Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-04-14
PLEAS TO PRINCE.
Congressman Listens to Post
Office SPECIFICATIONS.
RECEIVES AT The HARPER

Says It Must Hs Between Thomas and
Johnson and That No Third Party
VIII bs Con.idered-soms Tel Ripping
Done.
The congressman from this dis
trict realizes how truly uneasy lies
the head that wears the crown TODAY,
although his name be Prime. He
came to Rock Island to be inter-
viewed by the friends Of the aspir.
ants for the local postoffice, and he
found the rival factions lined up,
each with q steadfastness Of purpose
that doubtless convinced him that
he could have done no worse than
to have settled the matter some time
ago, and thus have gotten bad job
off his hands. There was some tall
rapping done in the presence Of the
congressman. Indeed there was con-
siderablv more to be said in opposi-
tn the other fellow than in behalf Of
the candidate for whom thu respec-
tive delegations called, this being
Especially go as regards the attitude
of the an,i-"cornes" petitioners.
The congressman arrived at the
Harper att o'clock this morning from
Gale sburg, and found that he had
been anticipated. As cary as 4
O'Clock four different figures
arrived within a few minutes OF
each other, and stealshily entered
one at a time, and each took a posi-
ton where he thought he could best
command a view IF the entrance.
1t happened that none Of the four
knew OF the presence Of the other
three, and when the som bre light OF
the dawning dsy revealed to each
the other three. there was mutual
surprise and mutual disgust. These
four distinguished personages were:
Walter johnson. 7. II. Thomas, H c.
Clesveland and William Palmer
lQuayle. The first one thought
that being up all night he would
prove beyond doubt the early bird !.
The second has faculty for antici-
patiDg what the enemy is doing and
was around to divide the worm at ali
events. The third, who has but rec
emily reen.ered the field OF candi-
dates was there to steal march OF
his confidipg friend who hates "the
corner" more than he loves himself,
and the last was there OF suspicion
that something might be done that
he had not got into his program"
Soon after the congressman had re-
ceived his impromptu reception oom-
mittee one al time he ate break fast
and then announced that he would
receive the delegates in behalf of the
different candidates in the reception
room at the hotel alternately. 1t was
learned at once that Capt. Cleave-
land had become ascandiiate again,
whereupon Prince declared that no
dark horse would be considered BY
him, that he would decide between
Thomas and johnson; and he received
the representative of each in turn.
Cleavelaud's goose having thus been
cooked he threw his influence against
Thomas. Capt W. j. Ransom was 8. .
lected as doortender and the brief
Authority thus conferred made him
supremely happy.
Then The Trouble Began,
Then the congressman's troubles
began. He heard ali about the woes
and piques and affections of local re-
publican politicians for the past 10
Years. The friends OF Thomas told
about how the republicans had gone
back on the ticket this spring. and
they felt tina. the proof of the faith
of the supp,icant on this occasion
should be declaration as tc how he
stood week ago yesterday. On the
other hand, the friends of johnson
poured into the ear OF the
congressman sll about the bar
full influence agains. which the
editor had devoted himself of
late with much more eager
ness and energy than was exercised
in the late campaign. The claims of
Mr.. johnson were chiefly in the
hands of DR.. Claudius b. Kinvon as
sisted by Hon. W. II. Gest. j Coz
Inns, w. j. Ransom, Sheriff +. C.
Hemenway, W. Ii. Jordan, ii C.
Cleaveland, G. j. Lar&in and ". p.
Quavle, while Thomas was of course.
bacEed in the first place by Henry
Carse with the cooperation of VIII
liam jackson, DIR. J. z. Hollow bush,
NJ. NJ. Sturgeon. c. F. Lvnde, c. j.
Searle. F. c. Dsnkmsnn, Billy Baker
and l.. V. EckhGrt.
The friends of the respective can
didates drunmed up and rushed in
toeir allies until 2:30 this afternoon,
when Prince broke away aud left for
Galesburg. He declined to make
known his preference, but it was un-
def stood by those near to him that
be had fully made up his mind, aud
at the last minute the report
gained currency that ex-Congress-
man W. II. Gest had become an
avowed candidate.