The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-20
REFLECT SENATOR SQUIRE.


The legislature of the state of Washing
ton will today ballot for United States sem
ator. Every consideration of state interest
and state pride demands the reelection of
Hon. Watson C. Squire. The public dis
cussion of the candidacy of Mr.. Squire and
his opponent, Mr.. w. III. Calkins, has de-
veloped an overwhelming public sentiment
in favor of the former. The entire Repub-
lican press of the state, with the exception
of few journals printed or controlled in
Tacoma, has declared in favor of the re-
election of Squire. Where commercial
bodies, except in Tacoma, have expressed
preference, it has been for Squire. Every
test by which the peoples wish may be
measured shows that Squire is their choice.
In the face of such unanimity it is not pos
sible that the legislators will refuse to do
their plain duty.
Washington is one of the richest regions
in the world. The progress that will take
place in the next six years can scarcely be
imagined. Our mineral resources are
scarcely touched; our lumber industry is
not fully developed; trade with Alaska
and Asia Is just beginning; thousands of
farms are yet unclaimed. The legislator
should stop to consider whether the inter-
ests of great commercial state would best
be served by practical business man, yet
statesman, or a nimble politician, whose
trade is the seeking or sale of Office, and
who has no material interests in the COM
monwealth. Senator Squire is closely
identified with the state; while he was
hither, and he ranks high in the United
States Senate, where so many voluble
stumpspeakers have shrunk out of sight.
At the time when Senator Squire drew
the short term it was generally conceded
that as an act of justice he would be
awarded reelection. 1t is not claimed
that he has not faithfully served the state
and been credit to its people, even in a
legislative body where new members are
not looked upon as entitled to all the
rights of older ones. There is no section
of the state that can complain of unfair.
ness, neither was there any wrong done by
him when he was governor. The fight that
waged upon any citizen of Seattle by those
whose financial interests are centered at
Tacoma and who demand that the legisla-
ture give them a senator to do their
bidding. 1t does not follow because
King is the most populous county in
the state, has the greatest natural re-
sources, has the largest amount of capital
.puas{aJ apd rap,,lorlxy v,ollS lo b;orae@
Republican majority, that she should
nominate the senator; but neither do
these facts bar one of her citizens from
holding office. 1t is the same battle now,
the rich men of Tacoma against the peo-
pie, that was waged in 1889.
During the next congress, with the lower
house in the hands of the Democrats and
the Republican majority in the Senate re-
duced, it is important, for the very exist
ence of the Republican party, that the
president be sustained in the upper house.
To elect Calkins senator, who is at swords
points with President Harrison, would
cripple the administration and put the
party in weakened condition for the presi-
dental campaign. When the future of
the Republican party is considered, the
interests of the Tacoma Land Company
and the Ocosta Townsite Company seem
very small indeed.
To elect Calkins senator would belittle
the state. His consecutive applications
for federal offices have excited laughter
and derision; the people of Indiana have
been amazed that his candidacy for sena-
tor is seriously considered. He is put for
ward by the rich men of Tacoma because
they have been unable TO agree upon any
one of their own number. His residence
in this state has been so short that his
election would signify to the world that,
unlike Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and the
Dakotas. Washington, greater than any of
these, has no one of her own citizens mt to
represent her in the nations council.
But the opposition to Squire is not tied
20 Calkins. Its votes can be transferred
TO any candidate not obnoxious to the
rivals among Tacoma's rich men.
The people have instructed the legisla-
ture to re-elect Senator Squire. 1t re-
mains for the peoples servants to obey
their behest.