Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-23
THE COLONEL'S CHOICE.
The Titled Republican of Moline
Jumps Into Print TO Malign His
Native People for POlitics' Sakr.


Native People for Politics SAKE.
Editor ARGUS.
MOLINE, Ill, Oct. 22:-Allow me lit
tie space in your valuable paper for some
explanations and corrections of mis-
statements made, it is apparent for politi-
cal effect and purpose. In HemLdndet, a
Swedish republican newspaper edited by
Enander, of Chicago, an article appears
under the caption of "Col. H. Kohler, of
Moline, on the political situation" and in
the interview between the reporter of
that paper and Col Kohler which fol-
lows, the latter claiming to explain the
situation in the Eleventh congressional
district as far as the Swedish American
citizens are concerned, alludes to Moline
and goes on to speak of the enthusiasm
manifested at the Swedish republican
meetings and the lack of interest, as he
describes it, taken in the democratic
meetings. Fortunately | have had the
opportunity to be present at all the meet
ings both republican and democratic. At
the same time will not pretend to be
able to explain the situation, neither of
the district nor the city of Moline, as well
as Colonel 81. Kohler, learned gentle
man and a gentleman of rank, but can
say what l do truthful!y. The first
Swedish republican speaker we listened
to here in Moline was Swenson, a rever-
end gentleman from Kansas, a man gems
orally known as talented man, but
confess to say. that l never listened to
any political speaker that used such in-
sulting. mean and contemplate language
as he did, and can produce several life
long Swedish republicans that have ex-
pressed their condemnation Of such I'M
warranted and shameful expressions.
What about the Swedish American
democrats of Mohne2" was asked OF
Kohler in this interview of which
speak.
Il don't think l know one" replies the
colonel.
We know very well why he don't; 1t is
simply because he don't want to. If
however, the colonel would spare little
time | would be more than willing t.
make him acquainted with a good manl
of them. To be sure, they are not meI
of rank, but mechanics and laborers, anC
they will surely show up on the 9th o
November all right.
The second speaker, Mr.. Peters en-
spoke from democratic standpoint, AM
as the HemLandet says, twas sent dow
to Moline to convert the Swedes;" and i
further says, you should have seen tn
difference between Petersen's meetin
with an Qrish chairman) and the repub
lcan meetings." Such silly insinuatio
of the colonel; but it shows his weak
ness. II he had inquired little about tn
! matter, (because he was not present
am sure) he would have found Mr.. Vim
ton as chairman of the meeting, and b
| know TO be an American. know yer
! well who he reflects upon as being tn
, Irish chairman, and that is McEniry, OF
candidate for states attorney, who VS.
present and addressed the audience afte
MIR. Petersen had concluded Now, if
S were true that Mr. McEniry had acted {
= chairman, would that have been a di
grace to the Swedish democrats of Nj
line, when it is well known that Mr.. NJ,
Euiry is an American by birth, while th
: colonel as well as myself is only an adol
= | tCu say
+ "a few Swedes went to hear Mr.. Peter
sen out of curiosity, but soon left Il
{ hall" regret to admit there were a fev
/ soreheads that didn't have manhoo
n enough about them to behave and wei
q out; but that didn't cut any figure amor
the audience. This is not meant to r
= fleet any discredit on the colonel, b.
e simply to correct his deliberate misrepr
: sentaton. n d. CEDERBERG.
kohler used brag about carrying
the Swedish votes of Moline and Augu
y tsna college in the bargain, in his We
'e pocket, and he holds down political j
upon the strength of such represent
tons. But Kohler don't. if, indeed,
le ever did, carry the votes of others in
vest pocket any more The Swedish pc
C. pie have had at the two last county ele
" tons rebHked Mr.. Kohler excuse the
dignity kohler-) for his insul
10 and now each one carries his own vo
oil and the official who has received pap a
title for his control over the Swedes, dc
r. well if he casts his own ballot RICH
D. now. He dictates no others and ne,
It. did beyond his own estimation