C-Falls had shot at county seat

An election in November 1894 determined that Kalispell and not Columbia Falls would become county seat for Flathead County. Only one "l" was used when spelling Kalispell.

Editor of The Columbian discussed everything from costs of the bridge over the Flathead River in Columbia Falls to alleged votes cast by hobos from Spokane.

Comments before the election included the following: "When the Inter Lake says the big bridge at Columbia Falls cost Flathead County a cent, it tells a willful falsehood, and every taxpayer knows it. Columbia Falls put $30,000 into a bridge across the Flathead River for the benefit of the public. The county spent $10,000 on a bridge for the sole accommodation of Kalispel.

"To the farmer and producer there is but one question. Shall we vote for Kalispel and place ourselves at the mercy of one town, or shall we vote for Columbia Falls and strengthen competition and give us two markets?"

Editor's comments in the newspaper after the election were caustic: "Columbia Falls is suffering from a blow received below the belt last Tuesday. The taxpayers, however, have the satisfaction of knowing how and by whom the fuel was delivered. Kalispel heelers at Holt were offering flour in exchange for votes last Tuesday. (Heeler is a political hanger-on)

"Spokane papers last week warned their city readers to look out for an army of hoboes who were returning to that city after a visit to Montana where they had been to vote in a county seat contest. Can anyone explain where they voted? We all know they voted. The citizens of Columbia Falls are proud of the fact not one illegal vote was cast in that town.

"When the voters of Flathead County seat went into the booths last Tuesday, they wrote a prescription that will physic every taxpayer and citizen in the county before two years.

"The editor of the Columbian desires to express his sincere thanks to the newspapermen of Kalispel for the courteous treatment accorded him during the late campaign."

Article concluded with: "God be with us ‘til we meet again - Nov. 8, 1896. The next general election."

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.