Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1899-12-30

and Character-Always Keeps His Prom
Ises.
One of the most popular projects
/ undertaken in Rock Island during the
past year, and one that gives every
promise of consummation early in
the year that is to come, is that
| involving a new theatre for Rock ISL
and. This enterprise, undertaken
through the Rock Island Club, whose
committee designated for the purpose
of devising the most feasible means
/ of insuring the success of the under
taking, promises co Rock Island the
filling OF a long recognized need.
| The committee, as the public is well
aware, has had the good fortune to
secure the advantages of the coopera-
| tion of the most successful theatre
promoter of his day, man whose ac
| omplishments in this line have given
! him name throughout the country.
| The Rock Island Club has already
fully Endorsed Mr.. Johnston and his
plan. as formulated and presented
| through the committee, and which
! will give to Rock Island not a theatre
purely, but a theatre building of
modern construction, which will cost
not less than $4,000. And soon after
the advent of the new year. Mr..
Johnston will be here with his assist
ant to enter upon the canvass in con-
junction with representative citi-
zens, for the seat sale for the
opening night, the only requisite
| to MIR. Johnston coming here at once
and entering upon the negotiations
for the requirement of Die site
and the commencement of actual
building operations being that the
first nights patronage be- sufficient to
give a reasonable return for his risk
time and the benefits the people are
to enjoy from bis enterprise.
Kewapee's Experience.
Over in k~wanee they have been en-
joying for some time the advantages
of a tirst-cla<s play house, built
through the energy of Mr.. Johutson,
and there they look upon him almost
in the light of n public benefactor.
c. X. Ladd, one of ne most prominent
citizens of that city. writing concern
ing Mr.. johnson, says: George
II. John: II came here an entire
stranger. He built usan opera house
that was very satisfactory, and carried
out dill his promises. | consider him
very honorable business man, and a
very capable man in his line. l have
known OF him building houses in
other places, and | believe he has
given satisfaction there. / under
stand he is not a man of great wealth,
but l know that capitalists have put
a great deal of confidence in him, and
are ready to do so again, and L think
those who deal with him will get what
he contracts to give"
Where He Has Worked Before.
In order that the public may have
an idea of the kind of man Mr..
Johnston is, the following from repre-
sentative citizens in places where he
has heretofore accomplished just what
he proposes to do for Rock Island,
are taken from the correspondence
the committee had before engaging
his services:
James X. Blish, First National
bank, Kewanee, Ill: Mr.. Johnston
built the opera house here last year,
and | have never heard the slightest
complaint rs 10 his not fulfilling his
agreement. The building was unfor
tunately destroyed by fire last spring,
and the parties interested chose him
to rebuild in preference to all COM
pctitors. The new house is now en-
closed and ready for the interior
work. Johnston stands well here. OF
course, he j. not out for his health,
but wants to make something on his
Job. Wouldn't you?
John j. Cositt, Lincoln. Ill Your
letter to =. l.. KuhI has been referred
to me for an answer. as Mr.. Johnston
built the theatre for me. Mr.. j ohm
ston carries out all his agreements,
both oral and written, and | cannot
recall anything on which we dis
agreed. He understands his business
thoroughly and ] have yet to find any
thing misrepresented by him.
Grimes Bros. Publishers, Lincoln
Daily News, Lincoln, Ill: We have
found Mr.. Johnston square in his deal
ings and know nothing to his detri- |
ment His contract has been carried
out as agreed upon. Never heard |
that point questioned or disputed
w. Il. Leach. Cashier Peoples Saw
ings Bank, Chillicothe, Mo !: l tske
pleasure in stating that l know Mr.
Johnston very well. indeed. l was
here when he built our opera house |
and know that he settled up with the
owner, Mr.. Myers. and all was salts |
factory. He is a good man. good |
opera house builder. and is well posted
in all that pertains to an opera house
He paints the scenery, curtains. etc.,
and knows how IL should be done. He |
looked after the work from the foun- !
dation to the last touch of the brush |
and turned over the house to Mr. Ny
ers. the owner, and / know the best of
faelinp exists between them TODAY.
20. Is. Bidwell, First National bank. |
Freeport. H.: 1 understand that the
parties who dealt with MIR. Johnston
arc entirely satisfied with all their |
transaction with hinI-say that he |
built according to contract and WAS a
pleasant man to deal with.