Whitman County Farmers Declare War on Monopoly
Spring Flat settlers resolve to stop buying Northern Pacific Railroad lands at 'exorbitant' prices, challenging the company's title to the public domain.
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 Farmers' Protective Association of Spring Flat met and adopted resolutions stating that the Northern Pacific Railroad Company has selected most or all of the odd sections of indemnity lands in this part of Whitman County and has put exorbitant prices on them. We verily believe they have no right or title to any of said lands. Nearly all legislation for the last few years has been in the interest of the few against the many. Therefore, be it resolved that we will not buy any of said lands at the exorbitant prices now asked, nor until the said company can make a perfect title. Notice is hereby given to all persons not to buy any of said lands that are settled upon by actual settlers. Further, we will not support any person for legislative office who will not faithfully pledge himself to work for the interests of the people and against railroad or other monopolies that are trying to usurp the rights of the people.
“Nearly all legislation for the last few years has been in the interest of the few against the many.”
This 1884 protest echoes the enduring regional skepticism regarding the power of large corporations and railroads over Washington's public lands. The farmers' tactics—refusing to pay, challenging titles, and demanding legislative accountability—foreshadow modern debates over land use and corporate influence in the state.
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