Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1902-02-07
True Version Of the Joke ON Lewis.


of Mr.. J. w. Arrasmith as State Grain
Inspector, brings to memory a remark
able legislative episode in which his
name figured, that a truthful version
OF the matter be published, and that
as an eyewitness, the writer under
takes to give.
Many years ago, when the efforts of
the impartial suffragists had culmi-
mated in the passage OF a bill enfran.
chising women, Judges Dennison and
Lewis were rival champions OF the
claims of the fair sex on the rostrum,
and both members of the House of
Representatives OF the session in which
the measure was successful. The suf-
frage bill passed the Legislature by a
bare majority, hence "honors were
easy" with all the stalwart workers.
The name of Arrasmith headed the
roll-call for the simple reas on that it
was arranged in alphabetical order,
and he being favorable to the measure,
was the first to vote for it, which was
then the salient issue OF the day. The
women very naturally rejoiced over
the passage of their bill, and the sue.
ceeding evening held a ratification
meeting in Columbia hall. 1t was
then that Judge Lewis made the eli
max of an imprisoned speech the
regret that his name had not been Ar.
rasmith, that he might have been the
first to vote for the successful bill.
Judge Dennisou was in poor health,
and had rooms near the capitol, so was
unable to attend the jubilee meeting.
The next day, in the lobby of the
Representatives. hall, the writer en-
countered Judge Dennison, when this
colloQuy ensued:
Judge, you missed the opportunity
of your life, last night. All the women
were out, and Judge Lewis was the
king-pin' Of the assemblage. If you
had been present it would have been
very different, for the women very
generally recognize you as their lead
ing advocate"
"Yes," replied the Judge, IL have
heard of his speech, and his wish
that his name had been Arrasmith, so
that he could jump to the head OF the
victorious procession. How silly!
Just you wait few minutes and you'll
hear something Drop"
"What will it be, Judge?" was the
very natural inquiry.
"Oh nothing particular" was the
deliberate reply, "but some of the
Judges friends have thought that he
should have realization OF his wish
for future emergencies" and those
who knew the Judge may realize just
what was meant, as that sedate indi-
vidual passed on to his seat.
1t was not long after the session had
opened that the plot of the Judge
developed. A message from the Coun-
Gil (now Senate) announced the passage
OF a bill to change the name of J. r.
Lewis to J. w. Arrasmith, amid the
filters Of few who were in the
scheme, but to the CONSERVATION of
the many who had not been prepared
for surprise.
After q silence of at least minute,
member from King county 1--WE
thank Mr.. Munday) came to the res
cue OF Judge Lewis, who had utterly
collapsed under the surprise, who GEN.
sured in unmeasured terms the "in.
suit" that had been offered to men,
Der OF that body. Other members
took their cue, and one after another
joined in the defense OF the crest.fallen
victim.
What was the surprise OF those who
were in the secret to see Judge Deuni-
son finally arise and in his slow, i'm.
pressive manner condemn the wretch
who had taken such liberty with the
name of one he delighted to honor.
He declared that he could not find
words to express his adherence of
such despicable scoundrel.
A motion to pass the bill and place
it in possession Of the Speaker with
suspension OF further action during
good behavior, made by wag who
had not capitulated at the first sp-
pearance OF danger, was voted down,
and motion to burn the offensive
document was made and carried.
That was supplemented by motion
for immediate execution of the man.
date. and that the Sergeant.at-Arms
be constituted Lord High Executioner
for the occasion.
Then the ridiculously. solemn finale
OF the farce was enacted. That officer
approached the clerks desk, took the
bill, holding it at arms length, car.
ried it to the large stove in the lobby.
and committed it to the flames with
a visage as calm and immovable a. the
sphinx. 1t was probable that, like
Judge Dennison, he had caught cur.
rent OF the cold breeze which nipped
the flowers of the spring, tra-la" in
the bud.
The bill never passed both houses,
rs is related by the Recorder, it never
went to Gov. Ferry, who "was in the
confidence of the jokers," for the Of
flee of executive was then held by
Gov. Newell, who had just signed the
suffrage bill which gave rise to this