The Great Seattle Tide-Land Grab

The clamor of the tide-land grab is a big one, and it must not be doubted that it will be supported by every available influence, legitimate or corrupt. Those who go into enterprises of this kind 'make use of no vile hold to stay them up.' There will be public appeals apparently in the interest of innocent 'sufferers,' but in fact shrewdly designed to mislead public opinion. There will be arguments in the most cunning forms that can be devised by able lawyers to support the job, or to divert public attention to side issues and so lead it away from the business in hand. There will be a barrel of money to support all this machinery of corruption and to reach such men as may be bought. This is plain, but it is necessary to speak plainly so that the public may know just what to expect. The Post-Intelligencer does not enter upon the discussion of this great issue without realizing the outcome. In fact, it feels that there is but a chance for preserving for the people of the state and for commerce a property whose value is beyond the limits of reasonable calculation. It is impossible to feel otherwise when it is remembered that among those who will be found fighting against the public interest will be the Northern Pacific Railroad Company with all its political and business influence; the Oregon Improvement Company; the several rich milling companies operating on the Sound; the city front holders of Seattle, Port Townsend, Bellingham Bay and elsewhere, and that these several great powers are thoroughly organized. Against this great combined power, we fear there is small chance for success, but the Post-Intelligencer is determined that small as the chance is, the cause of honesty and public policy shall not lack a champion.