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PROCLAMATION !
To the people of Washington Territory:
Whereas: It is represented to me by the Mayor of the City of Seattle as follows:
Hon. W.C. Squire, Sir: - The Chinese residents of this City of Seattle are being unlawfully removed from the City by a mob unlawfully gathered together, the authority of the City is not sufficient to keep the peace or preserve order, I appeal to you for aid and assistance.
Henry L. Yesler, Mayor.
Now, therefore, I Watson C. Squire, Governor of Washington Territory, do hereby publish this my Proclamation, warning all persons to desist from breach of the peace, and that peaceable disposed persons shall retire to their homes, except such persons as are disposed to assist the Sheriff and the duly constituted civil authorities in maintaining law and order. And I request all persons who are disposed to assist in maintaining order – to enroll themselves under the Sheriff immediately for that purpose. Furthermore I order the military companies of this city to immediately place themselves under arms, and that the commanding officers of such companies report forthwith to the sheriff of King county for the purpose of rendering him military assistance if need be in maintaining the law.
Done at Seattle this 7th day of February, A.D. 1886.
Watson C. Squire, Governor.
[Handwritten on the bottom of the proclamation is a note from Seattle judge Robert S. Greene: "I had nothing to do with the foregoing. It was issued by the Governor without consulting me - R.S.G."]
Document note, University of Washington, Special Collections:
This proclamation was written at time of anti-Chinese sentiment in Seattle and surrounding areas -- approximately 1885-1886. Watson C. Squire, Governor of Washington Territory, proclaimed this message to instruct the people of Washington to "desist from breaches of the peace." He encouraged interested persons to join the King County Sheriff in order to help keep peace, and commanded all military companies in Seattle to report to the Sheriff. This proclamation is the response to a letter from Seattle Mayor Henry L. Yesler, also printed in the proclamation, which asked for aid.
Image of document available from University Of Washington Special Collections at:
http://content.lib.washington.edu/cgi-bin/docviewer.exe?CISOROOT=/pioneerlife&CISOPTR=2965
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