Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-07
M'KINNEY FOR
GOVERNORSHlP?
Visit Of Retiring Congressman
to Rock Island Arouses
Political Discussion.
NO CHANGE IN HIS PLANS
Rumors of Reconsideration of His
Purpose Stoutly Denied-May
Enter Consular Service.

Congressman James Mckinney for
governor?
This was the talk that has developed
among republican politicians IN Rock
Island in connection with the congress
mans present visit to the city. Reports
were likewise in circulation yesterday TO
the effect that the Aledo statesman
was Ceconsidering his determination 70
retire from congress at the expiration
Of his present term. AS 10 the latter
report both the congressman and those
within the circle Of his intimate polit-
ical associates IN Rock Island were
quick to enter positive denials, not
withstandtng that the rumors occa-
stoned quite a f1utter of excitement
among Rock Island county aspfrants
for the seat TO be vacated
My conclusion TO retire from con-
gross at the expiration of my present
term, which will take-ne TO Washing
ton for two more winters" said Con
gressman Mckinney, was reached af-
ter due and serious deliberation, and
there is TO be no alteration of my plans
in this respect. Personal reasons have
prompted my course entirely, and they
are Of such nature that nothing
would induce me 10 go back 10 Wash
ingtou when I have completed the
term upon which am about TO enter
I appreciate to the depths Of my heart
the honor that has been repeatedly be
slowed upon me by the voters of this
district and for the confidence that
has been reposed in me. I have many
warm friends throughout the district
whom | shall always prize, and | have
endeavored 10 serve the people faith
fully and 10 the very best of my abil-
ity. During my remaining term
shall continue my past policy of doing
everything in my power for the inter-
ests of the district, and am here now
IN pursuance of the custom that I have
always followed before starting for
Washington, to inquire into the needs
of the locality before resuming my du-
ties. / see the new Rock Island post
office building is progressing nicely,
and ! am sure II is TO be a source Of
pride and satisfaction to me as TO the
people Of Rock Island who need and
deserve it. When it is completed ii
will be second to none in the state out
side of Chicago"
TALKED OF FOR GOVERNOR.
AS to the discussion OF the POSSIBLE
ity of Congressman Mckinney becom-
ing a candidate for the republican gu
bernatorial nomination, the congress
man did not talk, and it is not certain
that he would enter the field regard
less Of what the prospects might be
Should he determine TO do so, how
ever there is no doubt that he would
make a formidable candidate He is
an experienced and skilled politician
having been prominent in the councils
Of the republican party in Illinois for
20 years, and was for many years one
Of the most influential members of the
republican state central committee
He has served on the state railroad
and warehouse commission. and his
record is clean. AS a party member
he has been identified with the stand
pat organization and in congress has
been a follower of Speaker Joe Can
non.
THE CONSULAR SERVICE.
1t has been intimated. too, that Mr..
Mckinney might, in the event of the
republicans continuing in power in na-
uonal affairs, seek the consular serv-
ice. He has a sister in the missionary
field In China, whom he visited when
with the congressional commission he
went to the Philippines some years
ago. and who is just returning
now after a visit to the con-
. gresham. The congressman is
reasonably familiar with American in
terests abroad. having in his official
capacity visited Panama. the Hawiian
islands and the countries OF the far
east.