The day after the presidential election of 1912, 13-year-old Medora Espy wrote to her mother:

Isn’t it awful that the Democrats have won all over the U.S.? Wilson president, Lister governor and 294 Demo­crats in Congress, 125 Republicans and 16 Progressives. I have been wearing a Bull Moose pin but since the election my pin is put safely away where I shall keep it and show my grandchildren the badge the progressives wore the first year of the Progressive Party...

I am anxious to know the County returns.

What is good for Hay Fever? Ans. Listerine. [Medora’s joke refers to the newly elected Governor of Washington, Ernest Lister (D. 1913-1919), and his defeated op­ponent, Governor Marion E. Hay (R. 1909-1913)].

Medora’s interest in and concern over the election results might seem unusual given the time period, her gender, and her age. However, she was not a "usual" girl, nor was she from a"usual" family.

Medora Espy was the eldest of Helen Richardson and state senator Harry Albert Espy’s seven children. In November 1912 she was a freshman at Olympia High School, staying at the home of"Mrs. Eadie" at 15th and Adams Streets in the state capital. The boarding arrangement was temporary while Medora awaited the arrival of the rest of her family, at which time they would all take up residence in a rental house. The move would be in time for the beginning of the 13th session of the Washington State Legislature, dur­ing which Papa was serving the last year of his term (1911-1913) as senator from the 19th District representing Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.

Home for Medora and her family was the tiny, tumbledown village of Oysterville in the southwestern corner of the state. Once a pioneer boomtown and Pacific County seat, Oysterville was now an all-but-forgotten backwater where the 50 or 60 residents managed to fish or farm or otherwise eke out a subsistence living.

Oysterville was where Robert Hamilton Espy, co-founder of the town and Medora’s venerated grandfather, still lived with his third wife, "Aunt Kate," and where Papa operated his dairy farm. It was where Mama managed the house­hold full of Medora’s younger siblings, yet still found time to write to her eldest daughteralmost daily. And, it had been in Oysterville during the past summer that Medora, along with nearly everyone in town, eagerly awaited the latest word from Papa during the six long weeks that he was gone from home. That was when Papa was a delegate to the 1912 Republican National Convention.

To be accurate, Papa was an alternate delegate. Even so, his role during the state caucuses proved an important one, and during the five days of the convention in Chicago, June 8-22, he participated as fully as opportunities presented themselves. The experience was certainly the highlight of his short political career, and his children long spoke of the time that Papa was a delegate. Even I, a grandchild born during his dotage, heard him speak of that unforgettable trip.

The letters Papa wrote home during that long-ago summer reveal that the family stories originating from"when Papa was a delegate" referred to far more than his duties at the convention. The trip itself was the experience of a lifetime for Papa, then a 36-year-old dairyman from the Far West. And now, nearly 100 yearslater, the letters reveal much about Papa-the-husband-and-father, Harry-the- dairyman, and Senator Espy-the-politician.

Papa left Oysterville on Monday, June 10, no doubt riding his horse Nick the four miles south to Nahcotta. There, as was his custom, he removed Nick’s bridle, tied it to the saddle, and gave Nick a slap, sending him homeward. Papa then caught the little steamer Reliable (or perhaps her sister ship, the Shamrock), and crossed the bay to the "new" county seat of South Bend1 where the following morning he would catch the train for Centralia and points north and east.

Papa’s first message home was written that night from Cassels’ Hotel in South Bend. On the back of an International Bank deposit slip he gave Mama detailed instruc­tions on how to fill out such slips should the need arise. He continued to write daily, directing Mama with regard to business matters, expressing concern about the dairy farm, and providing specific directions for her to give the hired men regarding care of the livestock, mending fences, and the planting and harvesting of crops. But gradually, as the miles clicked by, his thoughts turned toward the work that lay ahead in Chicago. [NOTE: Only excerpted ­portions of Papa’s 1912 correspondence are included here. The letters, along with Mama’s responses, are part of the Espy archives housed at the Washington State History ­Research Center.]

