Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-03-25
HAS A PLATFORM
Mr.. caVanaugh States his Posi-.
ton as Mayoralty Can
didate.
AN EARNEST CAMPAIGN
City Committee Finds Him Best
Equipped Man in the
Field

city committee last evening il was
determined not only to insist that j.
w Cavanaugh make an earnest can
vass for the office of mayor but TO in
augurate an aggressive campaign in
his behalf Members of the committee
who had looked into the local situa-
ton were Of the opinion that with a
great number Of the thinking people
Of the city Mr.. Cavanaugh was today
regarded as properly appealing to the
support of the people in stronger light
than any other candidate in the field.
In the matter of fitness, and judg-
ment and conception of the uuties de-
volving upon the incumbent of the
Office Of mayor and in general temper
ament he was held as the best equip
ped man before the people. And Sc
he is
Taking into consideration the politi-
cal situation and the circumstances
surrounding his candidacy. Mr. Cav
anaugh today issued the following ad-
dress 10 the people. which he says
will be the platform on which his cam
paign will be waged:
MIR. CAVANAUGH'S PLATFORM.
To the People of Rock Island: In
view of the fact of my having hereto
fore declined the democratic nomina-
ton for the office of mayor of Rock
Island, | deem it not more than proper
that ! should address a few words TO
the public relative TO my present can
didacy. In the first place the nomina-
ton came to me originally without my
solicitation or desire. II is a matter
of common knowledge that the demo
cratic party has but recently succeed
ed in Kidding itself OF an odious element
that had to a certain extent become
dominant. had brought It to the verge
of ruin. and is now largely instru-
mental in running the republican party
in Rock Island. As chairman of the
city-township committee It had not
only been my duty but my pleasure to
assume a responsible position in the
conduct of the party's crusade for
cleaner politics. Having borne this
attitude. | felt that it might be regard
ed as a neglect of obligation, were |
to fail now TO fill in the breach at
least in the matter of the mayOralty
nomination. And so. when it was
found at the time of the convention
that the party had not quite agreed
as to its preference for the head of
the ticket. and | was asked To permit
my name to go before the convention.
/ consented. | felt then as | have
felt since. that 4 more suitable candi-
GATE could be selected. and in order
that this might be accomplished a
soon as practicable after the cOnyen-
ton was held. | withdrew, in a letter
addressed 10 Chairman Wright. Of the
city committee. which was duly pub
lished. At the meeting of the
city committee soon thereafter my de-
clination was rejected. Even then |
still had hopes that another nomina
ton might be made. and held my final
acceptance in allegiance until the last
moment. and in the meantime urged
my views upon members of the party
whom | consulted
Has High Estimate Of ONCE.
In becoming now. through these cir
cumstances that | have related. the
candidate of the democratic party for
mayor OF Rock Island. | do not wish
To appear as Understanding the hon
or that has been paid me. or the duties
of the office itself. In fact the very
opposite is my position. | have hest
tated 10 become a candidate because
of my conviction that there are others
in the party who to my mind are bet
ter fitted. and upon whom | hoped the
honor might be conferred with accept
ance on their part. ! Will say this.
however. that if II shall be the pleas
- u vhs .fs, Ill
me. | will give TO the Office the best
that IS in me of oarnestness and hon
esty of purpose. and conscientious de
votion TO their entire interests.
stands ON Hts Record.
/ offer no apology for the fact that
have been obliged TO work for others
all my life. but my record in the coun-
Gil will. | think. bear out the fact
that the same independence ! have
maintained as private citizen / have
rigidly lived up 10 as a servant Of the
people. My convictions are my own.
/ have never hesitated 10 stand for
what I believed 10 be right, and while
/ have devoted large part OF my
time for many years To the cause OF
union labor and hope to continue 10
while | live. am not so warped in my
views as to think that others have no
rights / acknowledge the supremacy
of the law. and in the event of my cleo
ton as mayor / will endeavor TO exc
cute il according 10 my oath OF Office.
bearing always in mind that I owe
allegiance first 10 the people. and to
all the people and that they have not
only the right to expect but to exact
absolute fairness in ALI that pertains
TO the administration OF heir affairs
Conservative regard for the rights
of all. a purpose 10 work in harmony
with the common council, to conduct