The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-08-27
he rostrum amid applause from che

the rostrum amid applause from che
audience.
Then came the oratorical Sullivan from
the Fourth ward. who commenced an in
coherent mumbling of TRADE against Ben
Harper. If the city built his sewer, they
had right to build Murphy 3 at Esd street
and 4th avenue, Harper was paid $500
per month for rent by the council, (making
a mistake in months for years., the theatre
license was reduced by the present coun-
Gil for his.bene6t and he thought enough
had been done. Because Ben Harper was
rich man he had no more rights than
others. Several parties interrupted the
speaker here and denied bis statements,
but he insisted on being heard. Then fol-
lowed a scene Of indescribable confusion.
amid which the speaker finally sat down.
B. D. Buford then spoke briefly, beng
interrupted frequently. but the speaker
refused to be forced to hush up and dis
tinctly stated it. He appealed for cool
Judgment. It was like calling for water in
the torrid stopping place below, however.
He went on, and stated that the property
of the city had been taxed for years to
build roads across the slough, which was
right aud proper, and on the same ground
he was in favor of building this sewer.
He believed that the city should OWL
and control all sewerage. He had paid
taxes for improvements which, to him
were of no benefit, but he had always paid
cheerfully. Now, when the heavier tar
payers of the city asked for an improve
ment. which would benefit the whole city
J, you oppose it. He then referred to thu
building of the sewer, during Buffers I'D
ministration. which he said was built Il
drain the Rodmsn estate and cost $1,000
There was no indignation meeting thenl
j, Fl. Kerr, asked: Why didn't 20,
accept the nomination?
Buford replied, Had / done SO, you SAM
men that now cry out against Butler. woult
have beaten me 400 votesl He did no
think Mr.. Harper cared snap of hi
finger Cor the money involved, it wa
simply question of appreciation of hi
efforts to build up the city and give il
name abroad. AS far as be was concerne,
, be didn't want any Office. He didn't car
. who was elected. But he did hate to se
, this small feeling exhibited. this eterna
} bowling against any man who happens {
, be worth few dollars. His remarks wer
forcibIy earnest and to the point and hi
ground well taken. 1t was good old dem
ocratic doctrine.
} Mr.. j. FL. Kerr then called for the reso
buttons which were read by Mr.. Drake
} and carried amid wild confusion, cheers
stamping Of feet, cries of division" N
| VOTE" etc. It was perfect Babel of dis
cordants.
: Following are the resolutions adopted
WHEREAS, Mr.. Ben Harper has, by
generous expenditure of money, at q tim
! of general depression in all kinds of bust
ness, when large number OF our peopl
q we're asking employment to obtain th
), means of supporting their families, bui
q and furnished the city with msgni6cer
IOpera House which is an honor to Roc
I Island and also adds to the value of taxs
b BILE property from which the city derive
9 its revenue, and which also adds to th
/" general prosperity of our business house
as well as to the general comfort, cenvel
fence and safety of the public; and
WHEREAS, Ii is necessary for the col
q venience and safety OF the people VII
may assemble in this Opera House, that
: be supplied with water and the necessar
= sewerage, and
d WHEREAS, 1t is the right Of the city
own and control all sewers, ana furthe
= more, that the Opera House and connec
;, ing stores may become patrons of ii
water works and thereby contribute to ii
revenue of the city, therefore it is
RESOLVED, By the taxpayers assemble
= in this public manner, that, in view of IL
!. financial condition of this city it is contral
II to public policy to establish any new pr
q cedent in the expenditure of the city
1t money or to undertake any system of sew
a erage-at this time
In view of the foregoing consideration
>, this meeting asks the Uity council to pul
't sue the same policy and precedent in r
3, gard to the opera house sewer that hs
n been adopted in the extension of the wat
! mains to the new Rock Island & Poor
- railroad depot, and that the aldermen
10 requested to pass the following resolution
l. ResolUed, That the sum of $l35 be a
p propriated to pay the expense Of construc
: ting sewer from the alley between Fir
:. and Second avenues on Sixteenth sire
i north to the railroad track, and that Il
?. different railroad companies be serv,
Of with notices to continue said sewer to Il
"a waters edge under track on condition th
Mr.. Harper refund this amount to the ci
y IN water rents at the regular rates ssta
Y lished by the city,
q A resolution to adjourn was declarl
ID carried, and the crowd. grumbliDg, gesti
y ulasing, and disputing, edged its way o
9. of the court room and slowly dispersed
oil their homes. 1t was the most excitat
ID meeting ever held 10 Rock Island.
70 NOTES HIRE AND THERE.