The Political Brawl at Ellensburgh

Now that the election is over some amusing political incidents, which were hushed during the campaign, can be let out without harm. One of this character grew out of Tom Griffitts asking, 'Who is this man Lyman Elmore?' It was at the democratic convention held at Ellensburgh and Griffitts was working every wire to gain the nomination for congress. Elmore is a democratic politician from Tacoma and is reputed to be worth a bushel of money. It was brought to Griffitts’ ear that Elmore offered to bear the expenses of the campaign if Wheelwright of Tacoma was nominated, which induced Griffitts’ exclamatory query. That night there was a caucus and some drinking in Elmore’s quarters, at which Griffitts was present. The caucus became in time very animated and Griffitts’ name was constantly on the tongue. Finally Elmore got up, and there was blood in his eye. 'I hear nothing but Griffitts, Griffitts,' he said, 'and now I want to know who in hell is this man Griffitts?' The remark of the Spokane apostle of democracy had been carried to him and he had gotten home.