The Governor’s Plea for Order During the Anti-Chinese Riots
Governor Watson C. Squire issues a stern warning against the vigilante violence sweeping across Puget Sound in 1885.
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.
Whereas, it has recently appeared by statements and various other sources of information that in certain counties bordering on Puget Sound certain persons have asserted a will and determined to move the homes of Chinese residents from their places in Washington Territory; and whereas, all acts of violence and intimidation against Chinese residents are against the laws of Washington Territory and the laws and treaties of the United States. And whereas, the Mayor of the city of Seattle represents the imminent danger of disturbances of the peace in the city on account of the present anti-Chinese agitation; Now, therefore, I, Watson C. Squire, Governor of the Territory of Washington, do hereby warn all persons against participating in any riot or breach of the peace, and at this time I especially warn all persons inciting others to riot or a breach of the peace, in that they will be held responsible for such acts under the penalties of the law; and I call upon the sheriffs of the respective counties and other officers who are charged by law with the duty of keeping the peace therein, to secure all Chinese residents from assault, and I call upon all good citizens to assist them in so doing.
“If you do not protect yourselves you have only to look to the next step beyond, which is simply the fate of Wyoming, and the speedy interference of United States troops.”
This proclamation marks the 1885 peak of xenophobic violence in Seattle, which eventually led to the forced expulsion of the Chinese community. Today, this dark chapter remains a cautionary tale about the intersection of labor instability, political scapegoating, and the failure of civic leadership to protect marginalized residents.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.