Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-01-23
FOR ONE CONVENTION,
Rock Island County Republican
Committee so Deter.
mines.
BY A MAJORITY OF ONE VOTE

Today's Gathering at the Harper
Including Senator Berry, OF Hancock
The Date Fixed and Ratio of Repre-
sentation.
The first clash of the republicans of
Rock Island county preparatory to
the great events that are to distin-
guish this year of rounding up. po-
litically, occurred at the Harper this
afternoon, and while ostensibly the
object of the gathering was to deter
mine as to the county convention, PRE-
liminary to the coming state conven-
ton, it was the occasion for the meas
uring of swords with which battle is
to be done in the local arena. Searle
was on hand. wearing again the same
old confidential congressional smile.
So was his rival, McCaskrin. whose
boom was launched in such q Princely
manner last evening. The states
attorneyship trio was there. Harold
A. Weld, child Harold, full of youthful
innocence, but eager for renown as
ever, moved cautiously among the
throng. j. X. Scott was on hand dis
tributing his little tracts. Bert Peek
scanned the situation with his glasses
on the knob of his nose. Ana
there were those who were therefor
duty's sake. Many familiar faces
We're thus accounted for.
From out the county, State Senator
o. +. Berry, of Carthage, one of the
bright particular stars of the upper
house at Springfield. who yearns for
the republican orney-generalship
nomination, and j. Mack Sholls, from
the same neck of the woods, but who
nourishes no higher aspiration than to
be on hand when one OF his friends
wants something, and who probably
has more friends and has received less
favors than any other republican in
the state; these two graced the assem-
blage by their presence.
Committee Gets Together.
The occasion of the gathering was
meeting of the county committee.
The faithful got together at p. IN.
Chairman Frank G.. Allen. of Mo-
line, presided, and Hon. j. w. Simon
son, of Port Byron, filled the secreta-
rvs chair. The first question to he
decided was as to whether there
should be one or two county conven-
tions, and it was agreed to first hear
t he expressions of the different candi-
date on the situation before taking a
vote.
1t was decided by vote of one ma
jOrity that there be but one conven-
tion-thus dasbing to earth the hopes
and suggestions of the morning
Union. The convention will be held
in Rock Island Feb. p.
The basis of representation will be
one delegate for every 25 votes cast
foa Mckinley and one additional del
egate for each township.
Billy Baker held down a stool in the
middle of the bunch. Billy came all
the way from Springfield to see how
the business was done and report per-
sonally to Gov. Tanner.
Let 'Er Roll.
The first round in the local g. o. p.
congressional campaign was pulled
off last night at the Rock Island Re-
publican clubs quarters on Third
avenue. 1t was an oratorical blow,
and marked the formal opening of the
club, which was launched by the
friends of George Washington Ne
Caskrin. At least George appears to
carry more weight around the dig
gins than any of the other leading
party lights. Speeches were made by
Hon. William Jackson, George w.
McCaskrin. F. o. Canedy, Arthur
Judson, II. NJ. McCaskrin and J. f.
jackson. Fifty voters were present.
1t was announced the room would
be open day and night, and there
would be an abundance of political
literature always on hand.
The Union of this morning INDUCES
in an attempt to make the best of the
new club and its purposes, but it is
apparent to the casual observer that
the Union looks upon the first nights
deliberations as anything but hostile