Biographical Note
Harry White was born in Iowa in 1859, and in 1887 came to Seattle, where
he invested in real estate. As a City Council member, he advocated for city
ownership of utilities: this became an important issue in the mayoral election
of 1890. White, a Republican, was elected to the office of Mayor in August of
1890 and served an abbreviated term until October of that year, when Seattle's
first home rule City Charter was adopted. He subsequently was elected under the
new Freeholders' Charter. The new charter also allowed for city ownership of
water utilities, and Seattle was able to purchase the privately owned water
systems. Other important issues in White's short term of office were the
organization of the police and fire departments, the library, and Seattle's
parks system.
White resigned due to illness on November 30, 1891, and George Hall was
appointed by the City Council to fill the remainder of his term.
Content Description
Messages of the Mayor Harry White, 1890-1891, include reports on the
financial condition of the city, vetoes, and proposed amendments to the City
Charter. Other messages -- written to the Board of Aldermen, House of
Delegates, or to both branches of the City Council -- deal with issues such as
tax levies, extension of the city limits, and a visit to the City by President
Benjamin Harrison.