A Case of Mistaken Identity and the Seattle Jail
A young man finds himself locked up in Victoria after a contract dispute gets messy, leading to a scramble for his release.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
D. E. Bigelow, son of L. V. Bigelow of this city, was lodged in Victoria jail on Monday, where at last accounts he still remained. His trouble grew out of the Opera House contract taken by his father. C. E. Appouyi, the architect, advanced to D. E. Bigelow as agent for L. V. Bigelow some time since. The enterprise dragged. Appouyi came here last week to get back the money. Failing to get it, he instituted suit against L. N. Bigelow, and returning to Victoria, went after young Dave for swindling. It isn't plain by what processes of law he could get the money out of both father and son, but that his proceedings were against both, for the same money, is certain. The Bigelows allege that their intentions were thoroughly honorable in the matter, and that the money was to be used in construction of the building, Dave being in Victoria at the time for the purpose of beginning the work. However, rather than allow his son to remain in jail, L. N. Bigelow refunded the money, and if Dave is not already released, he will be on arrival of the boat from this city today. It is claimed for Dave that he has good grounds for a prosecution against Appouyi, as he did not attempt to swindle him, he did not owe him, and that he acted as the agent of another with the knowledge and consent of Appouyi. Dave is not of age, and, if for no other reason, is entitled to release on this account.
“It isn't plain by what processes of law he could get the money out of both father and son, but that his proceedings were against both, for the same money, is certain.”
Contract disputes and legal overreach are perennial features of Seattle’s business landscape. Just as the Bigelows found themselves caught in a cross-border legal snare in 1885, modern developers and individuals often navigate complex, sometimes predatory, legal challenges in a city where the stakes of growth are perpetually high.
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