The Battle for the Seattle Waterfront

As the convention draws to a close, the article on tide lands became the center of heated debate. The convention had to settle the question of whether or not to recognize the titles of the old claimants. A resolution was introduced by Turner asserting that the state of Washington hereby asserts its ownership of the beds and shores of all navigable waters in the state up to and including the line of ordinary high tide in waters where the tide ebbs and flows and up to and including the line of ordinary high water in all rivers and lakes. Provided that nothing herein shall be construed to deny any person or corporation from asserting rights in the courts and provided further that the state hereby disclaims title to any tide, shore or overflowed lands to which patent has been issued under the laws of the United States. A number of members of the convention are concerned that the legislature will be given the broad option of selling or giving away the great harbor tide lands without any restrictions whatsoever. The committee on judiciary is expected to sort out the conflicts and render it a constitutional proposition.