She sights a Bird — she chuckles —
Update 46
1884
The system that has kept New SorGun moving forward is hitting a few bumps on the road. Kitty Timworthy has brought together a coalition of various groups with the sole interest of bringing down Eastman T. Finch and the other elites who run the town…
While Kitty’s movement was gaining momentum, Finch and his supporters couldn’t seem to catch a break. The recession of 1882 was beginning to be felt in New SorGun. A number of businesses were shutting their doors for good and the current leaderships promises of growth and prosperity began falling on deaf ears.
Kitty saw the shifting momentum as a sign that her cause was just, but something happened on November 23, 1883 that even she couldn’t believe. After many previous attempts, the Territorial Legislature finally passed a bill that gave women the right to vote. Only the Wyoming and Utah territories had enacted women’s suffrage prior to the Washington territory. Finally, Kitty and the rest of her sisters would have the same voice in the polling booths as their husbands, brothers and fathers.
Almost immediately, Kitty was approached by a number of supporters begging her to run for Mayor in next year’s election. It was no secret that Mayor Walker, now almost 70, was stepping down after almost two decades of service to the little frontier town. In that time, Walker had seen New SorGun grow from a few shops along Main Street, to a lively commercial center.
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Until now, folks didn’t give too much thought as to who would replace the well-loved retiring mayor, but with the events of the past few years it became apparent that the future of their town could hinge on the upcoming election. As winter gave way to the spring of 1884, Kitty finally caved to the pressure and announced her candidacy for Mayor as the ‘Peoples Candidate’.
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There was an immediate wave of excitement throughout town. Suddenly, disenchanted groups of citizens finally felt they had a real representative who would fight for their interests. Women, workers, prohibitionists and other groups from across the political spectrum all celebrated the possibility of capturing the highest political position in the region.
However, not everyone was leaping on ‘The Peoples’ bandwagon. Some of Kitty’s supporters, including the Knights of Labor held a spiteful reputation for rabble-rousing and causing trouble. Many in town, including business owners, investors, farmers and others feared ‘The Peoples’ ticket and the harm they could do to New SorGun by pursuing their reforms. Despite what many of Kitty’s supports claimed, New SorGun had achieved amazing growth and prosperity under the guidance of the businessmen who made up the current political administration in town.
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After Kitty’s announcement, the business leaders in New SorGun realized they would need to nominate a strong candidate to have any chance of retaining the mayor’s seat. A number of names were batted around, but in the end only one man had the charisma, expertise and popularity to challenge the People’s Ticket.
“Mr. Finch, some gentlemen are here to see you…”
Eastman T. Finch was reluctant at first. Politics usually made his skin crawl and he always managed to keep his distance from the ‘great circus,’ as he usually called it. But he had seen first had what a savage band of citizens could do, and he was fearful of the ‘People’s Ticket’ and their agenda.
When Finch faced a difficult decision, he was in the habit of reaching out to his good friend Anthony S. Myers. Myers always knew that he was more of a sounding board to Finch’s thoughts and rarely had any meaningful sway in his decision making process, but it suited Myers just fine – he actually enjoyed his friends company. On a beautiful spring morning, the two men met by the docks, which was Finch’s favorite place to be in New SorGun.
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Finch sighed as he leaned over to feed the birds, “I've never enjoyed politics… I’d much rather create something with my own to hands than step into that mud pit.”
Anthony Myers laughed as he looked out on the harbor, “Your suits are too nice to be soiled in mud. I don’t blame you for staying out of the fray.”
Eastman gave a smirk.
“Besides, I’ve never seen a politician build anything but their own ego,” Mr. Myers continued.
“Unfortunately, my friend, I don’t think we can build our way out of this one,” said Finch sullenly.
Myers listened to the gulls circling above docks. “The thought of a free meal sure whips them into a frenzy…”
Finch sighed, “Yes, the gulls are similar to people in that respect…”
“Perhaps, but some would say birds are more civilized,” replied Myers.
Finch watched quietly as the seagulls clashed over the last crumbs of bread.
A week later Finch held a gathering of his friends and associates next to the new town hall, which was still under construction.
“My friends,” Finch began, “thank you for coming. As we stand here today, we can look across this marvelous patch of land and be proud of our little town. I first stepped foot on Yarahi’s pier nearly twenty years ago – I still remember the day fondly. It was only a few shops and houses then, but New SorGun was bustling with energy, and it electrified me. Today that energy continues to build and together we have erected a shining beacon that illuminates the region.”
Finch paused as the gathered crowd nodded and clapped in approval
“Now, Most of you know that I have little patience for politics, but I believe we have come to a crossroads,” Finch continued. “There are some who believe our great achievements are not worth the price and everything we have built constitutes a sin against man.”
There were grumbles of disapproval from the crowd.
“I, however, will not be shamed into exodus,” Finch bellowed. “I hold my head high and look around this great town with pride in my heart. I accept your nomination and on Election Day I hope to humbly stand before you as the next mayor of this exceptional town.”
Anthony Myers clapped loudly in approval along with entire crowd. He believed in his friend and his principles, but he couldn’t escape the worrying feeling that had been nagging him since Finch informed him of his intention to run. Anthony knew Finch would be a highly capable Mayor, that much was certain, but Myers understood his friend better than most, and deep down he was worried that a highly public and vicious campaign would break Finch. His friend’s public persona was always steadfast, but behind closed doors Eastman Finch would brood and fret over personal attacks and unflattering gossip. Myers could only hope that Eastman would grow a tougher hide over the coming months, otherwise he feared what would become of his friend.
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I want to send a special ‘thank you’ to C.P. for graciously allowing me use some of his unreleased 19th century models. These will be popping up in New SorGun with more regularity in the future. If you have a second, I would strongly recommend taking a look at his BAT thread over at SC4Devotion – its chock full of amazing SC4 treats.
Urban Constanta, Mymyjp, SylvioJ:
Thank you for the compliments and support!
Ln X: How do you plop MMPs on streets?
That is actually the result of some excellent T21 modding by vortext. I haven't really looked into T21 modding yet, but he was kind enough to share his work with me.
Ultimate727: As always, wow! You are doing this for years and it still doesn't get any close to boring!
Thank you for the kind words - I try my best to keep every update fresh and new.
Huston: That's quite the crowd! I can only image what'll happen. 
Thanks - we haven't seen the last of unruly crowds yet 
ModyMentos: Can't wait for the next update, and its will be the 100 one !!!
Hope you enjoyed it - I will try to do something special for the 50th full update
nas786: This is amazing. I am learning some american history as I read through these entries lol. Such a great job of not only capturing the era, but also showing the progression. Can't wait to see how these shady railroad guys effect the area.
Thanks for stopping by. Don't worry, we haven't seen the last of the railroad barons
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