Seattle, 8 a.m. [Thursday] June 13, 1912

Dearest Helen,

Am just settled on Northern Pacific Atlantic Express Train #4 leaving Seattle at 8:45 a.m. and to reach Chicago at noon Sunday.

Come back by Denver, Salt Lake, Huntington & Portland. Round trip $72.50. Could have returned via Los Angeles for 75.00 and came near doing it but feared I might not have time as it would take 2 days longer...

Harry

[Saturday] June 15, 1912

My Dearest Helen,

Wish you would get from Aunt Kate the names and addresses of our various relatives in Ohio and Pennsylvania and send them to me.

Looking at the map, the distance seems so short compared with the distance I have come, I am nearly persuaded to go see them-particularly if our Roosevelt delegation fails to be seated-as seems not unlikely. Today’s paper says they have thrown out Texas which was on a par with Wash. And I presume we will get the ax also.

Another thing for you to do. I meant to have brought that book relating to the claims of the Chinook Indians [see sidebar, "Still Pending," below] against the Gov’t but failed to do so. It is a black book about like "Ryans Manual of the Legislatur...," and is in my desk some where near the top. I think it is in tha middle partition between the pigeon-holes with the company check book and Minute Book. Be sure not to spill anything out of either of those, but if you can, would like you to find that book & see the number of the "Senate bill" it refers to near the start (5 thousand and something, I think) & inform me by first letter. If I go to Washington, will try to get the matter pushed through...

Give love to all. Address mail to LaSalle hotel, though later may have you change. Notice our people are at "Congress" hotel.

Lovingly, Harry

Congress Hotel and Annex, Chicago [Sunday,] June 16, 1912

Dearest Helen,

I am in the big town, writing this on the arm of a chair in this hotel lobby

The noise is deafening-arguments and counter arguments-but no one appears to be getting anywhere.
I expect you may see in tomorrow’s (Monday’s) paper a statement of our delegation anent [concerning] the unseating thereof by the nat’l committee.

The idea & rough draft were by Poindexter.2 A Committee of 3 was appointed to make it-on which I was not-but the final refinement & force, such as it may have, is in great part due to yours truly. I did the most of the cutting out-strange part for me to take, to cut out-but I did. You may think it might have been cut more-but had difficulty in getting that much. We merely meant to get a statement which would appeal to the delegates who are on the fence as to whether they will stand for the "rawness" of the Taft people on the Nat’l Committee

I arrived about 2 o’clock p.m. & spent the most of the afternoon finding a room- then in locating our people.

Then it was a matter of conference & reconference of our delegates. Then a conference of all the Roosevelt delegates-assignment of work to win over the necessary doubtful delegates bound to Taft but by ties that may be broken.

I have room 767 Palmer House-a top room in what was ten y’rs ago the house of the town but now 2nd or 3rd rate. $3.00 per day for room which is in itself O.K. but on floor I think ordinarily used by hotel help. Rates here are $13.00 per- cheapest. LaSalle about $5.00 cheapest. Four men are there in 2 small joining rooms at $14.00. That is head­quarters of Washington Roosevelt delega­tion. Was disappointed in not finding any mail from you but trust all is O.K.

If you want me suddenly for anything wire c/o "Washington Roosevelt Delegation, LaSalle Hotel." You may also continue to write me there, tho I am staying at the Palmer House

Have just run across Lorenzo Dow of Tacoma whom you probably remember as a member of the lower house last year at Olympia, and he is going to stay with me tonight. He has room out in suburbs some where with friends of his friends in Tacoma & does not want to run in on them at this time of night

I believe I will go [to Pennsylvania] to see Chas. Oliver & such other relatives as I find handy there. It only costs about $6.00...and so long as I am so near think I should take it in

Will also probably go to Washington D.C., if my money holds out & try to get that Chinook Indian matter moving, if possible. If I can get that thru it will mean a great deal to our people there...[W]ill close with a hug and armful of kisses for yourself & the babies. Wish you would suggest what trinket I should bring to each.

