Clearing the Beach Squatters
City authorities order the removal of squatters living on the tide lands as the city begins to enforce strict land claims.
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.
In accordance with the recent action of the Council, the Chief of Police yesterday notified the squatters who have settled on the beach at the foot of University street, that the time had come to vacate. The order created a great commotion among the washed beach dwellers, who regard it as a most glaring infringement of the great unwritten law of squatter sovereignty. However, the Chief was inexorable, and drew lines indicating just what portion of the beach would have to be vacated. Sufficient time has been given to allow the inmates of the embryo mansions to remove their household effects, but in a few days that portion of the beach will be clear of squatters.
“The order created a great commotion among the beach dwellers, who regard it as a most glaring infringement of the great unwritten law of squatter sovereignty.”
The tension between 'squatter sovereignty' and municipal order at the water's edge defined early Seattle development. The removal of residents at University Street reflects the ongoing conflict over public space and property rights in a rapidly privatizing city.
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