The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1875-06-17
Water Works Superintendent.

dered why the usual abuse, SANDER and
blackguardism of Hon. Bailey Davenport
did not appear in the Union, and some
began to think that that paper was trying
to be fair and decent. They were unde-
ceived, this morning, by vile TRADE about
lone man power supposed plumbing
ring" an attempt to dictate to the city
council, etc. etc. 1t denounces the Mayor
as tyrant, ring man, actuated by per-
sonal motives, etc. etc, and takes great
pains to create perfect model of super
intendent in the person DE. W. Boynton.
We have nothing to, say against Mr.. Boyn-
ton. He is carpenter by trade. Mr..
Riley was educated to the business of
plumbing, gas fitting, laying pipes, etc,
and has had many years experience in it,
in the employ of others and in his own
business, while he was interested in bust
ness. Mr.. Boynton has done as we'll as
he could, no doubt, and perhaps as well
as most men would, with his advantages
and surroundings.
The action of the Mayor was based en-
tirely upon what he thought to be his duty
towards the people of the city generally.
The water board had desired the appoint
ment of Mr.. Riley to superintend the re
laying of the water pipes. This, in a
great measure. left the Office of Mr..
Boynton mere sinecure. The duties of
the two superintendent clashed in many
respects. If Mr.. Riley wanted to turn on OF
shut off the water Mr.. Boynton had to be
hunted up and consulted. And In many
ways divided superintendency was found
not to work well for the general public in
terests. Numerous details might
be given, but it is not neces
sary to do SO. 1t was not good policy
for the people to pay two superintend
ents, and divided responsibility did no
work we'll. One man must "boss the Job,
and as the water board preferred MIR. Ri
ley for relaying the pipes the Mayo
thought he had best do all the superin
tending and thus save to the people tn
wages of one officer. That's all there is O
it.
The Uaion's fling about "suppose'
plumbers ring" is very contemplate. MI
Davenport is the very last man in town t
be suspected of having any favorites, wher
public interests are concerned. or of bein
engaged in any ring. In all his oficia
life, even his opponents say that they ca
not point to one act of his performe
for his own benefit and against tn
interests of the city. In every off
cial act he is governed only by what b
thinks is for the public good. He may b
mistaken, sometimes. Most people d
make some mistakes in the course of the
lives. The water board made several. b
we venture to say that Bailey Davenport
official life is as free from mistakes or e
/ rors of Judgment as the men we usual
have for mayors, and that he has no int
est to subserve as against the interests {
the people generally. He could never
= induced to do the slightest personal fayo
: while in office, for his most intimate ar
} devoted friend, if be believed it to
against public interest 1t is matter
: no sort of interest or care to the May
where people get their plumbing done, al
if any man will show that Mr.. Riley,
even so much as wink favors Tom Vat
as against any other plumber, Mr.. Dave
port will remove Mr.. Riley at once Y
e are also informed that Mr.. Riley did n
It desire the position and only took it at t
! earnest solicitation of members of the W
= ter board, and would not agree to retain
n for any length of time beyond the comp
y tion of the repairs now contemplated.