Lovingly, Harry

Congress Hotel and Annex, Chicago [Monday,] June 17, 1912

Dearest Helen,

This has been a busy day with very little accomplished. Stood opposite to Roosevelt for half an hour as crowd was filing thru shaking hands and had good opportunity to observe him-which I did to the limit. Certainly very energetic and later made a wonderful speech in Auditorium to big crowd.

It looks doubtful if I will get much out of this trip as the man for whom I am alternate is not only present, but very active.

Went thru Marshall Field’s big store during the afternoon-the biggest in the world. That is all the sight-seeing I have done so far....

Think you and Aunt Kate are wrong about my traveling with the rest of the crowd. I sure would like to have done so but they are spenders and I would have to keep up my end, or else be worse off than not to be with them. I see enuf of them here to spend more than I can afford and at the same time must seem tight to them. I sneak around and eat a sandwich instead of going with the rest to dinner because the latter means a couple dollars-although they decided before I came that each man should stand his own dinner but you can’t order much different from the rest and must stand some things for all once in a while when the rest are doing right along.

So much for doldrums. Am having a fine experience in spite of lack of money. There is great excitement and strong tension here tonight, getting ready for the big time tomorrow. It is the most momentous incident or convention for the Rep. Party in 20 years, and will probably be the last great onas in all probabiliyt it will be settled by district primaries hereafter....3

Lovingly, Harry

National Roosevelt Committee, Chicago [Tuesday,] June 18, 1912

Dearest Helen,

Have had a very exciting day & took all thereof to effect the temporary organization, which was finally controlled by the Taft forces by the use of illegal votes from Washington, Texas, California, Arizona, Alabama & some others. Also, some delegates from Oregon, Maryland & other states honestly elected but instructed for Roosevelt voted with the Taft people on organization. Just the same as in our County & State Conventions.

We (Roosevelt men) have caucused & recaucused & word is now given out that we are going to have Roosevelt any way, & that tomorrow will decide it. There are many, however, who prophesy that there will be a deadlock and that we will be tied up here for two weeks. If so they will certainly have to give us cheaper rooms. I, for one, can not stand $3.00 per day for long. In fact, I am going to make a strong try tomorrow to do better.

Was very glad this evening to get your letter of the 14th-the second so far since my arrial... Was very glad to know that Joe had the wind mill to working. Hope it continues O.Ktell him to put new brake wire on it, and to shut it off whenever not necessary torun-so not to wear the pump (nor mill either) any morethan necessary. Hope he is getting in the oats O.K. & don’t let him forget to have the thickest part of those ferns on the oats he just harrowed-mowed, if possible. Have them cut high so not to injure the oats under them & the will de....

Lovingly, Harry

Palmer House, Chicago [Wednesday,] June 19, 1912

Dearest Helen,

There is no news again today.

There has been much of interest in connection with the convention, but you will get it in much better form & greater detail in the paper than I could attempt to write.

Our people lost the fight again today & it is probable there will be two Republican parties tomorrow. Some were anxious to withdraw today but my contention has been to carry the question to the highest tribunal they offer before withdrawing. That means that we will have a majority & minority report of the credentials committee & if the majority report is sustained & the members who are challenged as to their seat, are allowed to vote on their own cases, the Roosevelt forces will probably hold a convention oftheir own....

Lovingly, Harry

Palmer House, Chicago [Friday,] June 21, 1912

Dearest Helen,

It is nearly morning so presume I should call it the 21st.

Another day has gone & we are still dead locked. That is the Taft people have a majority of the delegates on the organization but are not sure of enough to nominate, so are marking time & trying to wear the Roosevelt forces out.

