Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-06-08
The Lost Opportunity.

There appeared in last nights Argus, signed
Taxpayer" the name of author being known TO the
editor. a remonstrance against further delay
or expense on the part of the county in
the disposition OF the much veXsd jail location ques-
ton The position so assumed by the writer OF the
communication is based on the fact that the supreme
court OF Illinois has eHectuauy and positively dis
posed of the ISSUE and that appeal beyond the juris-
diction OF the highest tribunal in the state would
but incur further outlay Of the tax payers money
with protracted litigation the only return to the
people. while the county would be deprived OF the
use of the jail meanwhile.
The Argus. as it has so often stated, and is gen.
orally known has from the first counseled moderate.
conservative policy the part OF the county and
the adoption of such means would insure to the
people without hitch delay, that for which they
voted-a county jail.
There was a time. there have been several occas-
ions. when this entire matter could have been COM
promised the satisfaction Of all concerned, but the
obdurate attitude Of the countys representatives
always prevented such desirable disposition Of the
case One circumstance in particular, it is believed,
may be related now as indicative both of the fairness
of those opposed to placing Of the jail the court
house grounds, and OF the unfairness of those who
were leading the fight TO keep it there
Just about a year ago, when the drive was so sue
cessfulIy completed Tor the 10000 Improvement of
St Anthony's hospital, and the enterprise rea-
lized through the general and liberal public spirit
manifested by all classes of people irrespective Of
denomination. the suggestion was made that a most
pleasing result that might grow the campaign
in addition to the attainment of the main object,
would BE- the adjustment of the Jail site question
The proposition was put up to j / Vernon, who was
general chairman OF the hospital campaign commit
tee and likewise was in d position to speak TO mem
bers Of the jail committee Of the county board. Mr.
Vernon as a public spirited citizen, and without any
bias as to the Jail location, undertook the task
Men representative OF the opposition to the estab-
ishment Of the Jail where the attempt has been made
10 place it, were found more than ready for
promise; in fact were quite willing to exercise their
influence to permit the Jail to be completed the
site designated by the county board and bear just
share Of the costs of litigation up that date pro-
vided that certain changes be made in the plans
and architecture of the structure.
Suggestions Of this sort put squarely up to the jail
committee were met with the same rebuff that was
given the early entreaties to go slow when sites
were first under discussion.
An so the fight in the courts went on. The county
has paid dearly for its stubbornness It would seem
time now to call a halt and if The Argus mistakes
not. there may yet be found way to provide a new
and convenient site viii be expensive the
county and the construction OF the jail in differ
ent location may go forward all i'll feeling he
wiped out