The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-18
SEATTLE. SUNDAY. JAN. rs.
rAcomA.s NARROW POLICY.

iteration of narrow and unworthy argu-
ments, which should never be permitted
to influence the decision Of such ques-
ton year ago Senator Squire was
elected By nearly unanimous vote Of the
Republican members Of the legislature.
No citizen of the new state
questioned his eligibility. He had been
prominently identified with the progress
of the territory for some twelve years. He
had been its governor, and through his
extended and influential relations in the
East had done great deal to advance its
interests He was widely known as
bright and intelligent man, Of good sd
dress, who would command the respect
abroad which be had Justly earned at home.
All things considered, it is doubtful If
there was another man in the state so well
furnished for the position so readily
accorded to him. Under the constitutional
rule he was classed with the senators
whose term would shortly expire, and
there would have been no thought of
refusing him reelection 10 full terra if
somebody else had not rallied some sup
port to personal desire for the place.
II is certainly TO the credit of Senator
Squire that no thoroughly established citi-
zen Of the state entered the lists against
him. either on his own motion, through
an .'overweening anxiety for office" or, at
the call of an influential body of Republi-
cans In his short term of Office
Senator Squire has done all that
could be reasonably expected of new
senator from a new state. He has estab-
bshed cordial and influential personal re-
lations with his brother senator's. He has
their esteem and personal good will, and
is on such a footing with them
that he would be able, If con-
tinued in Office, TO secure very
favorable legislation for the state, as
well as the favorable consideration of the
personal and public claims OF his constitu-
ents in the various departments of govern
ment. Every reason for his tirst election
is augmented by his experience and serv-
ice so as TO become a more than two-fold
reason for his return. Even if he had
served full term and been given an ample
opportunity thus to approve himself cred
liable representative of the state, the fact
that it was somebody else's turn would be
On extremely narrow reason for his retire
ment. The policy SO long pursued by the
Southern states of continuing the same men
in congress from term to term contributed
very much to the ascendency of those
states in the national counsels before the
war. and states in the North which, like
hor fol h.
course, have an influence there far beyond
that Of larger states which have allowed
personal or provincial considerations TO
affec: their choice of United States sena-
tors.
The public argument therefore is all in
iyor of the reelection of Senator Squire.
On general principles of public interest,
and in the fairness of political considera-
tons, there should be no opposition on the
part Of Republicans to his return. Why,
then, do We ind an organized movement
for his defeat at Olympia, with a process
sion Of walking gentlemen" upon the
stage TO give it the emphasis of num-
bers, but with no worthy or dig
nihed foundation7 There are Just
two real reasons for it. The
first is that professional politician and
office-seeker, whose chances at home had
been exhausted by the determination of
the last national Republican convention,
had come here TO get the Office which was
beyond his reach in his OWN state: and
after casting about from one locality TO
another concluded that he could turn 10
his personal advantage waning jealousy
between two rival cities on Puget Sound.
In pursuance of his purpose he forced an
attachment to single interest in Tacoma.
and began 10 revive local jealousy
which the city was rapidly outgrowing
and which nearly every interest, CONNER.
cial and manufacturing except the one 70
which he attached himself was glad 70 let
die. Instead Of broadly identifying him
self with the state. as public man, while
honored with Q Judicial position where
partisan interests should be unknown.
this offioe-seeker forced himself into an
alliance with a particular interest and
threw himseifupon it for pecunia-y and
official support 1t was clear case
Of self-seeking which should have
cceu TeOUkeu tne instant that
II made its appeal for Office
at the hands of the people or their repre-
sentatives. The second reason is for pure
and unadultersted cheek no less offensive
than the first. II is nothing less than the
avowal on the part Of Tacoma that il is
not willing TO accept with the
balance of the state the repre-
sentstion In the Senate which is
provided and guaranteed by the con-
stitution Of the United States. Tacoma.
which, for the whitewaShing of its de-
mand, takes on the name of Pierce
county, must forsooth have
senator Of its own! The fact that
few representatives Of other
counties give countenance 10 this
demand is even more repellant 10
fair-minded men. VIII the counties
which are thus lending their aid to a
provincial demand be satisfied if Tacoms
and Pierce county get what they are
seeking, VIII these other counties be
satisfied if their interests are betrayed into
the hands OF Tacoma and Pierce county,
II is but fair 20 add that many people in
Tacoma do not sympathise fully in this
narrow demand.
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