The Democrats’ Loyalty Test in Olympia
A December 1859 caucus of Democratic territorial legislators spent the evening arguing over who was pure enough to hold House offices — and who had backed the party’s last congressional nominee.
OLYMPIA, W. T., Dec. 5, 1859. — Pursuant to notice, the Democratic members of the House of Representatives assembled in caucus to nominate candidates for the various offices of the House. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by the Hon. P. A. Chenoweth. On motion of Mr. Twain of Whatcom, Dr. G. K. Willard of Steilacoom was elected chairman; on motion of Mr. Van Velsor of Jefferson, William H. Wood of Pierce was elected secretary.
Mr. Boon of Clarke offered a resolution declaring that the caucus would consider no one entitled to seats except those who supported the Administration and who voted for the regular Democratic nominee for Delegate to Congress at the last election. Mr. Shaffer of Chehalis County moved to substitute a broader statement of national Democratic doctrine, invoking Jackson, Polk and the Cincinnati platform; the amendment failed after considerable debate.
Mr. Wood of Pierce then moved to amend the original resolution so that the caucus would seat only Democrats who endorsed and maintained the Cincinnati platform. Mr. Shead of Thurston amended that to add supporters of the regular Democratic congressional nominee, and Mr. Brownfield of Clarke offered a further amendment, which Mr. Shead accepted. After more debate, Mr. Wood’s amendment as amended by Mr. Shead was carried. Mr. Wood then moved that the resolution as amended be laid on the table and that the caucus proceed to nominate candidates for the various House offices. W. H. Wood, Secretary.
“Resolved, That this caucus consider none entitled to seats but those who support the Administration, and who voted for the regular Democratic nominee for Delegate to Congress at the last election.”
The fight turned on the Cincinnati platform and loyalty to the last regular nominee — the kind of party purity test that still shapes caucuses and primaries. Then as now, the argument over who belongs can matter more than the offices being filled.
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