Tacoma's Congressman Betrays the People in D.C.
Francis W. Cushman aligns with political bosses, voting against rules that would have allowed for greater congressional transparency and legislative accountability.
For the first time in more than a dozen years, the people yesterday knocked a cog out of the machine at Washington. The House voted 195 to 189 to kill the old rules by which Speaker Cannon, representing the conservative and special privilege classes, has thwarted every effort of the people for a square deal. Congressman Francis W. Cushman of this district cast his vote for the bosses and against the people. While Cushman often brags about his poverty and early struggles to impress the common people, he has been playing the role of a sleek political sycophant. Miles Poindexter of Spokane, on the other hand, voted against Cannon and for the new rules. It is whispered that the political machine will withhold favors and patronage from Poindexter for his defiance. Every citizen should note Cushman's record for the next election.
“Because Cushman helps the bosses and Poindexter votes for the people.”
This reflects the perennial tension in Tacoma politics between local representatives and the perceived influence of federal power or 'machine' interests. The editorial tone captures the fiery, populist sentiment of 1909 Washington state politics, which eventually helped fuel the progressive movement.
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