The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-02-26
roe MAYOR
syres rh.iys.

Byron phelps, WHOM the Eep16lscsns
have selected IS sheir candidate for mayor.
Possesses qualifications TOR the oftise
rh3ch cannot fail 70 cora mend themselves
to . community especially snxio1s TO ia
sare that the Affairs Of the city shall De
conducted on business principles. His
character and experiences alike commend
bin 20 the confidence Of ca. people
Byron Phelps is yet in the fall vigoE Of
manhood. lie vas bora in Livingston
county. ILL.,, in ls42. and will De 81 years
Old On March 4 HE childhood and youth
were spent on farm yet occupied By his
aged father aud mother. When only ~
years Of age. in July. 1871. he enlisted - =
private in the Third Illinois cavalry. bat
Won promotion By sheer merit. serving as
sergeant. second lieutenant and finally
FIRST lieutenant He served under Gen.
Fremont In Missouri. under Gen. Curtis in
Arkansas and under Gen. Sherman and
Cen Grant IN both Of the campaigns
against EicksbBrg. After the siege Of
Nicxshurg be was sent 20 New Orleans,
and from there, in fs5i. 10 Tennessee.
where &c fought under Gen. Thomas in
the battle OF Nashville.
Young as Mr. Phelps Vas. for he wss
only - when he vas mustered out In ise5.
he displayed a remarkable capacity for
management of men and for organization.
He vas selected on account OF his execu-
tive ability and reliability as quarterrnas-
ter. This post relieved him Of the duty of
going into battle. nevertheless he never
missed an engagement, and having de-
voted himself TO the performance Of his
special duty, he was always ready with
earbine and saber to mount his horse and
ride into the thiekest OF the fight Ii was
the sincerest proof of soidieriy qualities
that he should volunteer 20 leave the CON-
parativeiy safe and comfortable quarters
allotted him, relieving those who had less
desire TO face the dangers of var. 1t would
not have excused him had he neglected
his utiiitarian duties for the glories of the
field. bat he failed in neither Capacity.
10 highly esteemed were his courage and
bis qualifications as an organizer that he
was lntrusted with the task OF forming
and afierward commanding coiored troops,
and was at another time detailed on
the staff OF Gen. osterhaus, and was in
trusted with delicate and dangerous mis-
sions. Few young men had so varied an
experience and received such recognition
After being mustered out in 1865 Mr.
Phelps returned 10 his home and had not
been there long before his work was ap-
preciated and he was elected county clerk
on the Republican ticket with gratifying
majority. This Office he held for four
years and was then offered responsible
position in the John Deere Plow Com
pany. of Moline. H.. where he remained
twelve years. While in that employment
his Individuality displayed itself In the in
yention OF the check.rower for corn plant
ers and the ingenious improvements in
agricultural machinery which were eagerly
adopted By the firm and which are now in
universal use throughout the prairie
states. In 1887 Mr.. Phelps wa, attracted
To Seattle By the hope IL offered of wider
field for mercantile pursuits, but before he
had established himself in business ne was
elected by County Treasurer w. G. Lati-
mer as his chief deputy, and at the next
Republican convention his capacity and
fidelity were again recognized and by
reclamation he was nominated to succeed
Mr.. Latimer. Two years of service only
strengthened him in the confidence of the
people and in November. is92, he was
again nominated by reclamation.
As a soldier aud as civilian. Mr.. Phelps
has never failed in any capacity to which
~~~-S
Under quiet demeanor he carries a firm
ness and determination which permit no
considerations 10 swerve him from his
sense of what is right. He shows much of
the disciplinary methods which served
him so we'll in military life: yet he is Just
and discriminating. The Office of county
treasurer of King county has been a place
where strict attention to business is al
ways accompanied by patient courtesy.
No deputy In his department ever gained
his position by political maneuver,ng.
Efficiency is the only qualification rscog-
pized by Mr.: Phelps, and that being as
sured no other commentator is needed.
Mr.. Phelps has always held high posi-
ton IN the councils of the Grand Army.
and was at one time commander of Miller
post. As man he il digniiied, yet very
approachabie; apparently ausiere, but
kindly of heart. He is democratic in his
associations, broad IN his views, and tot
Grant of the convictions of Others. Above
all things, he is u business man, and no
less exact IN his dealings with the custo-
dams of public funds than in his own
impeccable integrity.
lie owns property In the Sixth ward
and resides in the Fourth, having moved
to the latter in order 10 be nearer his office
ltelected mayor of Seattle he will give all
his time and attention To the duties Of
that responsible and dignihed position
and his office will be in the city hall. where
the citizens of Seattle will find him At
tending closely TO the trust conhded To his
keeping.
FOR TREASURER