The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-03-13
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HON. W. IL. NIECE.
The Eleventh Congressional District
Ably Represented by Maeombs
FayOrite Son.

Two years of she official life of our
member of congress, Hon. w. II. Neece,
have closed. We think he has good rea-
son to look back on his record and con-
graduate himself on his success. In all
matters to which he has given his atten-
ton relating to our local measures, he
has shown degree Of interest and energy
which might well be an example to many
members of congress who williuily and
recklesslv waste their official time. In
working for the Heauepin canal, in look
ing after the Island appropriations, in
watching the railroad and bridge bills, in
aiding our working men officially when>
ever and wherever he could, in his official
acts as chairman of the committee on en-,
rolled bills and his other committee work,
he has shown himself industrious and
capable of filing the position he
occupies, quite as Creditably as
many members who make greater preten-
tons and wish to be cons idered superior
beings, Whatever diversity Of sentiment
there may be as to placing Gen. Grant on
the retired list, it is an act of congress
which the country will applaud. Grant
is the great hero Of the war and rs ma
ton which mas place in the history Of
the world, we cannot afford to be classcd
as ungenerous to that hero Mr. Neccc
by his 'promptness and energy in having
this bill enrolled in advance of It's pas
sage, thus saving it at the last moment OF
the expiring congress, deserves the warm
est thanks of the country, 1t was an off
cial act of courtesy to political opponent
for which he will always be kindly rcmem-
bered by men of all political parties. His
successful efforts. too, in calling halt and
stopping the Hot Springs, Ark, steal just
in the nick of time, prove that he i.
adapted to perform work Of a public
character creditably to himself as well a;
to his constituents. We think Mr.. Necct
may look back on the congress through
which he has just passed and be well
satisfied with his official course. We
know his constituents throughout his dis
trict appreciate it.
The press generally throughout tn,
country has praised Mr. Neece highly foi
his glorious work in regard to the Grant
retirement bill. Among the many com
plimentary notices we have seen, is the
following from the New York Grdphjc
General Grant probably owes the Gnal
and legal accomplishment of the act by
which he is placed on the retired list to
the manly good will and desire for fan
play exhibited by one who during the
Civil War was denounced as a copper
head. Representative NeeCe of Illinois i:
the man referred to. He is chairman q
the committee on enrolled bills TO this
committee is entrusted the work of max
| ing and verifying the copies of acts which
are signed, and thereby become law. II,
voted against the retirement bill al
through. But he alss saw clearly that i
would pass, and knew shat in the closin!
hours there was great danger of non en-
rollment. So he caused two copies to be
made, and the very moment it became
evident that the measure would pass Mr.
Neece got Mr. Carlisle's signature, car
ried that over to the senate, had Mr.. Ed
munds' autograph put on, and then wen
to the president and procured his sigma
ture. He then went back to the houst
and himself voted against the bill. A
the very moment after that the hous
clerk stood at the door of the senat,
chamber and announced concurrence will
the measure, the president sent in hi
message nominating General Grant. Mr.
Neece's manly forethought saved to the ol,
hero the honor intended, while the con
CHEESEMAN'S voted saved his own consist
ency. As a Schotchman might say
" Twas very neCe of him"