The Great Parliamentary Stall of 1862
After ninety-seven ballots, the Council remains deadlocked, delaying the people’s business for a debate over regional representation.
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.
The Council met pursuant to adjournment. Mr. Webster moved that the Chief Justice be requested to administer the oath of office to Mr. Bledso. On motion of Mr. Webster, the Council proceeded to their permanent organization. After the announcement of the fourth ballot, Mr. Simms was elected President of the Council. Mr. Hubbs moved that the Council go into an election of Chief Clerk. Mr. Brown was elected on the first ballot. For Sergeant-at-Arms, there were ninety-seven ballots had without any choice. On the sixtieth ballot, Mr. Clark moved to adjourn till 8 o'clock in the evening to give time for the Hon. Mr. Moore to arrive. The gist of the debate was as to whether the two houses as organized so far had not received a fair proportion of officers from east of the mountains. It was contended by Mr. Clark that the Council should have due share in the officers. Upon motion of Mr. McFadden the Council adjourned till Monday at 10 A. M.
“There were ninety-seven ballots had without any choice.”
Political gridlock and the struggle between regional interests—in this case, East vs. West of the Cascades—remain as defining features of Washington state politics today as they were in 1862. The struggle for geographic representation within legislative bodies continues to influence how the state allocates its resources and leadership roles.
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