We have not been seated but the Taft people are said to have offered to seat us & California if we would then agree to abide by the decision of the majority. Our people, however, have refused to be bound by the votes of any stolen delegates, even if ours areseated....

Late so will close.

Lovingly, Harry

Windsor-Clifton Hotel, Chicago [Saturday,] June 22, 1912

Dearest Helen,

The convention is over-or maybe I should say conventions are over-and both Taft & Roosevelt are nominated. I had a hand in the latter but none in the former. Have moved from the Palmer to this hotel where I get a room for half the price... Took ride in auto with four others of our men today, my first dissipation. Went thru Lincoln Park & beyond. Wish I could see the wheat-pit & stock yards before I leave, but fear I will not..

Had two conventions-Taft & Roosevelt-today so am tired & will draw to close. Hope babes are much better now. With much love to them & yourself, I am,

Lovingly, Harry

Papa wrote the next several letters while visiting "the relatives" in Newcastle, Portersville, and Youngstown, Pennsylvania. These were his Espy cousins, several of whom he had not met previously-the children and grandchildren of his father’s sister and brother. Of the countryside he commented: "A very beautiful country, I think. Very hilly, but all farmed. If it just had the old bay somewhere near, I would like it fine." Then it was back to business as he headed for Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators regarding the concerns of his Chinook Indian constituency at home.

Washington, D.C. Saturday, June 29, 1912

Dearest Helen,

Another very busy day.

Been working on Indian claims...then had dinner with Poindexters & remained with them till 10 P.M.-then walked with him & Johnson of Seattle of Roosevelt delegation to points of in­terest till about 1 a.m. June 30. Then have been looking up schedules to get to Atlantic City tomorrow until now is 2:00 a.m. and I must get train at 9:10 so should get to bed.

Saw library, capitol, Gen. Land Office & Senate & House Office buildings inside, rest outside. Then did work on Indian claims. Am hungry for you. No word since left Chicago.

Lovingly, Harry

Hotel Astor, Times Square, New York [Monday,] July 1, 1912

Dearest Helen,

I left Washington at 9:10 yesterday A.M...went to Atlantic City, arriving at 3:00 P.M. Was considerably disappointed there in smallness of the crowds-though there were some more than in Oysterville-but have now been and feel that it is worthwhile as I can talk with intelligence when, as is always the case, the person I am telling about the glories of our beach wishes me to compare it to Atlantic City...

Of course...even with all day tomorrow can only touch a few of the many things one should see after coming this far, but I am really getting ashamed of myself staying so long, with you there home alone with all the irksome things you have to contend wit...I still hope this trip will be the means of making future trips for us both possible.

Lovingly, Harry

National Hotel, Washington D.C. [Thursday,] July 4, 1912

Dearest Helen,

It is still the "glorious fourth" tho it will not be for long. It is quite warm yet at 11:30 but has not been so hot as was yesterday. Came down from New York in a sweltering heat yesterday and our train (not me) missed connections at Philadelphia making me arrive here (at Depot) 10 p.m. Then went to capitol inquiring for Warburton4 & Poindexter, especially former as was told the House was in session but found it was no....

After a long time located him and got back to hotel nearly one a.m. Had expected mail from you but finding none decided to wire you....

Got up to keep 9:30 appointment with Warburton which did without breakfast only to wait for him to about 11:00 (tho he had told me he might be late-but want you to know that I was not the late one), then went over and found Poindexter and was prevailed upon to go with him to lunch at 2 p.m. when needless to state I did full justice to the meal. Mrs. P. & their son are down in Virginia for few days so he decided to go with me to Mt. Vernon which we did on 2:30 o’clock boat. Did not get there till four and grounds close at five so time was very limited but felt well repaid for the trip. We left grounds shortly after five and I was low enuf to pull a rose which I hope to get to my dearest one unless they apprehend me or it falls entirely to pieces, which latter appears the more likely.

