Newspaper Page Text
THE ROCK ISLAND ARGUS. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1912. S CLAIM ACTION IS ENTIRELY ILLEGAL AND UNCALLED FOR Business Men Through 50,000 Club Protest Waterworks Referendum. THE QUESTION OF DUTY Commission Should Assume Responsi bility Instead of Shirking It In 8ueh Matters. Resolved The sense of this meet- Ing be that the commissioners be re quested to rescind their action, sub mitting the adoption of the ordinance creatleg the office of superintendent of filtration and water works to a vote of the people at the special tele phone election called for Dec. 10, and that the commissioners themselves act on same and adopt the ordinance as presented. I'nanlmously condemning the action of three city commissioners In refus ing to decide upon the creation of the office of superintendent of filtration and waterworks, a thing which they should decide themselves, and accus ing them of attempting to shift a re sponsibility which Is Justly theirs up on the shoulders of the people an as semblage, composed of 100 represen tative business and professional men of Rock Island, last night voted unan imously In favor of the commission rescinding Its action submitting the waterworks superlntendency question to a vote of the people, and a com mittee of 35 was appointed to wait upon the commissioners a the next meeting Monday afternoon, and ap prise them of the stand which had teen taken by the Fifty Thousand club. A committee composed of Hon. William McKnlry. K. H. Ouyer. Hon. William Jackson and n. p. Connelly was named to present the matter to the commission. AM. OF 0K OI'IMDV. The meeting was one of the larg est and most earnest which hag been held by the Fifty Thousand club, and every man present was strongly op posed to placing the decision of a mat ter up to the people which the com mlHHioners should decide, and that their attempt to shift responsibility upon the shoulders of confession of weakness. many was a ! It. was point-1 d out that to vote upon the water works question on Dec. 10 would be il 1 gal, inasmuch as the phon? ques tion is the one for which the election was called, and that under the. law subjects pertaining to policy of the commission can only come up at a general election of a referendum vote. The general concensus of opinion was that If the commission remained adamant, after learning the senti ment of the representative business men, that an lnjunution be secured, restraining the commission from an Illegal procedure. It was pointed out that Rock Is land has a waterworks j!ant valu-'il at approximately $l,OOn,oH), and that In the interest of public health and safety a competent man should be spared to place a capable man at its j On the afternoon of Oct. 1, accord phiced at its head, regardless of sal-! head. The city should adopt the! ing to the story told by the girl, she ary. It was generally coneedi d that i same plan through the commission." ' was walking across the Milan bridge, Il',400 a year Is a very moderate sum I AbsolutelyPure Cookincc is a cerns the whole family, and under modern methods and conveniences it is made so attractive the whole family is becoming interested, if not taking part in it. "These biscuits are delicious; this cake is excellent' says the father. " I made them," says the daughter, and both father and daughter beam with pleasure. It is a crime, with our modern agencies, helps and facilities, to have soggy biscuit, or wooden cake, or leaden pastry. Royal Baking Powder has made home baking a success, a pleasure and a profit, and the best cooking today the world over is done with its aid. of money when It was taken into con sideration that the health of every resident of Rock Island is Involved. MAYOR EXPLAINS SITTATIOX. Mayor H. M. Schriver was first call ed upon by Chairman B. D. Connelly to explain the situation as it exists. The mayor explained the need of a competent man to supplant Profes sor Birdsall, resigned. He stated that in his opinion the commission should place a competent man at the head of the waterworks, who could superin tend the whole plant, one with engin eering ability who could operate the plant on an economic basis and en Joy the confidence of the people. He spoke of . the capabilities of R. W. Sharp and stated that there is no better man in the country for the posi tion at hand. Mr. Sharp bu-llt the lo cal plant and is perfectly cognizant of conditions here. The mayor recalled the fact that after the superlntendency of waterworks had been abolished, in line with a general retrenchment pol icy, that the waterworks had been