The Battle for the Capitol Grounds
A public dispute erupts between the Acting Governor and a Capitol Commissioner over the bidding process for clearing the grounds in Olympia.
A few days since, I wrote an article explaining my position on the Capital question by publishing the correspondence which had taken place between Mr. McGill and myself. At that time, my notice for plans for the Capital building and for bids for clearing the ground were in print. It is now proper to publish the remainder of the correspondence in the case, to show the people of the Territory the high-pressure system which has been adopted by his Excellency to compel instantaneous action, in opposition to the known wishes of the last Legislature. Soon after my advertisements appeared in the public prints, I received a letter from the Acting Governor demanding that I clear the Capitol grounds, with bids to be opened on the 29th of September next. I replied that I could not comply with the time allowed to put in proposals (only two weeks), as it would be impossible for people living at a distance from Olympia to make proposals. I am the only person who has any authority concerning these grounds, and I will take such steps as will result in the protection of my rights as Acting Capitol Commissioner.
“I show the people of the Territory the high-pressure system which has been adopted by his Excellency to compel instantaneous action.”
This 1860 dispute over the 'high-pressure' bidding process for the Washington Territorial Capitol reflects a perennial tension in civic life: the struggle between centralized executive power and the transparency required for public works. Even today, the procurement process for state infrastructure remains a flashpoint for debates over fairness, local access, and political influence.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.