There were no more boats after five so we waited till six for a trolley thru Alexandria, where we got off and went to see "Grace Church" where Washington worshipped.... Then looked thru the old "Carlisle" house which is built on top of an old fort, built in the early part of the 17th century (1700+ I mean) as protection against the Indians and containing many prisons and dungeons. Then went to the "Alexandria" house and after long wait at table were served a very nice specially cooked dinner. Then came to Washington and left Senator at hotel.

At Mount Vernon we ran across three Democratic delegates from Washington just returned from Baltimore. All were from our congressional district. One was [Preston M.] Troy of Olympia-a brother to Senator [David S.] Troy-one [Eldridge] Wheeler from Montesano, other Fitzburry [E. A. Fitzhenry] from Port Angelesin Clallam Count-a friend of Senator Troy’s.

When got back to hotel ran into them again and have been with them since till started to write this epistle. We went up to see the fireworks....

My this is a "sweaty" country and my nose has bled some but got a light hat which is great help to my head....

Bought little spoons at Mt. Vernon for the girls. First things except card I have seen suitable. Did not go to Niagara from New York as I ran short of money. Hope to from Pittsburg.

This is wonderful trip to me and if you were only along with more time at our disposal would be almost perfect. So sorry you are not along except for danger of you being overdone which would affect you all winter unfavorably at Olympia.

Will have to be here over tomorrow at least and possibly to first of next week, when House Committee on Indian Affairs meets. Secured support of our men in the Senate and it passed yesterday. The only question now appears to keep this amendment from being thrown out in conference hope to obviate that by favorable report from that Committee meeting first of next week. See it is going thru as Senate Amendment to House bill which was passed without this included.

Lovingly, Harry

National Hotel, Washington, D.C. [Friday,] July 5, 1912

Dearest Helen,

Pretty warm weather but the evenings are fine. Believe I would enjoy living in this county-with an income of $7500.00 or so per year. Eating is pretty cheap here I think. Get breakfast of mush, steak or chops etc, bread & butter, spuds, coffee etc. for 25 cents and ½ fried chicken dinner with all fi­ings for 35 cents all along the avenue here. Of course these are not the most fashionable places but pretty good at the price and much cheaper than I found in either New York or Chicago.

Today I went first to see about that Indian legislation, there to incidentally get a c’k cashed by Warburon-then took in the House & Senate in session-went to Washington Monument and to the top thereo-then to Smithsonian Institute, which closed at four before was half way thru of cours.... Then came to take"seeing Washington" car, only to be much disappointed by learning, after hearing "in just a minute" that there would be no more this evening, which aggravation was increased when I saw four full big bus loads start off later and was informed that it was a"special part" of school teachers from the West.

I went to Congressional Library this evening where could have found plenty to occupy me for a week, but at 10 o’clock was told they had to close.

It is too murky to write more. Am in a sweat all over....

Lovingly, Harry

National Hotel, Washington, D.C. [Sunday,] July 7, 1912

Dearest Helen,

Another day has gone by and I am not started home. That Indian Committee Meeting seems "right on the verge" of occurring but has not yet gotten over, and have no assurance just when it will be.

The matter was put on the General Indian Appropriation Bill as a Senate Amendment to the House bill and passed with the rest of the bill, but some Montana Senator felt he was aggrieved by the bill being passed in his absence and leaving off some measure of interest to his State so they reconsidered, recalled the bill and now will have to await disposing of the "Lorimer case" 4 before considering it again. However, I do not have to wait on that because there appears little doubt of it passing the Senate again, but the trouble arises in the House, where the committee has not yet reported on the item and unless we can get them to repor before the conference, which will occur after the amended bill passes the Senate, the conference is liable to throw it out.

Warburton told me today that the committee should meet tomorrow or next Tuesday at latest, but when he had seen the Chairman yesterday there was not a quorum in town.

