Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-01-22

ed by the Council.
ton. The vote favoring the cOnfirma-
ton last evening was cast by Alder
men Brooks. Trenkenschuh. Wilson,
Lawler, Pratt, Smith, and Dauber
Those continuing to vote against the
confirmation were Aldermen Blochling-
er, Eckhart. Benson, Oberg, Robbins,
and Anderson.
Occasion for Discussion.
The reason for the change of face
of the council on the proposition is
difficult of solution but many conjec-
lures are made, involving different
phases and combinations in the coming
municipal campaign. At all events i
will be interesting to know the true in
wardness of the situation as time I'M
Tavels and reveals it. 1t is almost
needless to state that the result of last
nights proceedings has been the sub
ject of general comment today, and no
little surprise is expressed, notwith-
standing that yesterday rumors were
afloat of the perfection of combina-
ton that landed Sexton in the Office
he has coveted so long. and there are
those who have been heard to say that
the aldermen who have switched in
their position at the tail end of Mayor
McCaskrin's administration have eth
er been very unjust to Sexton for
many months or are very unjust to the
people now. and this being the case
they owe an explanation both to Sex
ton and to the people.
Sexton Says He is Surprised, Too.
AS far as ex-Alderman Sexton, the
new chief. is concerned, he processes
as much surprise as anyone over his
confirmation. He declared this morn
ing that he had long since given up
being confirmed by the present council,
and that he had not solicited a single
one of the aldermanic votes that he re-
ceived last night He stated to an Ar
gus representative that he had several
months ago rendered his resignation to
Mayor McCaskrin in good faith which
document. it will be remembered was
presented to the council two weeks
ago without action. The confirmation
of last evening. Mr.. Sexton insisted,
was spontaneous and unexpected.
As to Back Pay.
The subject of back pay for the in
cumbent of the office has been a sub
ject of discussion today and many in
quiries have been made as to whether
or not the chief. now that he has been
confirmed. is entitled to it. Mr.. Sex
ton, himself. simply said that the may
or had appointed him from month to
month.
Appointed Eight Times.
Mayor McCaskrin first made the ap-
pointment of Sexton April 4, 1906 last,
after a year had passed without
chief of police, and in all the appoint
ment was presented to the council
eight times. including last evening.
The vote for Sexton varied at times
from three to five, Aldermen Dauber,
Lawler and Wilson throughout voting
in favor of the confirmation. The APP
pointment was made at the council
meetings April 4, April 9. April IS.
June 4, Dec. 10, Jan. z, Jan. IA, and
last evening.
The first year of the McCaskrin adj
it will be remembered,
passed without a chief of police, it be-
ing then asserted that the mayor was
awaiting the expiration of Alderman
Sections term in the council before
naming him. The latter all along
and up to the time he was man,
ed, denied that he was a candidate for
the Office, although he made no bones
about the mayors personal obligations
to him, for which however, he
declared he wanted and expected