A Silver Chest for the Political Boss
Prominent Republicans gather at the Rainier Club to honor John H. McGraw with a lavish testimonial of solid silver for his role in the senatorial contest.
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 Republicans of Seattle had a love-feast last night at which they did homage to Hon. John H. McGraw, presenting him with a testimonial of personal esteem for his services in the recent senatorial contest. Nearly every Republican of prominence in the city was present at the Rainier Club. John Arthur addressed the room, stating: 'On a more modest scale we celebrate tonight a victory of heart, mind and character... We wish to certify to him that in rendering to our community, and to the whole state, services which we regard as of high importance, he has not rendered them to thankless people.' He then presented McGraw with a chest containing ninety-five pieces of solid silver, each engraved with the name 'McGraw.' The cabinet, a gem from the stock of Mr. A. Hansen, included table knives, spoons, forks, and a game carving set. McGraw, appearing visibly moved, thanked his peers for their approval. Following the speeches, the attendees drank toasts to the 'heroes of the campaign' and the 'hero of the stairway,' E. S. Meany.
“These are victories of mind over matter. They are victories of the human brain over mere brute force.”
This display of elite, backroom political patronage highlights the inner workings of late-19th-century political machines in Washington, long before the reforms of the direct primary.
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