The Yakima Hop Growers' Dispute
Local farmers appeal to federal authorities to stop Congressman John L. Wilson from diverting Indian labor to the Sound.
A petition which was signed by every hop grower in the valley was sent to the commissioner of Indian affairs Tuesday, protesting against the action of Congressman Wilson in endeavoring to encourage the Indian hop pickers in going to the Sound. The hop growers are justly indignant, as much anxiety is felt for the safety of the local hops, owing to the scarcity of pickers. Every Indian who is disposed to work can find plenty to do here.
“The hop growers are justly indignant, as much anxiety is felt for the safety of the local hops, owing to the scarcity of pickers.”
This reflects the ongoing power dynamic between land-owning agricultural interests and the federal government regarding the labor of Indigenous people, a recurring conflict in the history of Yakima Valley agriculture.
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