Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-02
CHORDS AND
DLSCORDS
INSIDE STUFF.

Il am Mr.. Blank, representing Tie
National Foil company. You have IL
beled me-"
How so?'
Your paper printed story to the
effect that ] am CRATER
There must be some mistake. When
did the story APPEAR
| Tuesday, and | want to tell you
your paper is going to pay me my
price"
Business of securing copy of issue
in which it is alleged libelous article
is printed.
1.-THE story you complain Of does not
say that you are CRATER. But it does
state that you charged that officials in
a neighboring city were grafters.'
ut makes no difference. The paper
has libeled me. l have talked with my
attorney, and he informs me that l can
collect damages"
Your attorney doubtless knows the
law. We would regret sincerely if our
paper had made statements that in
jured your character, and would glad
ly make any amends, if you can show
us that you have been harmed by any
publicity we have given"
Your bull doesn't go with me.
You'll pay me. Seer
"You say you are business man.
"You know l am, and you'll find I'm
some collector in the bargain"
How much do you think you ought
to have?"
mot a nickel less than $25,000."
Are you in a rush for the money!"
"The sooner you come across the
me?"
Indeed we do, but you'll have to
travel faster than you are moving now
before you get u.s."
"I'll be at your Office before noon
tomorrow, and will expect an immed-
late settlement
you know where the Office is To-
Gated? Very well, come right along"
The Foil company agent did not ap-
pear to collect the $4,000. This story
is printed merely to illustrate one of
the ridiculous situations the modern
newspaper daily has to handle as a
part of its routine. Blank had some
days previous to the interview wormed
publicity from The Argus to the effect
that he was in the city in search of a
location on which to build large dis
tributing plant for the company. His
representations had fshy ring, but
he was given the benefit of the doubt
and brief reference was made Of his
alleged wants here Then he turned
up in neighboring city. and because
the officials there didn't Immediately
fall in with his demands he charged.
so it was claimed, that they were all
grafters Blank was summoned be-
fore the council, confronted with his
assertions, and was unable to clear
himself. His petition was denied and
he was threatened with Jail sentence.
Two days later he was publicly dis
credited by the company that he
claimed to represent and an apology
offered the officials whom he had in
: suited. Blank is one of the red-vested
| loud-voiced type that seems to thrive
+ in many communities, being able to
, realize on hot air. But he didn't get
very far in these parts.
: WILLIAM NJ Walker, vice president
of the Chicago Cubs, is a fish mer-
4 chant. But his friends maintain he is
, no sucker in the baseball business.
SENATOR Grooms, calling for an in
, vestigation. alleges there is Irvine
trust. Knot so, answer the manufac-
turers.
} HENRY Lane Wilson predicts the
Y Carranza administration will be a fail
ure. Wilson, who was formerly am.
D bassador to Mexico, would have ex-
+ pressed his honest sentiments if he
2 would have said he hoped it would be
( foozle.
BRANDEIS on the supreme court
bench is hopeful prospect. The re,
= vered court has long been in need OF
more punch-W. Kee Maxwell.
Leap Year Note.