A Frontier Call to Stand by the Union
Meeting in Steilacoom, Pierce County Republicans resolve to support the Constitution and condemn the removal of the Territorial Capitol.
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.
Pursuant to notice, the Pierce County Republican Convention met at the Methodist Church in Steilacoom, and organized by electing J. M. Bachelder Chairman, and J. V. Meeker Secretary. The Committee on Resolutions appointed at a previous meeting, reported the following resolutions: 1st, That we, the Republicans of Pierce and Sawamish counties, in Convention assembled, do most heartily endorse the principles enunciated in the Chicago Platform; but that in view of our great national troubles, which threaten the very existence of our beloved Union, we do not deem it necessary, or expedient, to adopt it as the sole rule and guide, but would earnestly call upon citizens to stand shoulder to shoulder by the Constitution of our country. 2nd, That we do most cordially endorse the principles enunciated in the Inaugural Address of President Lincoln and have entire confidence in his fidelity, patriotism, and ability to carry our nation triumphantly through the present alarming crisis. 3rd, That we deem any act of the Territorial Legislature removing the Capitol from the Sound to any other portion of the Territory as that of gross injustice to this section, and that we will not support, directly or indirectly, any person who will vote for such a measure.
“We do not deem it necessary, or expedient, to adopt [the platform] as the sole rule and guide, but would earnestly call upon citizens to stand shoulder to shoulder by the Constitution.”
In 1861, Olympia was embroiled in a fierce legislative struggle over the location of the capital, a perennial issue that resurfaces in Washington State politics to this day. This convention captures the tension of a young territory choosing sides as the Civil War began, emphasizing the fragility of both the nation and the local seat of power.
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