The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1868-05-28

lO THE EDITOR OF THE
When l had that anonymous letter. referred
to by Mr.. Downing, published, l feit quite
sure that the Secretary would notice ~
through the press, for should ne pass u oy
unnoticed. he would stand a convicted Grim
inal before the public. After waiting for q
number of days, his answer appeared, bear
ing upon every line the unnistakabie evl-
dence of its being the legitimate offspring
of ignorance, hate and revenge, principles
which find a resting place only in the hearts
of fools and madmen. 1t was expected
that he would attempt TO explain away
some of the charges against him, but he
scarcely denies, much less disproves one of
them. He lets them go almost unno-
ticed, and expends his awful wrath upon
me, thus virtually pleading guilty to the
charges preferred. What have done that
he or any other man has the right to ques-
ton? He says that endorsed those allie
cations" and am some of the trio from whose
silly brain animated these cowardly epistles."
Beautiful language this, and in perfect keep
ing with the well known character of this
man. / do indorse these charges, and what
is more, he has not disapproved them. He
charges me with saying there was mot one
honest man in Rock Island" If ever
used such language, and very much doubt
it, it was but theughtless expression,
prompted by no cause and meant for no
effect. He evidently thinks me egotistical.
I suppose that am very much like some
other men-never take anything out of my
reach. I believe him just as honest and no
honester But there is one thing that I am
very proud of, and wish the whole world
could hear me say it, viz: as mean and silly
as this polsroon and coward says / am, my
name has never yet been made use of as
material 10 make up police record. Does
he know of something that was arrested and
fined in the police court, of this city, last
summer, for using obscene and insulting
language to a lady, in downtown street
of this city? He says no one would be bet
ter pleased to have new Secretary than
himself, and that the committee can appoint
one any time they wish to. The committee
did want to appoint one and called meet
ing for that purpose, but he fought against
it, tooth and nail. He raved and stormed,
and, to use the expression of one of the com
mittee-men, "foamed at the mouth like q
mad bull" He sent his team many miles
into the country on one of the most inclem-
ent DAYS last fall after members TO help to
vote down change. They came in and it
voted Dawn If he denies this, / can
prove IT, FROM that very evening the soci-
ETY., which was prospering ~ CIR before
came to a stand-still to say the least Of It.
But he had made his point and that was all
he cared for. He was the ''ehief cook and
bottle washer of the Rock Island eo-opera-
tive society, and he began to be ssucy and
insulting to the officers and members The
consequence of this was, the officers and
men began to drop off, saying he was break
ing up the society. He didn't care ifhe
was; he made it what it was, and be would
rule or ruin.n Ny opinion is that he has
succeeded in the one and will ultimately sue
coed in the other. But, for all know, Mr.
Downing may be acting fairly with the
members of that society. That he is get
ting rich he does not deny. He says he
didn't make anything in the tea business,
but whether he is making anything out of
that store, or not, / know but little and care
less. He is silent on that matter But GER
tain it is that any man who is forever trying
to impress upon the minds of all with whom
he comes in contact, that he is sacrificing
his personal comfort and devoting his time
and money entirely to the benefit Of his fell
low men, not only exposes his folly but
gives to the world positive evidence that he
is q scoundrel.
Yours respectfully,
L. NJ. CoPLIN.
Rock Island Nav o. 1863