The Presidential Ambitions of Governor Laughton
Critics allege that a $50,000 geological survey appropriation is being used to fund a political vanity project.
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.
A telegram from Tacoma appearing in the Spokane Spokesman claims that a $50,000 appropriation for a state geological survey is being diverted to boost Charles E. Laughton’s presidential aspirations. State Geologist Bethune, a close associate of Governor Laughton, reportedly confirmed that the funds are intended to secure a delegation for Laughton at the next Republican national convention. Bethune praised Laughton’s musical talents and his membership in various secret societies as sufficient qualifications for the highest office in the land. The scheme reportedly involves extensive travel to set up political pins throughout the state.
“What more can any one want in a president?”
This reflects the perennial political anxiety surrounding the misuse of public funds for 'booming' candidates. It highlights how the early years of Washington statehood were rife with machine politics and the use of government resources for personal political gain.
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