The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-01-15
CRY HAvocr AND LET SLIP THE DOGS
OF WAR
THE TRr CITY HORSE RAILWAY.

Saturday evening an ARGUS representa-
tive had few minutes talk with Hon. j.
81. Murphy, member of congress elect from
the Davenport district, on the Davenport,
Rock Island and Moline horse railway
across the bridge. Mr.. Murphy especially
referred to Capt. Robinson's statement
as it appeared in an editorial in the
Union last week Mr.. Murphy makes no
special complaint at Capt, Robinson's lack
of courtesy in detailing for publication
private conversation between gentlemen.
He submits, however, that it Is not in the
best of taste to indulge in this sort of
thing. He denies most emphatically, as
claimed by Capt. Robinson, that he ever
at any time offered him stock or anything
else as an inducement for Robinson to
join the organization. This was true he
said, for the very good reason that
he had nothing to offer, and he was
not in the habit of giving things away he
did not possess. Mr. Murphy further says
that when Capt. Robinson charges him
with working in the interests of the new
horse railway when in Washington last
session he, Robinson. knows of his own
knowledge he is stating what is not true.
Every member, from this locality. of the
committee III Washington at that time, to
further the Hennepin canal project, knows
the horse railway was not thought of and
not discussed. He makes the statement
hoping some one may believe it, and as an
offset to his own conduct while there. is
endeayoring to steal a bill through con-
gress making the bridge toll bridge for
the benefit of himself and in the interests
of his ferry 1t is more than folly, it is
weak, for Capt. Robinson to make this
charge. Mr.. Murphy further says he has
no official connection with the horse rail |
way company, but he has at heart the in
terests of the people of this locality. He |
believes the time will come when a horse |
railway will be thrown across the bridge. |
and he believes in having men at the head |
of the project who have brains |
enough to think for themselves and |
who have independence of character
enough to resist the oily approaches of |
Capt. Robinson. He has already made |
two fortunes out of his ferry monopoly. |
He has been so successful in thwarti1ig the |
will of the people in securing this railway
in the past, sometimes secretly processing
cretIv opposing it-that he imag
ines with his national bank and ferry that
be is all powerful, and can do almost any
hing he wishes around here. Mr.. Murphy
further says that Capt. Robinson has pub
icly proclaimed that this is to be war
to the knife" We will 60 further and
say. as Capt. Robinson has thrown out the
challenge. he accepts it. Lay on, Mac
luffT Let it be war TO the hilt." He
will go to Washington in the interests of
he whole people of this locality. He may
lot be able to accomplish or do much for
hem, but he will at least keep an eye open
nd know what is going on. The new
company for the horse railway across the
bridge was organized in the light of day.
md it's organization proclaimed. There is
nothing secret about it. How many pro-
ects have been secretly formed and
boosted by Capt. Robinson at Washington
bout which the people here, the ones most
know nothing to-day. and prob
bly, never will. No wonder they died a |
ornin"
The war department and the c., r. l. & |
'acific railroad company can retard the | T.,
orogresss of the bill-Capt. Robinson
ant