The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-08-10
The Rock Island District.

means to secure the nomination of Mr..
Gilmore W. Hurst, the Rock Island coun>
ty democratic convention took bold but
defensive position. However faithful
and industrious the present congress-
man, Mr.. Niece, may have been, it be-
come evident from perusal of the par
ty papers in his district that there is
disposition to criticise his record. This
may be superficial or it may be deep.
rooted. But concerning the merits OF
Mr.. Niece as a congressman the Demo
erat has little to say. He occupies a
position of influence and his loyalty to
his party is above doubt. Ii, however,
from local or other causes. it is thought
desirable to make change there IS
no one In the district who would make
so strong canvass as Mr. Hurst. He
would carry larger vote in his home
county than any other candidate, and
if Rock Island county gives democratic
majority the democratic candidate
named there are reasons why Mr.. Hurst
will prove strong and popular. He is
identified with no faction. He is young
man of irreproachable character, of ac-
knowledged ability and a good speaker.
He makes friends easily and holds them
because he deserves to. Ii MIR. Niece is
to be succeeded, Mr.. Hurst's name is the
only one which ought TO be mentioned as
his successor. His county has expressed
its position, and whether Mr.. Neece has
deserved it or not, the fact remains that
a large number of the most prominent
democrats in the upper end of the
Eleventh congressional district are OPP
posed to him even to the extent of carry
ing their opposition to the ballot box.
From this standpoint it looks as if the
nomination of Mr.. Neece would not as
sure the election of his ticket while the
nomination of Mr.. Hurst will be guar
antee of the triumph of the democratic
ticket. If the feeling which has so posi>
lively manifested itself in Rock Island
county prevails throughout the district,
then there is but one thing for the
Eleventh district democrats to do when
they meet Mt Monmouth on Tuesday.
September IA. to uouinate the successor
of Mr.. Niece -DdoeHport Democrat.
For several reasons the ARGUS cannot
endorse the sentiments expressed bv the
Democrat. In the first place, the con-
gressional delegation was not instructed
to use all honorable means to secure the
nomination of Mr. Hurst The resolu-
tons adopted at the county convention
simply stated that should the delegates,
after careful and conscientious consid-
ertion of the wishes of the party through
out the district, deem ii advisable to pres
sent candidate from this county. that
Mr. Hurst should be pushed for the nom
nation Moreover, we haven't noticed
anything in the party papers of the DIS
trict intimatinG that Mr. Niece was not
making most satisfactory record as a
congress We also disagree with the
Democrat that there is positive mani>
festation against Mr. Niece in this Coun-
ty. There is nothing of the sort The
principal opposition to him is from dis
appointed individuals who were unable to
secure or control some federal appoint
mcnts in the county, and il making a Sc
lection fGr a congressional standard.
bearer, the ARGUS is adverse IT, consider
ing such opposition as an indication
of the feeling Of the people. Mr.
Niece has committed no grievOns
error in the matter of appoints
meuts His selections in all cases
have been men of good character and re
liability. aud if there is any fault to be
found it is on the score of the slowness in
which republican politicians throughout
the district have been euSted from office.
And Mr. Niece Is not altogether respon
siole. if at all. for this. The policy of
the administration has iuterlered with
anything like wholesale turn
ing out of republicans No, Mr..
Democrat, should Congressman Neece
be re-nomnated--as the present
outlook indicates there Is no good
reason why be should not receive the
united and unqualified support of the
entire democracy of the Eleventh district
We heartily approve, however of the
euogium paid to our fellow citizen. f.
W Hurst, ESQ, as far as his quaifica-
fions, popularity, etc, are concerned, and
if he is fortunate enough to secure the
nomination, Rock Island county will roll
up majority for him that would insure
his election.