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The Battle for the Soul of the Seattle Police Department

In an 1885 municipal election, Seattle women flexed their new political power to demand a moral cleanup of the city’s police force, specifically targeting the conduct of Chief of Police James Woolery.

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.

The municipal election is approaching, and the interest taken by the women of Seattle in city affairs is a new force in local politics. The ladies have embarked on a crusade against vice and immorality and are now storming the office of the Chief of Police. They contend that the saloon interests have dictated the policy of Chief James Woolery, pointing to his failure to investigate horrific murders, his refusal to enforce Sunday laws, and his alleged public intoxication. The Law and Order party has nominated Mr. Thornton, a man of long-standing residence and character, who has been an outspoken advocate for the enforcement of the laws. Supporters of the 'Business Men's' ticket, who favor re-electing Woolery, argue that the Mayor has been economical and that the city's financial condition is better than it was a year ago. However, the reformers argue that if the city's safety is compromised, financial success is a secondary concern. As the ballot is now in the hands of women, they are being urged to use their influence as a purifier and ensure that the next Chief of Police is someone who fears only to neglect his duty.

“The ladies have embarked on a crusade against vice and immorality and are now storming that stronghold of the enemy, the office of Chief of Police.”

— Printed in Seattle Daily Post-Intelligencer (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1885
Then · 1885141 years apartNow · 2026

This 1885 election reflects the recurring tension in Seattle between a 'pro-business' growth-oriented faction and a reformist faction focused on social order and morality. The controversy over the influence of liquor interests (then the 'saloon crowd') mirrors modern debates regarding how corporate lobbying and specific industry interests shape the priorities of local law enforcement and city governance.

The original page

Seattle Daily Post-Intelligencer (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1885-07-13. Library of Congress, Chronicling America.

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About this story

From
Seattle Daily Post-Intelligencer (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, JUL 13, 1885, Page 2
Rights
Public domain
Place
47.60323, -122.33028 · placed automatically
The paper in the Library of Congress catalog ↗