Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-06-21
A FOOLISH ALTERNATIVE.
That Adopted By c. G. Hodges when Fioan.
cially Ann0yea-Leaves the City.

That Adopted By G. G. Hodges when FioaD.
caslIy Annsyea-Lesves the City.
1t often becomes the part of q
newspaper II chronicle unpleasant
occurrences. happenings which are
unpleasant in themselves, and par
ticularly SO to the paper publishing
them because of personal emotions
and feelings. It is under such cir
cumstances that the test as between
preference and duty presents itself.
The exacting obligation Of the jour-
nah faithful to its constituency is
attended by much unpleasantness of
which the public knows nothing. and
very often where wounded and ill
feelings attend q publication the pa
per feels as deeply the circumstances
that have neccssitated the disclosure
as anyone else. This is The ARGUS
prcdicament today. It finds itself
face to face with the necessity of
putting into its columns that which
in any view of the case it'would seek
to be spared doing. Z. c. Hodges,
business manager of The ARGUS, left
the city last evening without note of
warning to his family. to his en-
ployer or to his associates or
friends. This morning two let
tiers from him were received
dated at Moline-one by his wife
and the other by the city editor
of The ARGUS. Both stated that he
had gone away. perhaps never to re-
turn. In the one last mentioned he
spoke of business matters, and the
way he was being pressed financially
and Of his present inability to meet
obligations. Hegave assurance that
he would as soon as possible make
provision for the liquidation of
all outstanding claims. This is the
only explanation given of the mys-
teries surrounding his abrupt de-
parture, nor is there anything to in
dictate his destination, except that he
was going west q considerable dis
lance.
A Great Surprise.
The surprise at Mr.. Hodges &C.
tions will be felt by none more than
The ARGUS. There has been moth
ing in his conduct to lead to
a suspicion of such a purpose
on his part. While happy hearted
and genial as is his nature. evidences
have appeared that he was annoyed
and anxious, but they were not of q
nature to warrant the thought that
he contemplated any such rash and
unnecessary proceeding. Blessed
with every inducement to make q
manly fight to overcome adversely,
a happy home, devoted wife
and as sweet children as were ever
sent to brighten the footsteps of fond
parents, his course is simply inexpli
cable. And worried as he may have
been over his business affairs, it i.
doubtf il leniency would have beer
withheld in any case. should he have
solicited it. Too, in his home sur.
rohndings, his hosts OF friends will
ipg to help and encourage him
he had every incentive to awaken
ambition and energy.
Some months ago his devoted wifi,
embarked in the millinery business
hoping to aid him. She has pros
pered excellently aud will continue
to, as the blow that has fallen upor
her will awaken the sympathy tina
she SO much needs and SO we'll de
server. She is making a plucky ant
courageous determination to stan(
up under the oppression for her chill
dren's sake. and any circumstances
that may develop will only tend t.
increase the encouragement that viii
be offered her on every side.