Violence Erupts Over Election Day Charges
A legal dispute over liquor sales on election day spills into the streets of North Yakima, leading to a violent brawl.
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. Richmond made a complaint against Dr. Thos. McAuslan for the illegal distribution of liquors on election day. The doctor, who resides in the 'old town,' came to North Yakima last Friday to answer the complaint and was acquitted. While driving home that afternoon, Richmond's wagon and McAuslan’s buggy collided in a mysterious manner, resulting in the doctor being thrown under the feet of Richmond’s horses. He sustained a severe cut in the side, which incapacitates him from his business. This occurrence caused much public comment, and ex-Probate Judge Brooks made remarks uncomplimentary to Richmond, which were answered by an assault. Yakima is torn up from center to circumference over the matter, and some interesting developments are promised.
“Yakima is torn up from center to circumference over the matter, and some interesting developments are promised.”
Local political rivalries in the late 19th century were frequently settled through personal confrontation and litigation. This incident highlights the deep-seated tension in early North Yakima between established residents and newcomers, centered around the 'old town' vs. the new town site.
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