without a head up until the time Pro fessor Birdsall assumed active charge. The mayor felt that the com mission should decide the matter it self, and that should the matter be put to a vote of the people, they would look only at the $200 a month, regard less of the benefi's to be derived from the expenditure of that sum in salary for a competent head. He dwelt on the fact that should the people vote against the creation of this office there would be no superintendent of waterworks and filtration, no scien tific management and the plant would be left tike a rudderless ship at sea, to take care of itself. Commissioner Bear gave a brief i history of the situation since his elec tion and confessed he had but a super ficial knowledge of the workings of the plant. He felt that the responsi bility for this plant rested upon him, and therefore he desired a competent man to assume charge of same in or der to insure the proper supervision. He confessed that there were prob lems involved beyond his knowledge. Various business men were then called upon to express their views. E. H. Ouyer (-aid it was obvious, that the plant needed a head, and that if the commissioners were incompetent to dispose of such a matter without calling an election, he believed that the election should be called for the purpose of determining whether or not the city wants those cbmmissioners. I. S. White said the commissioners are responsible for the waterworks and its management. When they were employed, it was on the assumption that they were competent, to dispose of such matters and that it was up to them to d"cide the superintendency question, according to their best ; judgment of what pertained to the best welfare of the city. He favored a good head, to insure the people against loss of life, brought on by use of impure water. Hon. William McEniry said: "I am ir favor of placing the management of the waterworks in the hands of men who have made a study of the situ ation. It seems to me that the com missioners are attempting to shift re sponsibility. According to the law there is no question that the com mission has no right to submit this question at an election without tak ing the proper legal steps. I feel that the commissioners should be told of their mistake and be informed of the sentiment maintained by the bus! neps mn of Rock Island. To submit I this maiter at the special election il-i legally, will establish a bad precedent. In any big industry no expense is I lion. L. S. McCabe held that the i matter which ccn- plant should have at its head the best talent obtainable $200 a month is a small salary for such a man. Walter A. Rosenfield said of the three commissioners who are oppos ing this question, two are candidates for mayor. They are playing politics at the public expense. Hon. William Jackson said the law places the responsibility upon the Commissioners. They were elected to perform their duty, let them be men enough to do so. fThey were placed in office on the supposition that they were capable. If they do not believe Jhat they are capable, let them resign to make way for men who axe. OTHER SPEAKERS. Others who talked, and who favor ed the placing of a head at the water works and the securing of pure water for the citjr -were Dr. Joseph De- Slfc va. Dr. O. G. Craig, Dr. G. L. Eyster, Dr. S. B. Hall, Dr. F. H. First, Dr. C. P. Comegys, Dr. B. J. Lachner, Dr. Rochow, Frank Mixter and J. T. Mar- ron. MOLHTER IS HEAD. Former Mayor P. H. Wessell of Mo line spoke in behalf of a tri-city move ment in cooperation with the govern ment that would insure to the people pure water at first hand without. tak ing it from a common slough. This could be accomplished by a dam at the head of Campbell's island. Before the meeting adjourned. It was voted to attend the meeting ot the municipal commission in a body at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon and pro test against the proposed policy with reference to the waterworks, manage ment. LIFE'S PITFALLS TOLD OF IN COURT Sixteen-year-old Girl Relates Strugges to' Gain Upright Path. CHARGES HER PURSUER Who Sentenced to Jail, Being Scored by the State. After Fighting against overwhelming odds in a battle to live an upright life and striving to eradicate a previous stigma to her name, pretty 16-year-old Hazel Weigand appeared in police court this morning against George Fitzslmmons, a Milan man-who she says has been forcing his attentions upon her and who on Oct. 1 attempted a criminal 8fsaultupon her, after which he fled the country. He returned to his home In Milan two weeks ago and v.as arrested