The Price of Apathy in the 1876 Seattle Election

To-day is to decide the important question of the city's government for another year. As is well known, two parties are in the field, really, if not ostensibly and by name. The one, embracing the lawless constituency, is thoroughly organized, and will marshal to the polls all their followers who will be ready to vote early and as often as practicable. The other, with Dr. O. A. Weed at its head for Mayor, representing the interests of order, industry and economy, depends for its success upon the voluntary support of the law-abiding citizens and tax-payers who have interests at stake, and who through absorption in their work, have often, heretofore, been negligent of their duty in the elections. To this fact is due the adverse result of some previous elections, in the costly consequences of which the tax-payers have been obliged to pay dearly for their indifference. A full vote is desirable. The election of the right men cannot more certainly be insured than by securing a full vote of the responsible men of the community—those who have homes and business, and who pay taxes. It is too important a matter to be neglected. A duty alike to himself and to the city, requires that every citizen should be at the polls with his vote to-day.