The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-08-27

Rock ISLAND. HIS, Aug. ~. 1873.
To the Editor Argns:
Please give space in your paper to the
following statement:
Contrary to the allegations which have
been made. would like to say to the pub
lie that the position 1 have taken in the
matter Of Mr.. Harper's sewer is really and
strictly as follows:
LIST. deny the charges. one and all,
made against me by the majority Of the
| city press stating belonged to the Ma
tional' party, and opposed the proposed
sewer for the purpose of popularity.
I'd. / am not person who would toady
to any party or sect,-I trust | have .
mind of my own, and moreover will to
abide by the honest convictions of my
best Judgment. may further say that /
am not afraid or ashamed to advocate my
true sentiments regardless Of party ties, if
occasion requires it.
| In regard to the sewer for the opera
house my views were open and undisguiseds
as well as the reasons why did not favor
the project. The city is already in debt
Its full constitutional limit and has no
money for even needed public works, to say
nothing of aiding private enterprises.
Furthermore / am and always have been
In favor Of equal and impartial legislation in
Il the appropriations of the peoples
money, and believe that public funds
should be applied in such manner as to
do the greatest good to TIE greatest mum.
Der. Like others of my fellow citizens
am pleased to see such fine Opera House
! in this city, and If such movement would
be acceptable. would willingly contribute
to the construction of drain for the build.
ing out of my private money.
|, Without expressing any decided OF
definite opinion upon the point am in
clined to think that would be the proper
, way for the citizens to aid Mr.. Harper 10
} the matter--uot as money contribution
: simply, but as an expression of willingness
, to do what the finances of the city do no.
allow It to do at this time.
On the other hand in voting against the
city's appropriatiGg money to build thii
j private drain, or any other, Ia the present
condition Of the treasury, think l an
carrying out the will of large majority o.
the voters who saw 6t TO send me to th.
] Council to represent their interests.
{ certainly have endeavored TO represent
q their wishes and interests to the best o.
my information and ability.
Last evening some OF our citizens called
an indignation meeting which was Target,
q attended. As the meeting was managed
4 Tic was 10 great measure farce, ait
the resolution passed has so little
of the nature Of indignation in il
Q and is 90 evidently in the nature of . com
i promise between the demands made on tn
Al part of Mr.. Harper and his friends an'
the action of the Council in the matter
that it is not worth while to express much
of an opinion at this time in regard to it
: But this I will say. that mere Cour
House meeting gotten up in the interest o
q particular person or his friends woul'
not be either full or fair expression o
}, the will of the people of the city, ant
J, would not have been likely, even If it ha,
o been q success. to change the opinion o
the Council as deliberately expressed b
their recorded vote. Moreover, the reso
luton which was passed was adopted b
/: the votes of scores of men who desire
a aud intended to sustain their aldermen
g aud would do so at all tines Personally
j. do not feel like taking any further actio
e in this matter until the voters of my war
% come together and give an expression
Il their feelings and wishes. If they shout
It meet at the Hose House, say any time be
K fore Saturday night, and instruct me t
\ vote to build Mr.. Harper q sewer. theI
IS and not till then, shall change from th
Ie position / took in the Council board.
% would suRgest to the voters oe the frs
D. ward to hold meeting of me
OF all parties on Thursday evening of th
d week at q o'clock, and let it be full a
10 tendance regardless of political opinion
it | will cheerfully abide by the decision {
y such meeting and use my honest an
best efforts to carry out their wishes 9
to they may direct
r have only further to say that wa
t elected alderman as a democrat, aud sti
he remain one; but I am in favor of sue
le legislation as will give the people of tn
country suitable and honest laws and sue
ID as shall operate fairly aud equally upon q
le classes and conditions of the people.
wi M. s. O'NEIL.
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