yesterday on a charge of disorderly conduct. IP-HILL. FIGHT. The girl told a pitiful Btory of her struggle to lead a decent life and with tears in her eyes related to the court the insults to which she has been subjected by various Milan men, who have attempted to again drag her into the mire. The girl's father, J. C. Weigand, a lock tender, whose home is on Big island, told of the persecutions borne by his daughter, and asked the court if she could not De permitted to carry a gun to pro- tect herself from the insolent para Bites who are seeking her ruination. IS ATTACKED. v. hen Fitzsimmons called her over to 11 1 1 11 irii o ii 1 1 1 t ii i riiii auu'oiiau.ucu o stickpin and a ring from her, refus ing to return them unless she would agree to his demands. Upon her em- j hatic refusal, the man seized her by the arm and attempted to throw her to the ground. Screaming with fear, )'e broke away and fled to her home. OFFENDER SCORED. Fitzsimmons was sentenced to 10 days in jail after he was subjected to terrific denunciation at the hands of Assistant State's Attorney Ingle son. "It is men like you that cause young girls to take the downward path. t-houted the attorney, pointing an ac cusing finger at Fitzsimmons. "Here Is a girl who has erred in the past lut who is now making an effort to lead a pure and clean life. But you are not content to see her live clean lv, but are attempting to complete her ruination. This little girl Is entitled to the protection of the law, and is going to have it. If you men will not cease your persecutions, you will be haled into this court and severe sen tences meted out to you. lou may thank your stars that the charge is cnly disorderly conduct and not a more serious one, which would mean that you would be bound over to the grand Jury. Go to your cell and medi tate on your sins and try and be a man." Personal Points J. A. Boman. 2117 Fourth avenue left today for Clinton on a business trip. G. F. Hodges of Maquoketa, Iowa, is in the city today attending to busi ness matters. Dr. and Mrs. El M. SaJa, have returned home from New York City, where they attended the Clinical Congress of Surgeons of North Amer ica convention. Invitations to Memorial. At a special committee meeting held yesterday afternoon, J. M. Johnston, secretary of the Rock Island County Bar association, was authorized to in vite members of the supreme court branch, the appellate court branch in Ottawa and the bar association In the Fourteenth Judicial district, to attend the Judge Gest memorial next Satur day at the court house. BELIEVES ACTION UP TO COUNCIL Commissioner Archie Hart Fa vors Commission Solving Waterworks Question. CITIZENS ARE WILLING Edwa-d Bartow, State Water Survey Director, Writes to Mayor Re garding Matter. CommlsBlonef Archie Hart made the following statement this morning rel ative to the much mooted waterworks question now before the city council: "I am In favor of having an efficient man at the head of the waterworks department in this city not only be cause it will work to the good of the general public but because it will also redound to the credit of the commis sion. I favored the passing of an or dinance creating the office of superin tendent of filtration and waterworks and voted for its consideration, but when the resolution came up calling for a vote of the people on the prop osition, I at once acquiesced even though I felt that the commission was able in itself to pass on the matter. 1 will be the last one to keep from the people an opportunity to vote on any question. I now believe, however, from the public expressions I have heard, that the people expect the com mission to settle the matter itself and are not clamoring for an opportunity to vote. I believe the commission can act to the best interests of the city without having to call in the people to decide for us." BARTOW EXPRESSES SELF. Edward Bartow, director of the state water survey, in a letter to Mayor H. M. Schriver, expresses regret at the situation that has arisen here and hope for its being solved. He highly rec ommends the employment of R. W. Sharp for the position of head of the waterworks system and proffers the services of himself and his office if called upon to aid the city. L. I. Birdsall, former superintendent of filtration, writes from his new home in Minneapolis and says that he is surprised at the attitude of some of the commissioners regarding the ap pointment of Mr. Sharp, who he says is a most efficient man for the posi tion. LOCAL PHYSICIAN ABANDONS FIELD Dr. W. H. Ludewig Announces Retirement From Practice To Make