The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-08-03
SEATTLE. FRIDAY. AUGUST 3.
A Crime Its Own Punishment.


A Crime Its Own Punishment.
The Republican convention OF King
county adjourned last night. after an
ail-day session. with its organization
but partially completed. and that part
tainted with paipabie and self-confessed
fraud. 1t was a day Of excitement, Of
Gerce struggle, Of intense determina-
sion; n day marked by self-restraint
conservatism and party loyalty on the
part ~ the majority, that makes every
King county Republican proud Of Its
Representatives. And when Il closed, It
marhed the collapse Of the rule or ruin
policy. Of the evii gang that have drag
Ged down Republican politics In this
county 10 the low estate from which
Che party IL determined TO rescue II. the
wreck Of political regulations and the
rise in In majesty Of Republican devo-
tion 10 party and 70 principle.
The story Of the day as told in our
news reports Is its own best commen-
tary. No denunciation could be as bit
ter, a. scathing. AZ merciless to the
perpetrators of this attempted outrage
q plain recital Of the facts. compar-
ativeiy few OF the delegates understood
the meaning or had any previous Ink
linz Of the carefully prepared plot that
was sprung to give the control OF the
convention 20 the minority. or else make
harmony and united action In King
county impossible. It was born Of the
conviction forced upon the machine
Managers nj the last moment that the
people had repudiated them. Then they
turned from politics. even OF the lowest
form. to the perpetration OF political
highway robbery.
The roll call on the selection of a
temporary chairman showed that the
Frink men were an absolute majority
of the convention: their candidate. Mr.
Piles, receiving a majority of nine votes.
No tally sheets were provided by the
chairman ana secretary OF the county
committee. evidently with purpose.
But dosens OF scores were made, ana
all OF them we're In substantial agree
m~nt notwithstanding this. ths an
pouncement was made that Mr.. Lewis
had majority. and Chairman Knicker-
booker declared him elected. one point
the conspintors overlooked. as such
men always do Their fraudulent rec
ord showed total % eco votes cast, al
though the entire membership Of the
convention was but sss and six votes
Of that total were not east ON this bal
lot
The remainder OF the proceedings was
worthy of this beginning The usnrplns
chairman refused 10 listen 10 the re-
monssrsaces Of his friends or the de.
mands 90 the convention for fair play.
lie refused TO permit recount Of the
ballot. although tho impossible total as
weii as the saislfed distribution OF the
vote ciarnorca for justice. lie ruled in
defiance OF parliamentary USAGE aad
common sense, 30 provoke an outbreak
" possible 10 block. at worst. the ex-
preston ny the convention OF It's wni
and the performance OF It's work, with
each halio, showing a heavier majority
against him. f,rst ., then ~ then 30, SIS
honorable men and true Republicans In
the convention perceived that II had
ceased TO he a strife Of men for mas
terry and become contest for honor
aud deoency, he held the convention
deadlooksd until its adjournment With
rising Indignation against the disgrace
sought 20 be fastened upon the party
and a spreading revolt against such
leadership. the convention separated
until this morning
TAs anger Of Republicans. OF all be-