The Rock Island daily Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1872-1873, 1873-03-26
Letter from Hon. B. N. Stevens.


Hawley. Robinson s Go S little game Blocked.
a few days ago We wrote to Hon b. \
Stevens, NJ G. from the old 9Th, inquiring
as to the status Of the Island railway mat
ter and, this morning received from him
the following reply.
TisKILwA March "A. 1873.
Dear Sir Yours Of the 22nd is at
hand \ bill was directed to be reported
by the Committee On Railways aud Ca
mails, providing that three horse railroad
companies aud the proprietors of the ferry
might have the privilege Of running horse
cars over the bridges and Island by paying
to the Government the cost Of the track
etc, which was to be constructed by the
Secretary of War, who was 10 have the
general direction and control Of the whole
matter
The most reliable intelligence from Rock
Island and Davenport seemed to indicate
a wish that the ferry company should not
be party to the arrangement.
After the introduction of Mr.. Cotton :
bill, which bill confined the parties in in
terest to all horse railroad companies OF
both cities, now in existence, or which
might hereafter exist | was advised that
party from Davenport, representing q
horse railroad not included in Hawley
bill, appeared at W ashington and a bill wa,
agreed upon by Messrs. Hawley and Cotton
as | have stated, including all horse rail
road corporations in both cities, and the
ferry company. 1t SO happened that thi.
bill then about to be reported to the
House. was submitted to my examination
l then had an interview with Mr. Cott0r
and demonstrated with him against incIud
ing the ferry company, as the people
seemed strongly opposed to such a
course. Mr.. Cotton informed me
that Mr.. HalcLeg uould objec,
to any blu that did not contain a
precision for the ferry company. and that
not to accede to his demands would be Il
defeat the bill, as it was then near the end
of the session
Mr. Cotton telegraphed for advice from
Davenport and Rock Island which, if |
remember rightly, sustained his original
position and was adverse to the bill of the
committee which included the ferry com
pany My opinion is that Mr.. Cotton dis
llGed to assume the responsibility of pass
ing the bill, as prepared to be reported.
but lett Obliged to yield, as Mr. Hawley
would object and thus prevent the passage
OF an open bill with tayors to none Be
lievlng that the citizens of the locality
would prefer no bill at all to one Including
the ferry company and seeming a mon.
opoly, frankly told Mr.. Cotton that al
though | did not wish to interfere in a
merely local matter, yet, regarding all
affairs at Rock Island Arsenal az Of ma
tlonal concern. in which every member Of
Congress should have a voice and he;no
requested by very many well known and
highly respected residents to oppose any
monopoly in regard to crossing the bridges
and Island, / shoHLd object 10 ann bin iD.
etadtHg tie ferry company or shutting ON
all future horse-rdilcay companies The
result was, no bill passed the House and
the question remains in statu arc. SO fal
as | am informed.
After the expiration of the 42d Con
gress, remained in Washington fonr DAYS
finishing up my work at the Departments
Since that time have been quite III mos
OF the time. | returned home bv wav q
New York and Chicago, at both Of which
places l was confined to nv room Ia
some days, arrived home Saturda,
evening, and this is my first letter sine,
my return. The papers you mention.
think, were packed up by my son whel
clearing out my desk at the House. |
they appear when l unpack my papers
will send them to you. Very respectfully
B. n. STEVENS.
! ?. ST. was surprised to hear of tn,