Home in South. Dr. W. H. Ludewig, who for the past 25 years has been a practicing physician in Rock Island, today an nounced his retirement from active work, and his intention of removing from the city to the south. The doctor expects to remove to Foley, Ala, about the middle of next month, and will take a long rest before announc ing, his future plans, although it was understood today that he had decided to retire from the medical field. Dr. Ludewig bears a reputation in the medical field of the tri-cities, second to none, and his many friends will regret his departure. VERY SPECIAL Monday, Nov. 25. One of New York's largest manu facturers of costumes and dresses has sent us their special representative who will be with us for just one day, showing a large selection of the very latest importations and reproductions, consisting of chiffons, crete-meteors, crepe de chines and charmeuse and imported and reproduced spangled robes. No two alike. Over one hundred to select from. Special measurements will be taken. Satisfaction guaranteed. Remember this is for one day only, Monday, Nov. 25. Visitors and pur chasers equally welcome. Young & McComhs. (Advertisement) Fresh Fruits. At Campana's, 223 Seventeenth street; bananas, 5 cents and 10 cents a dozen. (Advertisement) Notice to Hunters v in prosecute any nuniers ni found trespassing on any of W their farms. Signed by the committee. The Protective Farmers' As- sociation of Black Hawk Township. ,- n Fv offensive. dangerous and 3 fu highly contagious. Use J vf fPftjP Roup Cure A Rty as a prerentlv and cnre. 4 I L Sample free. Safe, positive. ij I "9 Of "Tour tnoney SGc iPi t .3 -OC bark If It falls." ta I iMrtrr site, 1. Oft Pratts V Profit--!--- -K.klet n Pratt Fm4 Co., Phlla.-CJoa;. competitors, who sell mostly on the in stallment plan. Come in and look over our line be fore you buv- We'll be glad to show you. A lfon. Mvers & Commpy WIFE AND BABIES CAST IN STREET Drink Crazed Man 0ust3 Fam ily From House in Night. STORY OF WANT TOLD Children Are Running Barefoot, While Father Spends Money for Liquor. Crazed by liquor and seized with an insane desire to inflict suffering on his family, Edward Francis last Wednes day put his wife and three little babies out into the street, threatening them with death if they dared to cross his threshold again. Hudlled up against the side of the house, shivering as the winds swept around them, they were discovered by a relative and given shelter for the night. Yesterday a warrant was sworn out against the husband by Mrs. Fran cis, charging him with disorderly con duct, and when the offender was ar raigned in police court this morning, there was recited one of the most piti ful tales of poverty and deprivation which has ever been heard in the local court room. MOTHER WASHES. According to the wife's story, her husband has not given her a cent for weeks, but has spent all of his money for drink. There are six children in the family, three under the age of 14, and these babies have gone without food for as much as three days at a time. The mother has taken in wash ing and has tried to hold her own in the losing battle for bread, assisted to a certain extent by the three older boys, who are all working, one of them being only 14 years of age.- The father has frequently compelled his little 9-year-old girl, Elizabeth, to take a pall and go into the saloon to bring beer for him,, forcing this child of tender years to remain in an atmos phere of vulgarity and vice. The chil dren have had insufficient clothing, and little Elizabeth has for days been walking on the cold ground in her bare feet. This morning the Judge asked Elizabeth to see her shoes, and the child, a beautiful little girl, raised up her tiny feet and displayed an old pair of tattered shoes, from ' which the soles had entirely disappeared. FIXE .SUSPENDED. Feeling that to send the man to jail would impose a great hardship upon the babies. Judge Smith suspended a fine of $200 over Francis' head, on the condition that the entire week's wages, with the exception of $2, be left with the desk sergeant at the police station each Saturday night, for delivery to the wife. Francis was also ordered by the court to get new shoes for the babies immediately, and this was done. Obituiry JAMBS A. LARKftr, James A. Larkin, for te past 22 years a resident of Davenport, died at 10:20 o'clock Thursday evening at Mercy hospital, after a brief illness, at the age of 65 years. Deceased was born April 12, 1847, in Schenectady, N. Y., coming to Rock Island with his parents in 1856, where he lived until 1864. In