Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-03-16

they discussed the business they had
taken hold of and at the end of three
months they had evolved platform
of 10 planks. simple in the reading,
but SO broad that they covered the
field. This committee was not con-
nected with. or an evolution OF any
other organization. 1t was separate
and Independent. In the beginning its
members were forced to pay all tnen
own expenses and subscribe most OF
the money for public undertakings.
Gradually the people became interest
ed and the disposition to extend finan-
cial assistance to them grew till now
one man alone gives $1,000 a year for
the work In three years $4,000 has
been raised and expended by this
committee alone and $120,000 will be
expended in the next three years. In
addition, in the three years there has
been subscribed for public enterprises
a sum equaling $12 per capita The
original committee has stuck to its
task 1t meets twice a week at lunch
and follows the plan of listening to
talks while the meal is being served.
These lunches are paid for out OF the
fund raised by public subscription, and
there is an average OF "a out OF the
present % members present at the
meetings.
Must be Friendly.
The foundation for the success OF
the body in the opinion of the speaker
was the friendliness that came of in
innate association. Formerly there
hIG ~
ness people This has been to large
extent eliminated. Individuals rejoice
in the prosperity of each other, in
stead of trying to undermine their
business
Mr.. Wilson pointed out many of the |
lines of endeavor of the average |
booster that do not pay. The only |
thing that counts. he said, are those |
things that ultimately make 1t easier
for citizens to get three meals day.
Once the people really see that you |
are working to that end the rest Is
easy. The conservative was defined
as a man with the enthusiasm left out
and a tightwad as a man with both
and courage wanting.
Mr.. Wilson advocated the Iowa Idea,
quoting statistics on the wealth and
resources of the state. For instance.
he showed that the corn crop in seven
Iowa counties alone Is worth as much
as the orange crop Of the entire state
Of California.
A sharp rap was taken at the poll
ticians Politics. the speaker asserted,
has spoiled many promising Iowan
It has been said that there are no
successful republican lawyers in the
state. They are all in politics. If
John Deere had been a resident OF
Des Moines he would never have
made plows. He would have been
elected mayor and would have closed
his factory. Every city shoNld en-
courage its constructive men, not by
giving them political jobs, but in the
work where they have demonstrated
heir fitness. Numerous cities were
named that have been built by the
energy and ability OF one or two men.
starts Ball Rolling.
E. P Adler of Davenport was the
asst speaker on the program and his
subject was why We Are Here" He
devoted his remarks to denounclng
he petty jealousies of the business
interests and making a plea to his
hearers to help follow the example OF
les Moines. He ended by moving
hat the POSTMASTER appoint com
nittee of II men to start the ball roll
ng. and the motion carried. While
Sabbi Ffneshriber had the matter I'M !
er consideration Mayor G. w. Scott
poke by request, and gave the most
f his attention to the knockers, who
lie said have heretofore handicapped
progress and made the
ives of city officials miserable. Al
he close Of his remarks the follow
ng were announced as the committee
O inaugurate the movement for
Ireater Davenport: ]. B. Richardson,
Jarl Schlegel, William Heuer, H. c.
j. c. Hall. 1. Deutsch, Louis
fischer, E. P. Adler, L. G. DeArmond,
\ R. Inglehart. Arthur Clifford.