Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-08-19


:3c=: Reply.
AT the former meeting of the county
| committee the charge was made by
N. J. McEniry that in the choice of the
Moline postmaster, Congressman Tav-
enner had been guided by three repub-
Leans and had asked their advice and
counsel. and the chairman had been in
structed to telegraph Mr.. Tavenner
and ascertain if this was true. Mr..
Tavenner's reply was read to the COM
mittee last night in which he stated
that he wished TO frankly state to the
committee that he had frequently re-
quested the views of representative re-
publicans and progressives as well as
democrats upon various public ques-
tons believing if he had the viewpoint
of all sides he would better be able TO
determine upon a course that would
be TO the best interests of the district
and the party, the welfare of both OF
which he has at heart
Tried for Harmony.
Speaking specifically of the Moline
postofiCe contest, the congressman
said in his letter: II suggested the
holding OF a democratic primary but
this was objected to. so strongly by
one of the candidates that the idea was
abandoned. l did my utmost TO in
duce the applicants to settle the Mo
line contest in a friendly and brother
ly way, cheerfully agreeing to recon-
mend any one of the number that they
might agree upon. When il became
certain that the candidates could not
agree there was nothing else for me
to do but TO name someone myself,
and in view of the bitterness that had
developed. l thought possibly the bes<
interests of the patrons of the Office
and the party could be served by the
appointment of someone who had not
been a party to the fight"
Propositions Turned Down.
Mr. Tavenner furthermore stated
that certain interests had demanded
that he do two things, stop his fight
on the Taylor system and name a GER
tain gentleman postmaster. Neither
demand was complied with. Il antici-
pated then" said Tavenner, that the
consequence would be that | would be
harassed in every possible and con-
ceivable way. and it is evident that
this expectation is to be realized"
Were for Other Fellow.
Mr.. Tavenner stated further that |
the three Moline gentlemen who had
been charged with debating who /
should be appointed had telegraphed !
and written him repeatedly. not in !
behalf of Mr.. COryn, but in behalf of |
another candidate who was not ap-
pointed. Since they or no other re-
publicans ever recommended or in |
any way endorsed Mr.. Coryn," said |
Tavenner. Il do not understand how it |
can be contended that republicans die |
tated the nomination of Mr. Coryn."
The Test Vote.
Frank Gustafson of Moline there I
upon offered a resolution in criticism |
of Congressman Tavenner for his /
course in the appointment of Moline |
postmaster and designed to discredit |
both his act and his explanation. 1t
was here that the test of TaEenner's
strength with the committee came, for
the chairman called for a standing /
vote on the resolution. Those who
stood up to be counted in favor of 1t
were three in number. Eighteen stood
I'D to vote il down. And so the Incl
dent was closed.
Poll books were then given out and
T. A. Fender was named chairman of
the finance committee. Methods Tor
getting out a full vote on primary day
were discussed and everything pointed
10 democratic success this fall. If the
RANK and file of the party will remain
true 10 the party.
incidentally there was much praise
Of the new chairman, who was de-
rlared one of the fairest as well as
most earnest who has ever presided
over the county democracy % Rock
Island county.