Letters to the Editor

Col. Wright’s name correctly removed

I have objected to the changes of creek names and the defacing of the Whitman statue at the college and removing the statue from the Capitol. It is a sign of the times and rebellious, ill-educated, disrespectful children growing into adults.

However, I think Publisher Roger Harnack’s recent column was short-sighted in his summary of the hanging of Qualchan. Col. Wright was wrong (to quote the name of a book.) Qualchan came into Wright’s camp under a flag of truce because he believed his father, Owhi, might be freed.

Qualchan was hanged without any trial within 10 minutes. Hardly any rules of war here. “Warrior of the Mist” by T.G. Byden has a very good account of the affair.

If every white man or woman who killed an Indian was hanged, there would be more to Washington state history. Non-Indians were usually not made to pay for their killings by death.

Furthermore on the subject of renaming streets, anyone who orders 900 horses, mares and foals and stallions to be shot, as Wright did, deserves no streets named after him except perhaps the street the jail is on.

Just saying, only by first-person accounts and letters of the people alive at the time, can we get a clearer view of history.

Tina Weber

– Twisp

Former sheriff endorses Wagner

I retired after working for Adams County Law Enforcement for more than 31 years.

During that time, I had the privilege of working for three different sheriffs and served as Adams County sheriff myself. I know and understand what the job of sheriff requires and demands, and the leadership and knowledge required to keep the county safe while operating within the laws of the state of Washington, and serving the residents of Adams County.

I am endorsing Dale Wagner for sheriff, as I believe he has the traits, knowledge and experience to keep Adams County moving forward and providing the best service to its residents.

I am voting for Dale Wagner for Adams County sheriff; I encourage you to do the same.

John W. Hunt

–Ritzville