Collector Victor Smith Removed from Port Angeles Post
The controversial Collector of Customs for the Puget Sound District is dismissed, replaced by Fred A. Wilson.
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.
We have been shown a telegraphic dispatch, dated Washington, May 11th, which declares positively that Victor Smith has been removed from the office of Collector of Customs at Port Angeles, and that Fred A. Wilson, of Port Townsend, has been appointed his successor. We hardly know which will rejoice our people most, the removal of the immortal Victor, who has ruled the commerce of the Sound with so lordly a mien, or the appointment of Mr. Wilson. Everybody who knows Mr. W. will rejoice at his good fortune. He is peculiarly qualified for the position, and combines with his thorough capability, sterling honesty and integrity. Poor Victor! thy course was brilliant but brief.
“Poor Victor! thy course was brilliant but brief. Retire to private shades!”
Victor Smith was a notoriously polarizing figure in territorial politics, representing the often-contentious nature of federal appointments in the distant Washington Territory. His dismissal was a major civic event for those dependent on Puget Sound maritime commerce.
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