In Colorado he edited the Union Era, a reform paper, and helped to organized the People's Party (Populists) national convention.

The municipal board members appointed by the governor had complete financial control over the police, fire, and excise departments.

Governor Waite tried to overturn the corruption in Denver in 1894 by removing police and fire commissioners that he thought were shielding gamblers and prostitutes.

Federal troops were called in from nearby Fort Logan to intervene and quell the civil strife.

Eventually Governor Waite agreed to withdraw the militia and allow the state Supreme Court to decide the case.

The court ruled that the governor had authority to replace the commissioners, but he was reprimanded for bringing in the militia, in what became known as the "City Hall War".