Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1917-11-23
MERCER FAVORED
BY SILvIS PEOPLE
A agitation for Consolidation Of Village
With East Moline Is Devei-
opfng.

Agitation for consolidation Of Sill
Wis and East Moline is developing in
Silvis This project has been long
in the minds of people in the two COM
munities, but It has been heretofore
regarded as something Of forbidden
subject in Silvis. Now, however, per-
sons who IN the past have been rather
bitterly opposed to such a proposition,
are actively, it is said, urging con-
solidation.
Thus far, it is understood, no defn
tie steps toward putting the CONSOLE
dation project before the people OF
the two municipalities have been taxi
en-. 1t is reported, however, that Sill
Wis citizens interested have secured
legal advice on the matter, and that
there is a prospect of circulation OF
petitions soon.
Silvis is a thriving village, and in
some respects it is ahead of East Mo-
line in municipal development, 1t
has not. however, reached the city
stage. 1t has a volunteer fire depart
ment for which the village makes some
appropriations. The fire department
uses an auto truck. The village is
equipped with a fire alarm system.
1t has good street lighting, 1t has
many paxed streets, a satisfactory
water system and a fair drainage
system. The police service is limited
/ to one man.
I East Moline now has population
said to be 1000. 1t covers vast
territory The city has fine paved
streets, a good water system. and a
good sewer system, but it needs a
storm drain system. 1t maintains a
/ paid fire department of three men,
and owns an auto fire truck. It has
police department Of eight men, sew
en- OF whom are paid by the city and
one by corporation interests. Street
lighting is good East Moline is UNI
/ der the aldermanic form of city gov
eminent
The city and village adjoin each
other, and the ge0gra phical situation
is favorable for consolidation. Argu-
ment for consolidation is that the cost
of operation would be lessened and
efficiency of city departments in
i creased.
In Silyis there has been a great
jealousy of East Moline and any men
ton OF consolidation with East Mo
line has met with severe objection and
criticism The village citizens have
taken justifable pride in their prog
ress under village government and
they have felt that the village is d
real rival OF the neighboring city
The feeling is much the same as that
! in East Moline with reference TO Mo
line. East Moline people feel thai
Moline interests have ambitions tC
! absorb East Moline. Silvis people
have regarded annexation talk as
evidence of greed and ambition OF
> the part OF East Moline interests
1t is certain that bitter fight vii
, result if the consolidation plan il
pushed to the point of vote on tht
question 1t win be necessary to Sc
cure petition in Silyis, and then have
the matter put to q vote in both tht
village and the city. In East Molint
, there is no activity in the matter now
but it is certain that If there is ;
considerable element in Silvis in ia
!, vor Of annexation, East Moline will
: lend active support to the project
/ Impetus Is said to have been givel
Z the proposition by the controvers,
' which ha. been carried on in Silyi
/ with reference to the city admins
g tration.