The Political 'Boodle' That Nearly Toppled Seattle's Republican Party

In order that every Republican in King county may understand exactly the state of affairs concerning the party, it is necessary that a full statement of the events of the past week be given to the public. One week ago, the contest between those who supported Colonel Haines for the United States Senatorship and those who supported ex-Governor Squire was at its height. So bitter had this fight become that many earnest Republicans became alarmed. While affairs were in this condition, overtures were made by Governor Squire looking to a compromise. This agreement was that Colonel Haines should retire from the field, and in return, his followers would receive fair representation in the county convention and on the legislative ticket.

The Haines men accepted these terms, solely in the interest of party harmony. Colonel Haines promptly withdrew from the contest. Two days later, Hon. J.R. Kinnear withdrew from the contest for the governorship. But not until Friday evening was there an intimation that the Squire-Ferry faction meditated a repudiation of the agreement. Then Mr. McGraw received notice that the Squire-Ferry committee absolutely repudiated the agreement. They declared that Colonel Haines should not be a delegate to the state convention and should not be recognized as a member of the Republican party in any manner whatsoever. Upon hearing this, Messrs. McGraw, Heilbron, and Grant declared that further negotiation was impossible. Every statement made in this article is absolutely correct. A clique of impudent ringsters have parceled out the offices among themselves and presumed to pass upon the Republicanism of such men as John R. Kinnear and J.H. McGraw. The Republican voters of King county will decide tomorrow whether this impudent ring of office seekers will be permitted to ostracize all Republicans who will not submit to the selfish and despotic rule which they are endeavoring to establish.