The Governor Who Wasn't: How a Walla Walla Businessman Became Washington's First Territorial Governor

Hon. Miles Moore, of Walla Walla, whose appointment as governor is announced this morning, is a man in every way suited to the discharge of high public duties. He has long been a resident of the territory, is thoroughly identified with its interests, and though never the incumbent of any office, has always borne an important part in public affairs. His connection with affairs has been that of a business man, and to the executive office he will bring trained business talents and business virtues.

We may reasonably expect that as governor Mr. Moore will give to the interests of the commonwealth the same industry, ability and integrity that have heretofore been employed in his career as a citizen, and in the management of his private concerns.

The appointment was made upon the recommendation and advice of the man best qualified to speak for the wishes of the territory, our delegate in congress, Hon. John H. Allen, and the brief opposition to it, so far as reported, came from Eastern politicians in the interest of personal friends. The president, in accordance with the policy of territorial 'home rule,' to which he has given emphatic approval heretofore, chose naturally to recognize the authority constituted by the direct popular vote of the territory.

There was, indeed, nothing else for him to do. The incident is important in one respect, namely, it shows that the day of 'outside influence' are from this time on our territory, and state to be won is the master of her own political affairs and those who look for public honors in connection with her service must find their support not in the favor of politicians in Washington and elsewhere, but in the favor of her own people.

The principal duty which will fall to Gov. Moore during his brief official term, between now and the date of admission, will be, with the co-operation of the chief justice and the territorial secretary, to district the territory for representation in the coming constitutional convention... In view of this duty and of the fact that the chief justice is a resident of Western Washington, the appointment of a Walla Walla man will serve to establish equality between the people of Eastern Washington.