Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1886-10-25
MOLINE'S MASS MEETING.
A Great Out-pOuring to Welcome Con-
gressman Neece---An Able Ad-
dress.

dress.
The democratic and peoples meeting
in Peals hall at Moline Saturday night
was called to order by Mr. Isaac Dawson
and A. R. Bryant was elected chairman,
and G. G. Thompson secretary. The
hall was crowded. more being present
than was expected. it being heard many
would stay away on account of the storm.
J. B. Danforth was the first speaker.
Congressman Niece then spoke for
over an hour and half and
explained everything not generally
understood by the people, how the
public lands had been given to
railroads and other monopolies, and that
some railroads had not fulfilled their cons
tract, and the land should be restored to
the public domain. He had helped to
pass fifteen land grant forfeiture bills
aggregating fifty million of acres for
homes for the people and there
are bills retaining thirty six million
more remaining in the senate. He said
twenty-niue foreigners of the arlsto
cratic class own now twenty -one
million of acres of the public lands, and
that they intend to hold that land
for rents as they do in ireland. The
people should demand the kind of
legislation they want from those
sent to legislate for them. He was
in favor of high tariff on some
things, and low on other things; was a
free trader on some things. He would tax
diamonds and silks TO the fullest extent,
and all other luxuries. aad take off the
duties of all necessaries of life-sugar,
salt, etc. He was in favor of literally
pensiouing the soldiers, and of paying to
the laborers on the island their just
claim for two hours they worked for Col
Flagler over a Legal days work. He
said he did not care for shoulder straps
on heads or heels, but his worst enc
my could not call him coward.
Several questions were propounded to
Congressman Niece, all of which lie an
swered promptly and clearly. When be-
ing asked as to the eight-hour law on the
island, and the actual reason of Col.
Flagler's removal, or transfer from cons
mand here, Congressman Niece replied
that he had received information from an
emplove on the island that the eight-hour
law was not being enforced. He went 10
the secretary of war with the matter and
was informed by that official that
the law was in force. Con
gresham Neece wrote to Rock Isl.
and about it aud was again informed that
the law was not in force, and that tine
secretary of war was mistaken. MIR. Niece
said he then wrote to Rock Island for
afIidavits of fourteen of the workmen on
the island. that the law was not being
enforced. These atIidavits he presented
to the secretary of war, who referred hlIn
to his chief clerk. Congressman Niece
called on the gentleman, who drew from
pIgeon-hole the order to adopt the
| eight hour law on the island, where it
had been placed by mistake. In two
hours from that time, the order had been
telegraphed to Col. Flagler, and the law
went into effect on the islnnd. 1t was
afterwards learned that Col. Flagler had
refused to take back into his employ
the fourteen men who.had furnished Con-
gresham Nee ce with the affidavits men
toned above. Congressman Ncece
wrote Immediately to Col. Flagler
entreating him to take the four>
teen men back, and in response to these
entreaties received reply. the substance
of which was that he Congressman
Neece) attend to his own business. Mr.
| Niece laid the entire matter before Sec
retary Endicott, who, at Mr.. Neece's earn
est solicitation, made thorough investi'
CATION of the case, and reported to Mr.
Niece that he had determined in the in
terests of the ordnance department, Il
make Il general change, and Mr.. Neec'
concurred in the idea fully, The Orde
was subsequently, made. and among 9th
er changes Col. Flagler, through this &c
ton on the part of Congressman Niece
was transferred to Frankfort arsenal
near Philadelphia, where he would hav
less to do with labor interests.
This explanation on the part of MI
Neece was received with cheers, an
opened the eyes of the workingmen t
something they had not known before G
the exertions of Congressman Niece i
their behalf.
Jonas Olsen, of Galva, member of tn
democratic state central committee, mad
few able and fitting remarks, relatin!
how he had had the good fortune to b
author of the law to protect laborer
from sub-cOntractOrs, passed when he wa
: a member of the Legislature, and ths
he was assisted to do so by the democratl
party, Just such men as Neece and he wa
sorry he could not vote for him, his HON
being out of the district.
William McEniry. ESQ, was called fol
and from his seat iu the audience pro
posed three cheers for Congressma
Neece, and the entire democratic ticket
. and they were given with a will thu
made the building fairly tremble on il
foundation stones.