The Political 'Guillotine' Comes to Seattle
A scathing look at the rapid-fire political turnover in Washington Territory, where federal appointments fall 'like the leaves of Autumn' under the winds of executive displeasure.
The present political era is one of constant change. There is nothing permanent or durable subject to Radical rule. The heads of those holding Federal positions fall as the leaves of Autumn under the breeze of Executive displeasure that sweeps over the land, blasting and withering in its course the fondest hopes and brightest prospects of the truly loyal hosts. Our Territory is again the recipient of this distinguished mark of attention from the President, the victim in this instance being a no less individual than Judge Holmes, our competent and efficient U.S. District Attorney. Garfield’s masters demanded the sacrifice, and the Judge was the victim. His promise to McNaught remains unfulfilled, through the intervention of a greater power than he could bring to bear. Mac’s chances are good, however, for the next position that becomes vacant, and a removal may occur at any bout.
“The heads of those holding Federal positions fall as the leaves of Autumn under the breeze of Executive displeasure.”
The 1872 dispatch highlights the volatility of federal appointments and political patronage in early Seattle. Much like today's concerns over the politicization of administrative roles, the piece illustrates how local loyalties and careers were often collateral damage in the grander, shifting currents of national power dynamics.
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