The Price of a City’s Future: Yesler’s Corner

The council, earlier having compromised on a plan to widen streets that practically relieved all property holders affected, excepting Mr. Yesler, saw this alteration embodied in an ordinance. Before the mayor had signed it, it became known that Henry Yesler would not willingly assent to its provisions. He announced that if the cut were made as planned, he would board up his several important properties in the business center, stop building operations, and fight the city authorities in the courts. He proposed, however, a compromise: a partial cut from the objectionable corner, not sufficient to bring Front Street into line with Commercial Street. This compromise found powerful support among bankers and other property holders who feared the business consequences of Yesler stopping his building operations. The matter was considered by the council informally, the unanimous judgment being that the compromise offered by Mr. Yesler was of small value. It was decided to fall back upon the original plan: a straight cut through the Starr, Boyd, and Yesler lots, making a straight line between the west sides of Front and Commercial streets. To the surprise of everyone, Captain Burns changed his mind and announced he would not vote for it. With Mr. O'Brien absent due to illness, the measure failed. A simple, ineffective widening of Front Street was carried instead, signifying the complete abandonment of the project. It is a case where the private interest of a single citizen has completely triumphed over the public interest.