The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1874-02-18
Capt. Robinson just Returned
from Washington.
Interview of one of the Edi-
tors of The Argus with
Hon. Geo. III. Parker.
Danger that the Rock Island Bridge
will be Closed.
An Expression Of Opinion from Rock Island
and Scott Counties Needed to Keep
it Open.

been on visit to Washington and just re
TUNED, and knowing that Hon. George I'll.
Parker, of Davenport, had also returned
yesterday morning from Washington, one
of the editors of this paper visited that
gentleman for the purpose of learning any
thing of interest to the people of this re-
gion, from the capital of the country. The
substance of the interview with Mr. Par
ker is as follows:
While in Washington, Mr.. Parker had
with Hon. George W. Nc
Crary, of Iowa, who is Chairman of the
House Committee on Railways and Canals.
Mr.. McCrary informed him that Mr.. Haw-
ley was bitterly and determinedly opposed
to permitting the Rock Island bridge over
the Mississippi to remain, as at present,
free to the public, under any circumstances
even under the restrictions of the Sec
rotary of War now existing, and that I'M
less there should be some positive and en-
phatic expression of opinion on the part of
the people generally, in the counties on
each side Of the river, in favor of keeping
the bridge open, Mr.. Hawley. who is a
member of the Committee on Military At
fairs, would fight Mr.. Cotton's bill in rela-
ton to the bridge and defeat it. The bill
referred to was introduced by Hon. A. r.
Cotton, of the Davenport district, and is as
follows:
Be il enacted By the Senate and House Of Repre-
seht0ftces Of the United States Of 4aericd IN CON
greSS assembled, That the wagon bridge which con-
meets the island OF Rock Island with the city of
Davenport, in the State of Iowa, the wagon bridge
which connects said island with the city of Rock
Island, IN the State OF Illinois, and the road con-
Meeting said bridges shall be open and free for the
general use of the public for the purpose of transit
under such restrictions and regulations as the Sec.
rotary of War may prescribe for the preservation Of
SAID bridges, and II prevent their obstruction by
bulky loads or wide vehicles and for the maintain
ance OF good order said bridges and road, or for
the public safety and convenience Any person
who may violate any of said restrictions regula-
lions may be prohibited the Of said bridges and
road,
That bill is precisely what the people
want enacted into law. Mr.. Hawley, the
tool of the ferry company, stands in the
way of its passage-and Capt. Robinson,
for the ferry company, has just been to
Washington to place" few of his ideas
where they will do the most good"
1t would not be necessary to refer to Mr..
Hawley at all, as potent for mischief, ex-
cept that he is a member of the Commit
tee on Military Affairs, and all matters re
lating to Rock Island Arsenal being referr-
ed to that committee, and the Arsenal be-
ing in Hawley's district, his voice will be
potent on the question. 1t is a rule at
Washington that the Members wishes gov
ern in regard to matters within his own
district, and that is the reason why the
people must act on this question if they
would keep the bridge open.
Mr. Hawley is the tool of the Ferry
Company, and will be used by that interest,
as against the interests Of the peo-
pie generally, for substantial rea-
sons. Capt Robinson has Just been
to Washington to stiffen up his back.
If the bridge can be closed the Ferry Com
pany can still compel the people to empty
their pockets into its Golfers. If the bridge
shall remain open, as it was declared that
it would when it was ordered built, then
the Ferry Company will only make a fair
living at its business, instead of piling up a
fortune for each one of ''the poor heirs of
John Wilson" every year.
Under this state of facts the newspapers
of this region on both sides, of the river
are requested to speak out, in regard tC
MIR Cotton's bill Do they think the PEG.
pie want that bill defeated?
And the people are requested to hold
meetings, and give expression to theil
opinion in the form of resolutions, and for
ward them to Mr. Cotton.
Unless this shall be done Mr.. Hawley
will be able to close the bridge for the ben.
eft Of his friends of the Ferry Co.
Do the people demand that Congress
shall pass Mr. Corton bill into a law? II
they do, lei them say 50, and send theil
opinions, in proper form, t. Mr.. Cotton, be
fore it shall he too late
Action is what is wanted, or the bridge
will be closed.