The Struggle for Order in 1885 Olympia

In accordance with the proclamation issued by Mayor Phillips, a mass meeting was held in this city today and was largely attended. Strong and enthusiastic speeches in favor of law and order were made by Judge Henry, Dr. Ostrander, Colonel Thorne, J. N. Gale, J. C. Teneyck, J. A. Silsby, J. Keiter and Colonel Owings. The Chairman appointed a Committee on Resolutions consisting of Colonel Owings, J. C. Teneyck and Dr. Ostrander. The committee presented the following resolutions:

Whereas, serious disturbances have existed and still exist in some of the cities of Puget Sound in consequence of the undue agitation of the Chinese question, and the lawless expulsion of that people by threats and intimidation, if not by absolute force, on the part of certain organizations and bodies of men; and whereas, certain non-residents of Olympia have issued a call for a meeting to be held here on the 14th instant, for the purpose of agitating the Chinese question; now, therefore, in order to avoid like disturbances and unlawful acts here, and to prevent a necessity for the presence of any armed force in our city, be it resolved, that it is the sense of this meeting, and we believe of this community, that while we fully realize the fact that we have too much of the Chinese element in our midst, we as clearly recognize the fact that they are here in and by virtue of law and treaty obligations, and we are decidedly opposed to their expulsion by force or intimidation or by unlawful means... and that we do hereby earnestly and solemnly protest against any outside dictation or interference, and against all attempts, whether at home or from abroad, to incite our people to a violation of law and order.