The Territory Picks Its Favorite
A survey of prominent Republicans across Washington Territory shows overwhelming support for James G. Blaine in the upcoming presidential nomination.
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.
Seeking to ascertain the political drift of the Washington Territory in the upcoming Presidential canvass, we mailed circulars to prominent party leaders in every county. We sought to reach thinking, intelligent men who could judge public opinion in their respective communities. Although answers regarding personal preferences varied, the general sentiment shows an overwhelming feeling in favor of James G. Blaine from one end of the Territory to the other. In Snohomish County alone, Arthur was found to be the preferred candidate, but elsewhere, the 'Plumed Knight' Blaine leads the field, with Edmunds and Lincoln often cited as second choices.
“James Blaine is the pride of the people of this county, and no mistake, for the nomination at the Chicago Convention.”
This 1884 straw poll highlights the era's 'territorial' status, where residents had strong political opinions despite lacking the right to vote for President. It mirrors the persistent tension in Washington state history between local political identity and federal influence.
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