Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-04-14
CLANS IN COUNCIL.
Republicans Assemble From
Near and Far.
ROCK BLAND COUNTY CONVENTION,

ssarls and Gamble 60 Through By Accla-
nation. While Eckhars Wins an Easy
Race Darling Lands the surveyorship
Delegates to the Various Conventions
Permsased with . Thomas Flavor
Many Distinguished visltsrs.
While not attended with the same
open bitterness and rivalry that at
tended the republican county con-
vention of two years ago. when the
fight for the nomination for some of
the county Offices carried the pro.
ceedings into the night. today's gath
ering Of republicans from through
out the county was by no means q
love feast. The contest between the
Collins and Thomas factions had by
no means subsidized. while the latter
had to all intents and purposes
no desire to carry the war beyond
the control Of the Rock Island city
delegation, yet Collins seemed to be
impressed with the idea that he
could not let up until the chairman
ship was settled.
As far as Eastman is concerned he
was the true personiication of q
politician with greatness thrust upon
him. Honors were easy with him.
He counted them not, vet Thomas
and Collins by turns pounded into
him the distinction he was about to
enjoy was a mark Of particular per-
sonal friendship and admiration.
Neither offered the crown that he
loved the Molineite particularly, but
because each hated his rival desper-
ately. Aud SO Eastman became the
grateful beneficiary.
knew What was Coming.
The Moline editor thus honored,
wore a pale and careworn expression. .
Realizing full we'll what was coming
he feigned q serious expression from
the time he entered the convention.
He had not the words of
kindly greeting that are his
custom for fellow drivers of the
quill. He felt the dignity OF his ex-
allied rank and was not to be trifled
with. He actually turned up his
nose al the mention of his beloved
nsmesake or his Moline contempor-
a.y-in fact. viewed the entire jour
nalistic fraternity as very small fry,
indeed. He sat at the reporters
table part OF the time, but his
thoughts were elsewhere. He was
constantly anticipating the gradu-
ally approaching moment when glory
/ N n hn ~ Il,
thrust upon him. He saw in the
gallery what appeared to be kodak !;
he involuntrily placed himself with
in its focus and put on his best APP
pearance, only to find that the delu-
sion was merely someone trying to
locate him with an opera glass.
And so the day went. 1t was . try
ing ordeal for Eastman and when the
convention adjourned he went home
to battle his feet and put on . mus
tard plaster.
1t was at lilo O'Clock that Chair
man Collins made his farewell ap-
pearance before gathering OF repre-
sentative republicans. Collins in
unaffected tones, after calling the
convention to order, announced that
in the absence of Secretary Rogers
he would read the call-whieh he
did.
MIR. Collins then announced that
Capt. w. G. Bennett, of Moline, had
been proposed as temporary chair
man, and he submitted his name for
such distinction. The convention
approved Of the suggestion with
unanimity. The captain modestly
acknowledged the honor. which be
spoke of as one which had been So
frequently conferred on him in the
past. He indulged in vivid flight.
of oraiory in reference to the differ
ent presidential candidates hesitat-
ing for the applause after each-as
he mentioned heed, Cullom and Nc
kinley with the accent on the latter,
and the convention withheld its en-.
thusiasm until the name of the
Ohioan was mentioned. The chair
invoked the cooperation Of the con.
vention in conducting the proceed.
ings in a harmonious manner. The
names Of suitable candidates for sec.
Rotary being suggested, Henry Carse
pre- scented Frank Kelly. Of Rock Isl.
and. and II n. w. H. Gest suggested
j. w. Simonson. of Port Byron.
Both were unanimously elected.
1t was ordered that a committee Of
seven on credentials be appointed to
consist of two from Rock Island, two
from Moline and three from the
county. The committee was then
composed as follows: Rock Island,
NJ. Z. Sweeney. DR.. J. r. Hollow.
bush; Moline, w. A. McBeth, and L.
ID. Dunn; Cordova, DR.. W. r Freek
Drury, William Drury; South Moline,
William Hester. Hon. H. A. Aims.
worth moved that the committee or
credentials also serve as the commit
tee on permanent organization aud
the motion prevailed.
1t was moved that q committee on
resolutions be appointed and the mo-
ton was adopted by common con.
sent, as the convention had not YET
been organized.
The committee was then com pleted