The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1922-10-05
Mayor Declines Help.

Mayor H. M. Schriver has been complaining
that representative men whom he has ap-
preached have refused to accept appointment
as>the third member of his fire and police COM
mission, with Investigation Of charges against
Thomas Cox, suspended chief Of police, as the
first business before that body. Numerous men
had been invited and had declined until the
mayor encountered Hugh E. Curtis, president
Of the Rock Island Savings bank. Mr.. Curtis.
in the presence of Mayor Schriver and City
Attorney John X. Scott, consented to take a
place on the police board on condition that he
be permitted to name his two associates: This
would necessitate removal of Mr.. Smith and
Mr.. Reagan.
Mr.. Curtis was reminded by Mr.. Scott that
his acceptance of appointment on the board
might invite criticism by The Argus. but Mr..
Curtis answered that he was willing to take
that chance, There has been q manifest pur-
pose on the part Of the administration to Gre
ate the impression that The Argus has some
Interior motive in connection with its interest
in the police department investigation. How
ever. Mr.. Curtis readily assured the mayor and
city attorney that he would not be svayed by
any influence that might imperil the right Of
fair~ and impartial trial of any member of the
department under accusation.
1t does seem to The Argus, and doubtless
1t will strike the public similarly that Mayor
Schriver missed an opportunity to relieve him.
self of grave and embarrassing responsibility
when he refused to consider the generous pro-
posal made to him by Mr.. Curtis 1t is hardly
likely that Mr.. Smith or Mr. Reagan would
hovo han h,nrt h.
from the police board and make way for three
disinterested citizens with only the concern of
the community welfare in mind.
1t is not the understanding of The Argus
that there are any charges against Mayor
Schriver or City Attorney Scott pending before
the police board. But there are accusations
against the suspended chief of police. These
charges have been instigated by citizen and
taxpayer who expects to be able to prove ir-
regularities in the department over which
Thomas Cox was supposed to be in command
II the suspended chief of police is as guiltless
as Mayor Schriver and City Attorney Scott
BY their defense of him are convinced that he
IL, 1t does seem that they: even more than the
suspended chief Of police himself, ought to be
careful to avoid suspicion in the public mind
that they are seeking to head off such a COM
plete inquiry Of the police department as the
taxpayers Of the city are now demanding.
The Argus. hafing in mind only the best
interest Of the community - a whole, and with
NO wish to see any man unjustly marked, sin.
cefely regrets that Mayor Schriver did MOI
embrace the opportunity afforded him by Mr.
Curtis. He was pledged fair trial Of tn.
whole situation Tne people Of Rock 1slant
| would sustain any verdict that would be re-
turned by Mr.. Curtis and his associates on thu
| police board. Mr.. Curtis is banker and law
yer. without political alliances that would IL
| any manner handicap him in impartial SERVES
as Z member Of the police board. Above all
he II . busy man. and It was oily his SINGER,
| wish to aid in the adjustment Of tansle tia
is not helping the community that he consented
to devote his time to serving on the polio,
board. The Argus feels that Mr. Curtis ten
dered personal kindness to Mayor Schrive,
and likewise displayed dyic enterprise 70,
| which he is to b commended.
Busy men. a. rule, shun such thankles,
tasks - serving on city commissions carrytu,
no reward other than public duty, and whe,
ono does come forward. - Mr. Curtis has done
and is denied the privilege Of contributing hi
time and effort to the solution Of confusin,
problem. il does see ma grisyeua error pa,