Lovingly, Harry

National Hotel, Washington, D.C. [Tuesday,] July 9, 1912

Dearest Helen,

Has been the hottest of the summer today. Now 2:00 A.M. and just beginning to cool off. Sitting in shirt sleeves and sweating while trying to write.Went to Bureau of Engraving & Printing today-then tried the Corcoran Art Gallery, but it is closed for the summer. Went then to War, Navy & State Bldg. andenquired about whereabouts of [the Richardson relatives] Francis and Jack Pryo....

I wired to LaSalle Hotel, Chicago, to forward any mail there to me here. I do hope there will be some letters from you saying that all is OK. Hope the little ones are doing well and getting rid of whooping cough.

Lovingly, Harry

On Train, 10:30 P.M. [Wednesday,] July 10, 1912

Dearest Helen,

Homeward bound at last. Get to Pittsburg 6:00 A.M. tomorrow and hope to get cheap excursion to Niagara. Indian Committee met today but no quorum. Try again Friday but concluded to trust friends as quorum very uncertain....

Love to all, Harry

Papa did not explain the finer points of the legislative process to Mama in his letters, but much later he re­viewed the sequence of events in a letter to his friend L. L. Bush of Bay Center:

You may remember that after the Chicago Convention two years ago, I went down to Wash D. C. to urge along some action in the long delayed payment of the treaty promises made to the different tribes of the lower Columbia in 1851. As it happened, I got there at the critical time-after the Indian Appropriations hadleft the House (without this item) but before passing the Senate.

[George E.] Chamberlain had made the routine introductions of the bill for the relief of the Oregon Indians and [Walter Lafferty], you know the Portland Congressman, had likewise introduced it in the House just as had been done in every Congress for years.Neither had appeared before the committee to urge the claim-it had not been considered or passed on by the Senate Committee. However, it happened that Warburton was on a subcommittee of three that passed favorably but never drew repor-he did not know that any Wash. Indians were concerned being confused by old title of Oregon. Other two members of subcommittee were awa-one seriously sick but W. got busy and tho we could not get needed majority of full committee together, and they properly had no right to take that report without other two (specially chairman) subcommittee signatures, after many days of effort we succeeded before I left in getting promise of favorable action as soon as committee could be gathered which was necessary before subsequent conference committee could accept it. Also got promise of slated members of Congressional committee to push it through. Happened also that [Wesley L.] Jones felt under obligation tome...and he also got very busy on Senate end of i-had it added to the bill there. Poindexter also worked as best he could.... Great credit is due all but especially Warburton. Congress would not even listen to interest which should have been given but did allow theprincipal... Last month I took advantage of coming election to urge Johnson who wrote he would do what he could.

Cleveland, Ohio, 7:30 P.M [Saturday,] July 13, 1912

Dearest Helen,

Have not had opportunity to really write since I rec’d your bunch of letters at Washingo....

I was caught in my first thunder shower little bit ago and got soaked so this is from writing on my wet knee. Think it fixed my suit as had just got off a very smoky dirty train and it surely will grind it in. Had only 3 blocks to go and did that in the"lull" but was soaked anyway.

Lovingly, Harry

On Train [Monday,] July 15, 1912

Dear Helen,

Am not yet in Chicago, but nearing it, having just left Columbia City, Ind. The ground is here getting quite rolling, though it is all farmed. Eastern Ohio was also rolling but the western two thirds of Ohio and Indiana to Fort Wayne were quite level. Most too level it seems to me, as there was water standing on the ground in their hay and harvest fields. They certainly have more rain to bother them than we have during harvets-but, on the other hand, can get more help & if they do get a good day can put hay in the same day when cut or the next at latest, whereas this early in season ours takes nearly a week to be ft....

Have passed thru very heavy rains today... Think I told you of my experience in thunder shower in Cleveland. It cooled the atmosphere greatly, but according to the papers, the next day Sunday was very hot all thru the district.

