Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-03-02

Inc foregoing CnrOnOlORlcdl record
of the various steps in the appoint
ment and seating of H. P. Simpson as
postmaster of Rock Island is of inter-
est in that it shows how a matter of
this kind takes its course in govern
ment affairs. No effort was made to
speed up the machinery in Mr.. Simp-
son Ease and as will be seea, it was
approximately two months from the
time the appointment was made by the
president till the commission was re-
ceived making it possible to complete
the change in the office.
Flowers for New Officer.
The postmaster's office this morning
was brilliant with flowers sent by
friends of the new incumbent, many of
whom called during the day to add
their personal congratulations.
Captain Mcdonald remarked that
this was the first day since 1888 when
he had found himself without a job.
1T is a good deal of relief" he said,
ito throw off all responsibilities for
awhile"
The retiring postmaster was not pre-
pared to say to what channels his en-
ergies will be directed in future His
many friends hope he will decide to
identify himself with some local enter
prise so he will continue to be resi-
dent Of the city.
With little or no ceremony, the for
NAL transfer of the postmastership
from Captain Hugh A. ]. Mcdonald to
Mr.. Simpson, occurred Saturday even
ing at the close of the days business.
Just before the IS employees of the
irc of their hnur-
ever, they gathered in the city deliv-
cry department, where the retiring Of
fetal was presented in a neat address !
by d. F. Krell, with fine gold watch |
bearing the following inscription:
Presented to
Hugh A. J. Mcdonald
by the
Postoffice employees
Feb. %, 1914"
Roy Lindstrom escorted Mr.. Nc
Donald to the work room where the |
employees had gathered. He introduced
E. L. Strate and E. N. Lundberg, the
former speaking for the clerks and the
latter for the carriers. Both expressed
of the cordial relation
ship which has existed between the
postmaster and those under him. An
other called on was o. P. Olson, assist
ant postmaster, who discussed the
difficulties which confront a conscient-
ious postmaster. He said he had a
three fold mission; service to the pub
lie, fairness to employees and faithful
ness to the government. He touched
upon the tact, energy and ability it
takes to harmonic them all. He
voiced the kindly sentiment which all
Of the employees have for Captain Nc
Donald and promised the same loyalty
20 his successor.
Credit for Building.
Captain Mcdonald feelingly thanked
he donors for their thoughtfulness of
lim. He said that what ever had been
during his term of serv-
ce was largely due to the cooperation
If those who worked with him and he
gave former Congressman
James Mckinney all the credit for the
beautiful government building here,
claiming that it was his work and in
iuence in getting appropriations for
he structure that made it a POSSIBLE
ty. He stated that he had no plans
or the future to announce.
Personal greetings were then ex-
ended to both Captain Mcdonald and
Simpson. The latter de-
Jared that he was more than gratified
It the cordially exhibited and express
ID the hope that it would continue:
1t is this spirit of cooperation that
las made Captain McDonald's work so
uccessful," he asserted HE has
made wonderful record and If when
ny time comes TO retire l can point
o one that will compare with it / will
e very happy