Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-07-04
S NO EASY TASK
seems impossible to Sti.
Enough interest to Organize
a Permanent Taft Club.
SECOND EFFORTS A FAILURE
Chairman and Judge G. J. searIe Put
and Adept a Few Motions and
Adjourn to Try Again.

If the meeting of the republicans
last evening at the Turner hall Is any
Indication, the party machinery will
need vigorous action to arouse any
show of interest in the campaign this
fall in Rock Island. The meeting was
one of the Taft club, partially organ
lied some months ago for the purpose
|of promoting the candidacy of William
H. Taft for the republican nomination
,or president, and opposing the farcial
Cannon boom. There were less than
rs men present, including the janitor.
DR.. w. H. Ludewig, who is acting as
chairman of the inactive organization.
was the last to put in an appearance,
although Judge c. J. Searle was on
hand bright and early with an armful
|of campaign material, and an anxious
expression. When Judge Searle had
about concluded that it was time to
call the meeting off and adjourn till
some later time, DR.. Ludewig arrived
on the scene, and he presided at the
|listless session. The meeting proved
the second failure to. organize per
nldnenC Ia1I cluD.
No Interest shown.
The attendance was largely of candi-
1ates, real and possible, and political
office holders, and at that there was
scarcely enough TO transact business,
md those who were present could not
become interested in the proceedings,
cut allowed Judge Searle, DR.. Lude-
wig Otto Herkert, acting SECRETARY.
and Dr. Joseph DeSilva to do all the
stunts.
DR.. Ludewig attempted to stir things
up bit by referring to the nomination
Of Secretary Taft, but there was not a
nurmur OF show of interest and he
concluded abruptly and gave Judge
oearle chance. The latter took ad
rantage of the opportunity, and moved
l change in the constitution to make
he purpose of the organization the
election of Hon. William H. Taft as
president and James L. Sherman vice
president" DR.. DeSilva, having in
| mind, apparently, some of the Local
| ,andidates, possibly John K Scott OF
| j.. c. Wenger, candidates for states
attorney, who were present, suggested
hat the addition be made so that the
object should include the success OF
he entire republican ticket. Judge
Searle accepted the suggestion, ant
lie motion was carried by the votes O
| Messrs. Searle, DeSilva, Scott ant
| Wenger.
VIII Make Anotk err Try.
1t was voted to make desperate
effort to get bit of interest aroused
md Judge Searle furnished the secre
airy with mailing list of a couple O
hundred names of republican voters
md put through motion that each b,
sent card notice of the next session
| Dr. Ludewig, perhaps desiring to re
main chairman for a while longer
ltimidly suggested that the permanen
organization of the club be deferre,
until there was full house-or some
thing besides empty chairs, and a
lc one paid any attention, no objee
ion was offered.
To Awaken Interest II Possible.
Charles Harris then suggested tina
committee of seven, one from, eac
ward. be named to assist in the pre-
1aration of program for the mex
meeting, and on motion of Mr. Searl
he meeting adjourned until July Il
when third attempt to organize wi
be made.