Aberdeen Sleeps Through Its Own Election

The city election on Tuesday was the quietest in the history of Aberdeen, the voters apparently manifesting little interest as to the result. The few who did use their right as American citizens went to the polls unmolested by the traditional ward-heeler who is thoroughly familiar with the pedigree and history of each candidate, deposited his ballot in the care of the judges, and returned to his place of business — often being the only person at the polls except the members of the election board. In fact, so little interest did it create that many voters and one or two candidates went down the bay duck-hunting.

The main strife was that between the candidates for city marshal and city attorney, each being out renewing old acquaintances and manifesting the usual before-election interest in the welfare and health of the family and whole ancestry of the dear voter. There was also an occasional "libber" encountered, who predicted dire results unless his particular candidate was successful. The small majority Bell, for health officer, received over Pratsch indicates that the popularity of each is about even, as neither made any special effort to influence voters in their behalf.

The most conspicuous feature about the election was the exceeding "dryness" and scarcity of the accustomed twofer cigar. Even after the result was announced, the same conditions prevailed, and the individual who never fails to procure a supply of cigars and fill himself with whisky at the expense of the successful candidate — whether his vote helped elect him or not — was compelled to retire without his usual after-election grist.

The successful candidates constitute the entire Citizens' Ticket, and with the exception of mayor and three councilmen are the present city officials. Mack, for treasurer, received the highest vote, with Bush, for clerk, a good second, while Weatherwax was not far behind. Pearson, for marshal, received the highest majority of any of the contesting candidates, showing that the voters of Aberdeen appreciate his good work in the past. The same feeling is manifest in the good majority Hood received for councilman at large. The contest for city attorneyship was the closest, McKinlay being elected by only six votes over Cross.

There were 278 voters registered, of which 219 voted. Among the results: for mayor, Clyde B. Weatherwax, 173; for councilman at large, James A. Hood, 113, over A. C. Little, 62; for treasurer, William B. Mack, 201; for health officer, Charles E. Bell, 103, over Charles E. Pratsch, 94; for marshal, William H. Pearson, 149, over John Steen, 71; for clerk, Albert W. Bush, 190; for attorney, William O. McKinlay, 80, J. C. Cross, 74, I. W. Mason, 55.

The city officials for the ensuing year will be as follows: Mayor — Clyde B. Weatherwax. Councilmen — At large, Jas. A. Hood; First ward, S. E. Linn, Alex. Young, L. J. Kolts; Second ward, D. H. Keith, P. F. Clark, S. K. Bowes. Clerk — Albert W. Bush. Treasurer — William B. Mack. Marshal — William H. Pearson. Attorney — William O. McKinlay. Health officer — Charles B. Bell.

Those who succeed themselves have been efficient servants of the people, and we trust the new ones will prove as true to the interests of the city. Let Economy be your watchword.