Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-26

meeting We, your execu-
tive committee, beg leave to submit the
following report:
In accordance with the wishes of the |
members of this association. We called |
upon Gen. John NJ. Palmer and Mr.. |
Joseph Fifer, in order to ascertain what
the railroad men of the state might ex-
pect from them, should either of them be
elected. Mark you, gentlemen, your
committee requested nothing inconsis-
tent and made no request that would
compromise the railway empl Dyes of the
state of Illinois.
On Saturday, Oct 8, your committee
went from Chicago to Galesburg for the
purpose of meeting Gen. John NJ. Pal
mer, with whom a date had been made
for a meeting for Sunday, Oct. z. at
1920 a. m. On our arrival at Galesburg
we presented our letter of introduction to
Gen. Palmer, and he Immediately granted
US an audience. After cordial recep-
ton we then made known our mission
and asked him:
what can we expect from you in the
way of appointment on the board of
railway and warehouse commissioners"
Ans.-"Gentlemen. have no pledges
or promises to make If | am elected
governor of the state of Illinois, | assure
you that the railway men of the state of
Illinois shall be granted hearing, and if
from their ranks one well qualified to
discharge the duties of railroad and ware
house commissioner is endorsed by the
railway men in the various departments.
will give the matter proper considera-
ton"
"Mr. Palmer, what is your opinion of
the Merritt conspiracy lawy" was asked
by Brother Starblrd.
Ans-"Gentlemen the law is an in
justice to workingmen, and should be
modified. Laws should be made 10 pro-
tect the employer and employee alike.
Such laws as the Merritt law passed in a
time when the people are in fever heat,
ill bear inspection. and again desire to
say that an in favor of the modification
of the Merritt conspiracy law"
After Mr.. Palmer's reply, Mr.. Starbird
wished to know what he thought of the
company employe act. Gen. Palmer re-
Piled;
when an employe is injured through
the carelessness of another, the company
should DE held responsible, the party ms
jured, himself. being guilty of no fault
producing or contributing to produce the
injury; and | will approve and endorse
such laws if elected"
General how about the Pinkertons
can they remain, or will they disappear
asked Brother Starbird
Ans.-'1f am elected governor, | have
reason to believe that the people will as
sist me in enforcing the law, thus making
the P;ukerton or any other private force
unnecessary"
Friday, Oct. 70. the committee called
) on Hon. Joseph W. Fifer at the Crane
| Pacific hotel. The committee was wsrml,
received aud introduced by Mr. Tanner.
personal friend of Mr. Flfer. The com
mittee then made known the object o
. their visit, and questions were asked il
{ the following manner:
, Questiou-"What is your opinion o
the Merritt conspiracy law?"
FIfer's reply-"Not being thorough
) scQuain ted with the Merritt law. favo
n moral suasion of men to accomplish ihei
. object"
Committee desired his opinion on th
: company employe act. Fifer's reply;
d Gentlemen, not being familiar wit
: the law, would ask if Mr.. Palmer has ex
f pressed his opinion on this particula
4 question"
In connection with this, the questio
was then propounded;
r Would you, provided you are elected
2 favor such law in your recommendation
Mr. RAY, candidate for lieutenant gov
crnor, at this stage took the floor an
o exclaimed:
|. Gentlemen. Mr.. Fifer is not in pc
t. sition to declare his position, and if B
, did so, committee of saloon keepel
= could demand the same privileges al
would demand the repeal of all tempe
e ance laws"
Il Committee then took the floor, inte
rupting Mr. Ray, and asked:
DO you, sir, compare the railroad mt
< who sacrifice their lives in the perform
7; ance of their duty for the protection I
rs the many lives entrusted to their car
with sslponkeepers whose entire int
ests and traffic depends on human weaI
Il ness?"
ar Mr.. Fifer realized at this juncture th
,r Mr. Ray had made a grave mistake al
=, appealed TO the committee not to ut
Mr. Rays statements. They question W
then asked:
in Mr. Fifer. what is your opinion of t
ee privileges of the Pinkerton policeY
:, you believe as citizen, that the pow
+, granted is just and legal2"
H. Reply by Mr.. Fifer:-"My past ute
mt ances will fully and without fGrth
of statements define my position in the mi
nd ter.
Committee then asked:
ny Should YOU be elected governu
he would you appoint on the board of ra
he way and warehouse commissioners
practical railroad man. provided
branches of the railroad departments ri
III ommend his appointment"
in His reply was:
IT. Gentlemen, if elected. call and see
ne and will then talk business.
:. The committee then babe him good
''' and quietly passed out:
by GENTLEMEN: We, your commit
of recommend that you increase our NUM-
nv by the appointment of two members fir
=. each club of this organization for ref
lar campaign committee. And we II
ION Their recommend that in our opinion y
ice best interest will be subserved by the
the doIsement by this association of G.
,od John NJ Palmer for governor of the st
of Illinois.
'ad [Signed Ed. HURLEY,
ill Chairman of B. of L. Z
9TH GEORGE STARBIRD,
Chairman of S. M. A A
;" NJ a. FLAHERTY,
the Chairman of s. NJ. A. A
ges E. A OGDEN,