The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1877-04-09
time. His letter contains some hits
worth preserving. He says:

y My career as country newspaper man
was short but satisfactory Moline, learn,
has since become thrifty town, with
something more to commend it than
bluff and dam. My most vivid recollec-
ton concerning the place is that the in
habitants comprised two very respectable
classes, viz: those who damned the river
and those who damned the town, and
when one didn't succeed the other did.
had not resided long there before l
became satisfied that the publication of a
newspaper there, at that time, was pecu-
narilY proftless enterprise, this, too, des-
pite the ardor, hope, and horid word
pictures of my respected partner who
threw his whole energies into putting the
town (which he delighted to call the
Lowell of the West with the gusto and
enthusiasm which characterize the ex
PLOTS of baron of romance. My side of
the house was convinced that the afore-
said Lowell of the West" was much more
paIpably designed for the manufacture of
blank print and wrapping papers than for
the support of the printed article. AS
10 very many other country towns,
the people of Moline did not
want newspaper published In
their interests as much as some enthu-
siast wanted to publish such a one for
them. They would not and did not sus-
tain paper, before | went there, while
there, nor for long time after my depart
ure. The enterprise was premature for
the time and place. The Democratic
paper published by Mr.. Bowie eked out
only precarious subsistence, and squelch
ed with the fading of the spring flowers,
and that the Independent did not squelch
likewise was owing wholly to the amount
of unrequited labor expended 10 its
behalf by its proprietors. But labor.
energy and zeal cannot accomplish every
thing. In this material world man can
not digest his own intestines for dinner
and subsist long; he must diversity the
repast with a little bread and meat or
| something as nutritious, otherwise he soon
heads a procession for the boneyard. And
so with newspapers. Approaching this,
and disliking funerals, on the 2Sth Of
December, 1859, published my valedict-
DRY, and my interest 10 the Moline hide
pendent passed into the hands of Col.
Barnes. a gentleman OF extensive news
paper experience, and a writer of some
ability. In addition to this and as a fur
Their augury of success for the new firm,
be was an old-time friend of the senior
member, Mr.. Graham. which made the
alliance socially pleasant. Friends were
hopeful and readily prophesied that the
impetuosity of Graham balanced by the
GOODNESS and nerve of Barnes made up
team able to snatch any newspaper out OF
the mire, sell it and get the money, buyer
or no buyer. 1t stuck, however, so | learn
and when the rebellion got we'll under way
| (nrah op nd hi
for swords, exchanging the field of letters
for the field Of blood. With the details Of
these later events you must be familiar
as you have resided in their midst, whereas
| can only supply them from rumor. As
u windup let me say this, Graham and
Barnes became colonels, each in command
of a regiment. While in partnership
their energies were concentrated in making
the Independent a success, which i
wasn't ,-and as each had brains enough
to lead 900 men to battle, perhaps Il
victory, what stronger proof do we wan
of the difficulties Of country newspaper
publishing than is presented in their unite,
f leXperience2 Why none; and we mus
D conclude that it is now easier to lead 2. 00C
. men to glory than it was to successful
conduct country newspaper near a waite
power in 1852
e But | forget my autobiography!
= Quitting Moline, aud its prosperity
greatness, returned to Chicago, resume,
the stick aud rule, served my country
term as deputy sheriff, and now find my
self running job printing Office in th
!, building and over the head of my forme
. employer, S. p. Rounds, at l75 Monro
. street, assisted by Messrs. Johnson, {
Philadelphia. Bruce and Gordon, of Ne
e York, FROM whose agents in this city
= bought and paid for my material, NJ
e success therefore is guaranteed, and shout
y any of the business men in your yicinit
desire cards, bill heads, ETC., etc., wi
Is supply them on short notice and at 10
lie / rices.
-e Without the ambition to get my nam
d Continued on next page.)