I was at Niagara and did not notice it greatly there, though many complained. Of course it is much cooler there than further south and in the interior.

I enjoyed the time there hugely. It is certainly grand.

I do hope to find letters there [Chicago] from you and if possible some written since I wired you regarding the cows. Am anxious to know if you understood and if you effectedsale.... Hope you did. That would pay for my trip-and the pressing deb....

Lovingly, Harry

Hanover, Wisconsin, 8:10 P.M. [Tuesday,] July 16, 1912

Dearest Helen,

I think it must be ordered that I shall not get home this week. Every turn something occurs to delay. We are now lying at this place which is merely a station waiting for a new en­gine to take place of one broken down. They sent ahead to Brodhead for one and after wait of about an hour got one (which is no hitched on) about the size of some of those smaller ones on the Nahcotta-Megler run....

Ten days later Papa was back in Oysterville, embraced warmly by his family and friends, all of whom were eager to hear, firsthand, of his adventures. Eventually, Papa did take Mama on the promised "grand tour" of the East-but not until all their children were grown and gone. Even so, the momentous occasion that was "remembered" for half a century and more was the summer when Papa was a delegate.

1 Oysterville had served as Pacific County Seat from 1855 until 1893. In November 1892 voters elected South Bend as their new county seat. Citing irregularities in the balloting, Oysterville residents called for a recount. Before that could occur, however, a group of"South Bend Raiders" settled the matter by removing the county records from the Oysterville Courthouse and taking them across Shoalwater (now Willapa) Bay to South Bend. Papa, like many other Oystervillians, always considered South Bend an"upstart" on the political scene.

2 Miles Poindexter (Progressive) from Spokane served as U.S. Senator from 1911 to 1923.

3 The preferential primary was in widespread use for the first time in 1912 and was undoubtedly the basis for Papa’s prediction which implied that the direct primary would eventually preempt the caucus/convention sys­tem. In fact, the direct primary became the centerpiece of the Progressive movement and the most lasting of the Progressive reforms. It is now the most common form of primary election for all elected offices in the United States with the exception, ironically, of the presidency.

4 Stanton Warburton (Progressive) from Washington’s Second District served as U.S. Representative from 1911 to 1913.

4 The "Lorimer Case" involved charges of corrupt campaign procedures by Senator William Lorimer (R., Ill.). After a lengthy and rancorous investigation the matter was settled on July 13, 1912, when the Senate declared Lorimer’s 1909 election invalid and stripped him of his office.

Author Sydney Stevens is the great-grand­daughter of R. H. Espy who, with his partner I. A. Clark, founded Oysterville in 1854. Since retiring from a career in teaching, she has devoted her time to researching and writing about the history of the Oysterville area. Her most recent book is Dear Medora, Child of Oysterville’s Forgotten Years.  (Washington State University Press, 2007)

Teddy Roosevelt and the Bull Moose Party

Due to his disenchantment with President William Howard Taft over conservation policy,"Teddy" Roosevelt was determined to run again for the presidency in 1912. At the Republican National Convention in Chicago, however, the political bosses saw to it that the pliable Taft, not Roosevelt, was renominated.

Roosevelt, who had served as the nation’s chief executive from 1901 to 1908, still retained a large and loyal following. On the evening of June 22, 1912, the former president asked his supporters to leave the floor of the convention. These Republican"progressives" reconvened in Chicago’s Orchestra Hall and endorsed the formation of a National Progressive Party with Roosevelt as its presidential nominee. In response to the suggestion by reporters that he was no longer fit for the office, Roosevelt retorted"I’m as fit as a bull moose," giving the new party its nickname.

The Bull Moose Party was dedicated to needed social and political reforms as America was becoming increasingly industrialized and urbanized in the early 20th century. Their platform-"New Nationalism"-included women’s suffrage; direct election of United States senators; the creation of an initiative, referendum, and recall process; child labor laws; old-age pensions; a start to Native American citizenship; and a national tariff reduction. The agenda had broad support.

