Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1888-03-30
OLYMPIA. WASHINGTON ter.
OLYMPIA. FRIDAY EVENING. MARCH 80, 1883.
An Office-Seekers' Organization.

An Office-Seekers' Organization.
A meeting of respondent Republi-
cans was held in Firemen's hall, Mon
day evening, ostensibly to organize
Republican club, whatever that means,
but in reality to figure out ways and
means for securing "chromos" for the
faithful in the shape of commissions to
fat offices. If, like Patrick Henry, We
may judge Of the future by the past,
there is but little hope of promoting
harmony by this device, although it
seems that the magnitude of the task
is tacitly acknowledged by literally
taking time by the forelock in organ
izing SO many months before the fray
may be said to begin. Former efforts
to whip in the independent element OF
the party has not been very successful,
and it is scarcely probable that the
prolonged cracking of the whip will
result in any greater success in plac-
ing it under subsection now. 1t was
noticeable fact that Mr.. Billings, who
has hitherto been the king-pin of the
Republican party in many closely
contested battles, was not present, and
this fact, it is said, seemed to cast a
gloom over their deliberations.
The meeting, partook, however,
somewhat OF the nature Of star cham
Der council, as it was given out that
none but those who expected to affili-
ate with the party would be made
welcome at its deliberations. This, it
must be admitted, was glazing mis-
take; for the patty should endeavor to
promote confidence by open meetings
and candid presentation of its claims
for support, if it expects to enlist the
sympathies and secure the support Of
that Independent element that consti-
tutes the balance of power at the polls.
A cause that will not bear the closest
scrutiny is unworthy of the support of
free men.
One of the chief promoters of the at
tempt to secure harmony by organiza-
ton, Monday night, was our good
friend Judge Ready, who, few months
ago, signed that memorable call for q
prohibition party, in which bitter ar
raignment of the Republican party was
made, because it would not gulp down
the dose prepared by its temperance
allies. The Judge knows, however,
quite well which side Of his bread
is buttered, and is willing to for
get the past as well as to pro-
vide for the future. Another of
of the principal fuglemen was Gen. r.
G. O'Brien, who mustered the famous
Flambeau Club with such signal re-
suits in the Bradshaw campaign. No
body doubts the Generals zeal, how
ever much they may distrust his judy
ment. He has held Office under Re-
publican rule ever since he came to
the Territory, until a few days ago,
and he no doubt sees in this" forlorn
hope" chance for return to power
and sweet content mid pastures green.
It can be said to his credit, however,
that he is no Mugwump, and long after
the Democratic Administration came
into power and he was " absorbing" all
Democratic patronage that came with
in his reach and holding on to the
teat with the grasp of grim determine
ton, he still shouted for his party and
in the flambeau parade blew his torch
highest of any of the squad.
Major Hayden, another of the Or
ganixers who has been known to our
people in the role of office-holder
nearly couple of decades, emerged
from his somewhat enforced retire.
ment Monday night to enter the lists
as leader in the scramble for power
and place. Again We may hear his
sweet voice attuned to melodious
measure in praise of party that has
not stinted him in the distribution of
the loaves and fishes. The Major, UNI
like the General, was man of peace"
as long as his stall was not invaded,
but now that he has been turned out
to browse, the obligation is at an end,
and the Republican glee-club will
probably not again be deprived Of its
famous baritone. when the sweet
charms Of song are invoked to soothe
the savage breast,
And the songs that are sung will beat all Bran
Led By the BY known a. Mr.. O'Flannigan.
Gen. McMicken, another public
functionary who held Office so long
that they began to pile upon him
like q snow-drift-hitherto a quiet
worker in the the ranks-seems by
his presence at the organization Mon
day night to have become impressed
by recent events, with the idea that
a club might be good thing to use
in fighting his way back to official
position. The same may be said of
Mr.. T. NJ. Reed, except that he has
not, unless it may have been very re-
Gently, initiated the fox to ward of
any imputation OF pernicious activity
in political matters. Our esteemed
friend Convey, likewise a well-known
ex-office holder; Brad Davis, whose
genial countenance was so long
framed by postoffice window, and
George Mills, whose legs remained 60
persistently under an oaken desk in
the Olympia Land Office; Judge