Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-03-08

to figure out his own salvation, if he
could, until the campaign ended. Al
ter the election, The Argus. in a thor
ough review of the situation, repudi-
ated, as far as it was concerned.
Looney leadership and LoCney politi-
cal methods. 1t stated plainly its rea-
sons for the stand thus taken and it
has adhered strictly to that stand
Since.
In the campaign of 4 year ago, Nlr.
Looney dominated two of the ward
caucuses. and the aldermanic nomi-
nees in both instances were repudia-
ted by The Argus. One of them with
drew and the other left the city, and
remained away until after election
He was showed under by a republican
candidate whom the democrats had
no difficulty in defeating the year be-
fore. In the craftsmanship conycn-
ton, Looney failed cf control or even
recognition. and since that time he
has been actively affiliated with the
republican administration that went
into power in the ensuing campaign.
and as a reward for his friendship he
is now represented on the police force.
Ilt - SUN INlAHtI NiciiitsilS TIA ing liz
loyalty to the republican municipal
powers that be by his efforts in behalf
of the Lowden republican guberna-
torial candidacy in Rock Island.
Last June he used his Office as chair
man of the congressional committee
in this district to seek to defeat the
election of the democratic nominee
for justice of the supreme court in
Illinois from this district in the only
opportunity the party has had for
years to elevate one of its own num-
Der to such an exalted Office Which
opportunity il happily availed itself
of, by the way, despite Looney's des-
perate opposition.
The Limit of FOrbearance.
For all these proved reasons The
Argus has reached the limit Of for
bearance with Looney methods in
politics. In a word. it viii not allow
the influence which it prizes to be-
used in furthering the political ends
Of one:
Who has repeatedly connived to out
wit the DEGREES of the democratic
party, and to thwart its expression of
preference as to nominees.
Who is now the handmade of the re-
publican party in one of its local fac
tional rows.
Who is working hand in glove with
the existing municipal republican adj
and on the police force
of which he is represented by his So
called democratic following.
Who proved an utter failure as 4 l
party leader when given free rein, and
was the source of disruption in the
ranks throughout both the. legislative
and congressional districts.
Who has repeatedly bolted demo-
cratic nominations. and whose last
exhibition Of this kind was furnished
in the election OF a candidate for
Judge of the supreme court of Illinois. |
Who measures the standard of his
support or opposition 10 democratic
by his personal estimate
of the political faith Of the candidate
regard of what may be the
rule and opinion Of the party itself
Who reserves To himself the right
of undoing the Will of the party when
ever il may fail to do his bidding.
Who has never controlled demo |
cratic meeting or organization except |
by proxy.
If these reasons are not sufficient t.
sustain The Argus in its position with |
reference TO Looney. then it viii have
to go unsustained. The Argus IS quite
content with It's privilege Of serving |
the democratic party in all that par
tvs aims and ambitions.
The Argus does not aspire to lead
ership. but il viii not follow where |
John Looney leads.
AT the pevve al the time The |