Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1890-09-22
THEY OWN THE EARTH.
Republicans Claiming Everything
Usefui and Denying Their Own
Wrongs.

Republicans Claiming Everything
| UsefuI and Denying Their Own
| Wrongs.
One would think by listening to the
republicans in this vicinity that they were
the very salt of the earth and possessed
a divine right to claim all the virtues as
their own. They are not content to be
looked upon as ordinary mortals and con-
sequently they are often looked upon as
extraordinary. Not the quiet, sensible
people amongst them are to be censured.
but everyone who goes around with his
| mouth on exhibition. He can't keep it
shut as rule and while it is open it be-
comes manageable. The man who
owns the mouth is always on good terms
with himself even if the ma jority of peo-
pie despise him.
Ever since the president signed the
river and harbor bill these talking ma
chimes have been going at all times. 1t
was they who had worked for this result,
for lol these many years; il was they who
managed it in congress and got it finally
passed, and it was they who hurried up
the president to attach his signature.
| But the hsndicraft of these men is not
seen in the great accomplishment
Some men devoted mole attention to the
matter than others, but it was not be
cause they were democrats or republi,
cans. Every citizen had an equal share
in the success of the enterprise; every
citizen took an equal pride in Its ad,
vancement. This must be conceded, and
all this blatant nonsense about it being q
republican achievement is the silliest
twaddle believed in by no one. and ut.
tered by no one except the aforesaid
| gentlemen with the uncomfortable or,
gsns.
That Mr.. Gest should be given any
special prominence in the matter il i:
hard to understand. He happened to bs
in congress when it passed That's all
Can anyone point out the work he ever
did in its behalf more than any other citi>
zen has performed2 The services OF Mr.
Gest in this matter will not stand toe
much airing. They had better be GOV.
cred with the mantle of charity. His la
bors on the Hennepin canal may bt
looked upon as the veriest shade Of
u shadow of an imagination.
These remarks are partly induced by
the observation of Saturday night anC
the report of the proceedings in Sstur'
days Union. Its editors moral obliauity
of vision always prevents an impartial re
port or a truthful judgment. He would
endeavOr TO make believe that he wal
surprised at democrats for subscribing t
the amusement fund for the evening. ant
then he weaves in a sentiment abou
Gest's faithful work and friendly inte:esr
Bah! Let US have something manly ant
honest about Mr. Gest and not this idoti
gush. The transparency at the Odt
Fellows hall was as silly as the action o
those who put it there. let it be done a
the instance of an architect or a LAWYER
or anyone else. 1t read: "A repubhca
! congress for mprovements-whst's tn
matter with Gest?' 1t was lacking i
sense. in truth. in application and wa
altogether out of place upon such an oc
casiOn.
The Hennepin canal is not part G
the government policy. The fat-witte
republicans should take this into consid
Grafton. and consult with their wise
brethren before making an exhibition 4
themselves.