstructionists and then adjourned to meet this evening.”
Local government battles over municipal contracts remain a staple of Seattle politics, though the modern equivalent often involves tech procurement or housing zoning battles rather than the specific patronage of city printing newspapers. The tactical use of a 'no-show' to break a quorum remains a standard, if contentious, legislative maneuver.
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