The national election became a three-way race between Taft, Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson, the Democratic Party candidate. Splitting the Republican vote with Taft, Roosevelt lost the general election to Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson, Roosevelt received 88 electoral votes and more than 4 million popularvotes, soundly outpacing Taft. No third party candidate has since come close to Roosevelt’s success. A final indication of Roosevelt’s appeal and influence is that most of his agenda became law, in several cases through a strenuous constitutional amendment process.

In the state of Washington, Roosevelt received a plurality of the popular vote (113,500); Wilson and Taft trailed with 86,600 and 70,100 votes, respectively. However, each candidate was represented on the November 5, 1912, ballot by seven electors from his party.

An interesting footnote: One of the seven Progressive electors in Washington was Helen J. Scott. News reports at the time said that she was the first woman to cast a vote in the electoral college-and therefore may be said to be the first woman who voted for president. However, since some accounts also list women among the Progressive electors in California, the matter is still a point of discussionamong historians.

Still Pending

The "claims of the Chinook Indians" to which Papa referred is listed in the Congressional Record as Senate Report 503, "Final Settlement With Tillamook Indians For Certain Oregon Lands" March 22, 1912, and states in part: "A bill to provide for a settle­ment with the Wheelappa Band of Chinook Indians ofWashington for lands ceded by said Indians to the United States in a certain unratified treaty between said parties, dated August 8, 1851"; also, the bill (S. 4535) entitled"A bill to provide for a final settlement with the Lower Band of Chinook Indians of Washington for lands ceded by said Indians to the United States in a certain unratified treaty between said parties, dated August 9, 1851..." from Senate Report No. 503, 62nd Congress, 2nd Session, 1912.

In the fall of 1914 Harry Espy wrote to Chinook chief George Charley:

Oysterville October 5, 1914

Mr. Geo. Charley

Tokeland, Wash.

Friend Charley,

Getting tired of the failure to get the money here for the Chinook Indians, I wrote to Washington D.C. urging some speed.

Congressman Johnson wrote me that he would do what he could and today I received the following telegram from him:

(Dated: WA D.C. Today)

HON. H. A. ESPY

OYSTERVILLE, WASH

PAYMENT OF SIXTY SIX THOUSAND TO CHINOOK INDIANS TO BE MADE WITHIN TWO WEEKS THROUGH AGENT OR CHESNEY [McChesney] AT TACOMA. LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION READY AT INDIAN OFFICE. ­INDIVIDUAL CHECKS TO BE WRITTEN EACH TO BE RECEIPT IN FULL FOR ALL CLAIMS

(signed) ALBERT JOHNSON [congressman from Hoquiam]

This looks better than for some time but judging from the past it promises it will be nearer two months than two weeks before the Indians finally get the money.

Please remember and try to have all your friends remember that the money would not be coming soon after all these years except for the ex­cellent work done by Stanton Warburton two years ago. Senator Jones also did good work. Both are up for election again 3rd of November.

The appropriation did, indeed, come through that October 1914, 53 long years after the agreement made at Tansy Point in 1851. Ac­cording to the 1914 Congressional Record, page 1791:"The money has gone forward and will be divided at once among individuals of the tribes as follows"

Tillamooks of Oregon.....................................$10,500
Clatsops of Oregon........................................$15,000
Nuc-quee-clah-we-mucks of Oregon...........$1,500
Cathlamets of Washington...........................$7,000
Wahkiakums of Washington........................$7,000
Willapas of Washington................................$5,000
Lower Chinooks of Washington...................$20,000

However, according to Ray Gardner, current chairman of the Chinook Nation, only the Clatsops accepted the appropriation. The other Chinook bands refused their portion of the $66,000 which, without interest, came to less than 20 cents per acre for the designated land. The appropriation was to be put in trust for the Chinook Tribe until agreement on an amount could be reached. The matter is still pending.