The Land Company’s Revenge in Tacoma
A report from Tacoma says city officials may be punished at confirmation because they crossed the Tacoma Land Company in a fight over the municipal light and water plant.
TACOMA, April 29.—(Special.)—It is the report about the city council today that when the mayor’s appointments come up on Friday for confirmation the council will reject the nomination of James Wickersham to be reappointed city attorney, and D. O. Smith as reappointed chief of police. It is said there will be seven votes against confirmation and five for. This assertion will, if it is made, be a slap to the mayor. It is believed the Tacoma Land Company and its friends are behind the move, and that Wickersham and Smith are to be punished for the action they took against the land company’s interests in the suit growing out of the purchase of the light and water plant. If these appointments are rejected, there is but little doubt that the mayor will refuse to make any other and they will continue to hold office. The next move would be made by the land company in the form of a suit to prevent their exercising the duties of their office.
“It is believed the Tacoma Land Company and its friends are behind the move, and that Wickersham and Smith are to be punished for the action they took against the land company’s interests in the suit growing out of the purchase of the light and water plant.”
The fight captures a familiar local dynamic: a private land and utility interest using its leverage in city hall to punish officials who challenge it. Modern Seattle and Tacoma still argue over who controls public utilities, land, and the terms of development—and how much private power can shape public appointments.
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