The Chamber of Commerce’s Grand Gesture: Seattle’s Business Elite Rally Behind Senator Squire

Chamber of Commerce Excursion Yesterday—The Spontaneous Tribute Seattle to Senator W. C. Squire.

A Chamber of Commerce excursion left for Olympia yesterday morning on the new steamer Bailey Gate, tendering an ovation by the business and commercial interests of Seattle, regardless of party, to Senator William C. Squire, and a withering refutation of the charge of his enemies that he is not in touch with the pulse of his own city.

Over 500 people were aboard the steamer when she slipped her lines from the dock at the foot of Pike Street at 9:30 o'clock. When it is considered that the 500 invitations issued to the active business men of Seattle, it is remarkable that so many attended to give two days of their valuable time to express their endorsement of Mr. Squire.

The party consisted of members of the Chamber of Commerce, city and county officials, members of the Board of Trade, the Seattle Industrial Society and Realty Board, business and professional men, many of whom were accompanied by lady friends.

A crowd of several hundred gathered at the wharf to witness the departure, those who were unable to go expressing their wishes for the success of Senator Squire in the cloud of fluttering handkerchiefs that greeted the departure of the vessel as she rounded out of the harbor. Among those who went on the excursion were Thomas Prosch, George Boardman, J. Doheny, L. Miller, A. S. Miller, W. H. Reed, H. Jocelyn, James Foster, C. W. Henderson, F. W. Ward, G. W. Alexander, Commissioners Clark, Foster, Faegre and Kabaley, Prosecuting Attorney Rogers, ex-Chief of Police Buttermeld, Lionel G. Lyon and wife, John Smith, Mayor White, George White, Will White, W. H. Hughes, C. Ingalls, D. Union, S. Baxter, G. E. Duffey, Gardner Kellogg, City Attorney Otto Ranke, W. L. Gazzam, A. D. Fischer, J. F. Hill, Dr. Egbert, Adolph Krug, George Try, E. Lobe, I. A. Ritchie, J. Wilcox, John Lear, Clerk Miller, Horace D. Jones, A. B. Stewart, J. George, G. Alexander, J. M. Cox, P. Wald, W. P. Smith, T. M. Owen, Hale, George H. Heilbron, Major McKinney, Captain R. M. Williams, J. M. Prink, Rev. Father Prefontaine, E. F. Funk, J. G. Scurry, G. A. Bushell, Alderman Korn and others.

A large number who missed the Gateert did not forego the excursion, but went on the steamer Fleetwood at 1 o'clock.

The committee on arrangements consisted of Mr. Mitten, E. F. Wittier and C. Kittinger. Every detail for the pleasure and entertainment of the guests was unusually attended to. The restaurant department of the Chamber of Commerce, under the charge of caterer C. B. Smith, with a goodly store of eatables and potables for the refreshment and cheer of the state, was deported entire.

The day was all that could have been wished, mild and bright, and the ride to the capital was delightful. The party will remain in Olympia until 3 o'clock this afternoon and witness the first ballot for senator.

The party was animated with the spirit of the mission, and its presence in Olympia will leave no doubt of the attitude of Seattle in the senatorial contest. Although members cannot participate in the voting, yet the presence of so large a delegation representing the business and commercial interests of the metropolis of Washington, will have a most potent influence on the result.