A Night of Music and Politics in 1872 Seattle
A town gathering for a local official reflects a brief moment of unity in a territory weary of 'Carpet Bag' appointments.
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.
A number of citizens assembled at the lodging of Robert G. Stuart, Esq., last night, and serenaded him in token of their gratification at his confirmation as Receiver of Public Monies at Olympia. The intelligence has given the highest satisfaction to all who have the pleasure of an acquaintance with this gentleman, whom to know is to honor and esteem. We unite with our citizens generally in congratulating him on the event. Mr. Stuart's appointment honors the Administration, and we trust is the beginning of a new policy in selecting U.S. officers for the Territory. It will be some years before we see the State of Washington, and in the meantime the Territory has to build up a name and reputation. If Gen. Grant will continue a policy of appointing none but humble citizens to office, he will deserve the thanks of all good citizens. It is time the Carpet Bag system was confined to the past. It has failed in Washington Territory, as well as in South Carolina.
“It is time the Carpet Bag system was confined to the past.”
This 1872 scene captures the deep-seated resentment frontier residents felt toward federal appointees—often called 'carpetbaggers'—sent from Washington D.C. to govern them. The tension between local autonomy and distant federal oversight remains a constant thread in Washington State politics today.
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