Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-08-08
A New Phase in the Game.

Another incident has occurred in the de-
lightful latitude Of Port Angeles, which goes
to show that the immortal Victor can beat an
orderly retreat as well as plan town-sites. 1t
appears that last week lot Of cattle was
shipped OH the steamer Eliza A.dcysox for
San Juan Island, with other freight and sew
eral passengers. for Victoria aud intermediate
ports. The steamer touched as usual at Port
Angeles for her clearance to Victoria, which
was refused by Collector Smith, on the ground
that there had been violation of the revenue
laws in having cattle on board. The cattle
were finally sent on shore, the Collector agree.
ing that they might be slaughtered there and
the carcases carried to Victoria. After much
talk about bond, that should be approved by
Mr. Smiths lawyer, who resides at Port Town.
send, it was agreed that the steamer might
run over to the harbor of Victoria and land
the passengers in boats and return to the Gus
tom House, under the charge Of Lieut.. Seden,
the commander of the cutter 10 Lane.
About the time the steamer was entering
the harbor of Victuria, the engineer announced
tho bursting Of steam pipe, aud informed
Lieut.. Selden that it would not be safe to at.
tempt to return to Port Angeles until it was
repaired. Accordingly the steamer was land.
cd, and while the repairs were being made,
the passengers and freight were landed.
On the return of the steamer to Port Ange.
los, Smith, in very offensive manner, de-
handed Of Selden the reason for landing
Selden replied that the steamer was disabled,
and that he landed her under the general reg.
ulation which allows all vessels in distress to
enter ports without special permits and clear
ances. Smith charged that he had willfully
violated his instructions. Lieut.. s. claimed
that he had received no instructions. Know
ing well his man, he had given Smith notice
months before that he should not regard rcr-
bal instructions. Smith being at safe dis.
lance, gave Lieut.. Sclien tho lie, and sud-
denly changing his base" sought protection
in his own house. After waiting on shore for
several hours for the Collector to make his
appearance, Lieut.. Selden went ON board the
anderson, having obtained permission from
Mr.. Smith day Or two previously to visit
Olympia. AS the steamer was rounding out
of the harbor, she was hailed from the cutter
by Deputy Moore, and requested to come
along side, Mr.. Moore saying he wished to
speak with Lieut.. Scldcn. The moment the
steamer came along side, Lieut.. S. sprang on
board tho Lane, and, observing that he did
not receive the customary salute Of the cut
ters men, asked Moore what it meant. Moore
replied, drawing his sword cane, that he was
commander of the cutter. Lieut.. Sclden i'm
mcdiately wrcnched the cane from Moore and
hustled him into boat alongside, sent him
ashore, returned to the anderson and started
for Olympia.
The foregoing statement VIC have from
those who were aboard the anderson at the
the time of the ARRAY, and are, no doubt. sub.
stantially correct. Lieut.. Selden remained in
town but few hours, and We had no oppor-
tunity Of conversing with him in regard to the
matter. We are not surprised that he should
feel outraged beyond all endurance. He has
Tor more than year borne patiently and in
silence the wrongs and indisnitics which have
been thrust on him by Smith, relying upon
the Government ut Washington for redress.
Although standing at the head Of the list of
Second l.ieutenants for promotion. he has
boen subject to the modification of having
scores Of lieutenants promoted over him, as
likewise many civilians from private life, in
consequence of tho slanderous reports made
by Smith to the Department at Washington.
1t would be great source Of regret to the
numerous friends Of Lieut.. Sclden to see him
driven from service hc is SO well qualified to
adorn; yet it is almost too much to expect
that n man Of noble and generous impulses
can continue in a service where ho is subjec-
ted to such gross indgnities from such an ill.,
solent official as Victor Smith. But We hope
Lieut.. Selden will continue in the service.
We are certain that the delegation in Con-
gress from this coast will seq that the indig-
mites inflicted upon him. and other officers
Of tho revenue service by. Victor Smith. are
redressed. The President, in response to the
almost unanimous wish Of our people, ordered
the removal Of Smith nearly three months
ago, but for some reason best known to the
Treasury Department he is continued in
Office, and permitted to infringe upon the pub
lie and private rights Of our citizens.
r ~ q T..