Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-04-19

w. j. Graham.
Rock Island citizens suffering the
acute conditions experienced by
other cities throughout the country
1.-THE Business Mems association
with its keen understanding of mer-
camille conditions in the city was
able to assist the food administra-
tor in the handling of the food sit
uation in a way that brought com
mendation from both Washington
and the headquarters at Chicago.
This department saved the mer-
chants Of Rock Island thousands of
dollars during the year through its
rigid and careful censoring of all
advertising schemes and proposals.
It prevented ticket selling and ad-
vertising program solicitations.
This department has watched
legislation at Springfield and has
repeatedly opposed measures which
we're detrimental to the interests
Of Rock Islands business men.
RETAIL MERCHANTS BUREAU.
"R. W. LAMONT.
H A. CLEVENSTINE.
J. a. WEISHAR.
General.
1T would be difficult to enumer-
ate every single thing that has been
accomplished by these organiza-
tons, and in the enumeration of
results obtained it would be impos-
sibie to convey the hours of toll in
vclved in each particular accom-
piishment. 1t must be remembered
that many other projects have been
worked upon. and weeks and weeks
OF energy, thought and study have
been put into them without any re-
suits whatsoever. Those familiar
with commercial organization work
appreciate that cut OF the hundreds
Cf things undertaken, only few
are ever carried to completion.
However. these propositions are
constantly brought before members
OF the organization and find their
way into committees and there they
must be thrashed out and some def
mite conclusion must be arrived at
For instance, the war work of
the organization. not having an in
dustrial. civic or commercial bear
ing. cannot he set forth as accom-
p,ishment. 1t can only be referred
to as work in which the Organiza-
ti0ns have expended energy. Among
the things that may be mentioned
under this caption come the cam
psigns for war financing and war
charities.
These organizations furnished
the headquarters. clerical force and
management of the second, third
and fourth loans, carrying Rock Is
land and the west half of the cOun-
ty over the top by a healthy mar
gin 1t is directly responsible for
the putting through of the Patriots
fund, the first Y. NJ G. A. war drive,
the united war work drive, the cam
paign for the Red Cross sustaining
sand and for the organization of
the finance committee of the state
council Of defense, an organization
which had a representative body of
workers in each of the precincts of
Rock Island and in each township
throughout the west half of the
country All of the work of the
finance committee of the state
council of defense for the west half
Of the county was handled through
the Chamber of Commerce head
quarters.
Among other things of interest
to the public was the stand which
these organizations took for the re-
moval of paroled convicts. Through
protests which were made to the
board of bardons and Governor
Lowden, a hearing was held at the
Rock Island club at which gathered
business and professional men and
officers of Rock Island,
Moline and East Moline. At this
meeting a definite pledge was made
by the parole board looking for
ward to the removal of cOnvictr,
which was rigidly carried cut by
them as promised.
During the federal interference
by the United States district attor-
ney the Chamber of Commerce took
a stand on the question of law en-
forcement and placed public opin-
ion squareIy behind the officers
who were trying to do their duty.
These organizations have on 7
four different occasions caused /
of the city TO ap-
pear before committees in Wash |
ington in defense of the city's inter-
ests.
In closing this report we would /,
like to call the attention Of the !
to the manner n |
which the Chamber of Commerce /
has been able to seat itself as the |
center from which all industrial, [
civic. commercial and agricultural |
endeavor emanateS.
I'm the IS months that the Cham |
Der of Commerce has been in op- !
Grafton it has become an institu-
ton big in dynamic results for !
Rock Island It's platform of COM
and civic and industrial /
progress is one in which all clean !
thinking men and women may come |
% stand with dignity and pride.
this period it has be