that year, being 17 years of. age, he enlisted in the union army. At the close of tie war he was mus tered out, and since that time had been prominent in the affairs of the G. A. R. in the vicinity of Rock Island and Davenport. When 43 years of age he moved to Davenport with his family. In 1900 the first wife died, and Aug. 20, 1900, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hopper, who survives him. In addition, he is survived by four sons, Edward Larkin of Silvia, Burt and Charles Larkin of Davenport, and Francis Larkin of Chicago; one broth er, Charles Larkin of Rock Island, and one sister, Mrs. Henry Rosenfield, also of Rock Island. Four grandchildren, Robert, Leroy and Raymond Larkin and Frederick C. Lidke, also survive. The funeral services will be held Mon day morning from the home, 646 Tre mont avenue, with services at 9 o'clock at the Sacred Heart cathedral. Inter- J e W C 1 Stoves have them all beat for QUALITY and STYLE, and our prices are so low that we are frequently told we 'to $10 lower than our ment will be made In St Marguerite's cemetery. FUERL OF MRS. The body of Mrs. . Margaret Hen- nings, arrived In the city last even ing from London Mills, 111., and was taken to the Knox undertaking par lors. The funeral will be held tomor row morning at 8:30 o'clock from the home of her son-in-law, William Par kers four miles southeast of Milan, with services at 9 o'clock at the church in Coal Valley. Interment will be made in Coal Valley cemetery, School Teachers Meet Division Four of the Rock Island county teachers, met today at the Cen ter Station school house In South Rock Island and had an instructive program and a discussion of matters of Interest to them. Superintendent of Schools S. J. Ferguson was in charge. Iowa City, Ind. The report of the state board of education to the gover nor gives the University of Iowa only $15,000 for extensions. This is less than the university asked for. Galesburg, 111. A suit In mandamuB was filed here In an effort to compel Mayor Bradley to sign the liquor li cense of Henry. Johnson, to whom the council voted to give a license. LIVER PILLS Sugar-coated and all vegetable. Dose, only one pill at bedtime. For consti pation, bilious headache, indigestion. AyeTs Puis. Sold for 60 yean. Ask Your Doctor. fcSJfcTfit A Player Piano of Splendid Tone for Only $200 Consists of a piano without a keyboard equipped with a play er which engages the plan ac tion direct. It is bnllt upon a design which produoes a tone surpassed by tww trp rlght pianos, a design which greatly reduoes the eost but which eaav not be used whan a fingerboard la required. The PSTITE player mechanism permits the most perfect musical ex pression. It is splendidly durable and plays any 66 note roll Caere than 20)00 have been cut from which to choose. The PETITE Is 64 tnohes high, 4ft inches wide and 20 tnohss daD It requires little mors space than a ladies' writing desk. Ideal for the home, lodge or dob and oosts less than one-third of the pries of the ordinary player. If yoa want a isal piano player of the highest grade and want ts savs the 1450 to $600 write for our catalogue and terms. PETITE PLAYER PIANOS, 1200. On. wonderfully fair terms. Beats. included. BENNETT ORGAN CCX Forty-fourth street and Third avenue. Book Island, HL Davenport & Muscatine fly. Co. TIME TABLE For Sunday, Nov. 24 Only LEAVES DAVENPORT , 6:00 A. M. 9:00 A. M. 10:30 A. M. 12:00 M. 1:30 P. M. 3:00 P. M. 4:30 P. M. 6:00 P. M. . 9:00 P.M. are from $5 MANY LAID OFF AT WOODMEN OFFICE Court Decision at Springfield Causes Reduction in Toroa in This City. A considerable number of employes, mostly girls, were laid off last even ing at the head office of the Modern Woodmen of America. Representa tives of the order refused to divulge the exact number affected, but estt mates range from 70 to 150. Most of these were employed in the trans fer and certificate department and were engaged in changing members of the order from the old rates to those adopted by the society at the Chicago head camp meetlngr The de cision in the circuit court at Spring field yesterday temporarily at least, restrains the order from writing in surance under the new rates and ac cordingly there is no use for the em ployes who were engaged in that work. The officials expect a reversal of the decision as soon as the matter Is taken to the supreme court and In this case most of the laid-oS em ployes will have an opportunity to re turn to work. The executive council of the Modern Woodmen was convened at the head office today to take action regarding the reversal at Springfield.