The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1869-09-14
SINGULAR JUDGEMENT.

SINGULAR JUDuEmEhI.
We have seldom read sillier article than
the one which appeared in this mornings
Union under the above head. The total
absence ofcommon sense evinced in 1t, can
only be accounted for on the score Of wiliul
misre presentation, or the utter Ignorance
which is some times displayed by that con-
Germ on the most simple matters. John
Holmquis,, formerly republican Collector,
has been figuring at the police court, and
the Union makes a martyr of him in man
ner which should have sent him before their
convention to day, as an invincible eandi'
date for auy nomination he might see fit to
accept.
The facts in regard to the arrest and
threatened incarceration OF the ex.coliector
are as follows: On the 18th OF last June,
he was notified in the usual manner by
| Adam Schaab, supervisor OF the LIST ward,
that there was due from him road tax OF
1925. Instead Of walking up and paying
it like a respectable citizen, he declared that
he wouldn't pay it at all His excuse was
that he was not an able bodied man, and
therefore was not subject to taxation. de
was recommended to pay it without troabl e,
but Dragged in the saloons, over his liberal
| rotations, that he was bound to beat the
city out of it. Information of this honor,
| able intention, 80 becoming au ex.republicsn
public. official, reached the ears of the su.
thorities, bu. in hopes that Holmquist would
shortly come to his senses and settle the bill,
the case was left in allegiance. Finally con.
GLIDING that force was required, the city or
dinances were consulted. 1t WAS found that
on the Sth Of July 1868, the republican city
| council passed an ordinance, bearing direct
ly upon the case, and that it was promptly
signed by Mayor Murdoch. This act is en-.
titled ian ordinance to require labor on the
streets and alleys" and its second section
reads as follows:
Any person so liable to labor on the
streets and alleys OF this city who shall re,
fuse to perform such labor or pay in lieu
thereof as aforesaid, shall be liable to pay
to the city of Rock Island the sum Of three
(3) dollars, which sum may be recovered by
said city from such person IN the same man
ner as provided by Ordinances Of said city
| for the recorey Of fines and penalties to
gether with the costs of suit.
A writ was therefore yesterday served
upon Mr.. Holmquist, by Policeman Woods,
requiring him to appear before Magistrate
Chopper The distinguished gentleman and
ex.offical came, but in lieu Of the $50
presented a certificate from DR.. Gait to the
effect that he was not an able bodied man.
A certain Mr.. Smith was also brought into
the court room TO prove the same thing
Mr.. Holmquist then advanced the singular
proposition that man who is not able bod
led, is, exempt from the payment
of the road tax, and declared that be
would not p~y a. The idea that q
man of some property like Mr.. Hoimquiss
and the recent holder of responsible pub
( lie Office at the bestowal of the Republican,
of our city, should plead like pauper to BIZ
exempted from legitimate tax of 1915
is perfect disgrace to the party he belong,
to. Last year he made $500 or 5000 from
his Office, although very inethciently per
forming its duties. We are also informed
that he has been known to expend in a sin
gle evening sum lager than the tax as
sessed, for purposes not so beneficial to
either himself or the public.
His singular legal position, however, was
not appreciated. Our city ordinances ex
empt no one in this manner, and Magistrate
Cropper entered judgment to the amount Of
50 and costs. Holmquist refused to pay it
Mr.. Cropper expressed his regrets, but in
formed him that he must then 60 to jail, at
the Magistrate had no discretion in the mat
ter. The ex.City Collector then began &c
realize that boys play had "played OUT
He asked if he could have time TO borrow
the money. Mr.. Chopper replied that he
could have all the time he wanted. Police
man Tompkins then went with him on his
pretended search for friends.
Iu about an hour he returned with Major
Curtis, intent on again contesting the mat,
ter. Maj. Curtis examined the ordinances
and city charter, and advised Holmquis. 70
pay the fine. He added that he thought he
might be able 70 beat the city if he should
fight the case, but it would cost too much
Homquist then paid the tax, or fine.
With all due Difference to the opinion OF
Major Curtis, we have just as good authori
~ for saying ,hatthe city laws do not exempt
a man from paying the road tax because he is
| not able bodied. The idea is nonsensical.
Mr.. Negus or Mr.. Cable nigh. refuse to pay
their road tax on the same ground, although
in the full enjoyment of wealth and prosper.
ity. When the Union again comments on "a
wonderful Ignorance of law" its little man
had better End out what be is writing about.