The Snohomish Power Grab

George C. Ruff, the newly-elected auditor of Snohomish County, who failed to secure bonds in time to enter on the discharge of his duties last Monday, appears to have brought upon himself further difficulty. His bonds were last evening approved at a special meeting of the board of commissioners, and this morning he presented himself at the office for duty and declined to await the return of Auditor Lysons from Seattle at 10 o'clock, but insisted upon taking immediate possession. The deputies and clerks, of course, had no authority to take the necessary receipts and make the general transfer, and Mr. Ruff repaired to the street and called in a number of his friends, who were in readiness, and succeeded in getting possession of the office by force. It is well known here that Mr. Ruff, by failure to qualify within the time limited by law, has forfeited his right to the office, and he no doubt learned that Mr. Lysons would take advantage of such failure and refuse to give up the office, though any such intentions are disclaimed by Mr. Lysons. Mr. Lysons will take the matter into the courts, but it is not known whether he will prosecute the parties criminally or try the title to the office.