The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-09-07

not be held pack, ana they broke over the
fence all around the lot and rushed by
thousands upon thousands into the open
space filling almost every inch of room IN
the enclosure.
Il is estimated that there must, at that
time, have been $4,000 people standing in
one solid mass. An attempt was made to
move them back a company of armed Zou-
ares were brought in, and several marshals
on horseback, but it was of no use-the only
thing which could hs done was to open q
passage for the president and the distin-
guished men who accompanied him. Every
available foot of ground was occupied, and
the people waited in breathless anxiety for
the appearance of the Patriot President,
whose name was on every tongue.
The first movement that attracted univsr-
sal attention., was the entrance of the presi
Dental party, who passed in on foot, and
were loudly oheered. They were preceded
by the orator OF the day. General Dix, Com
mittes of Arrangements and Mayor Rice
President johnson and Secretary Seward
walked together, arm In arm. Then came
General Grant and Admiral Farragut then
| followed Postmaster General Randall. Secre-
tary Welles, Generals Gustav, Rosseau, Meade,
Steedman, and other distinguished military
men and civilians. These gentlemen quick
! ly assembled the speakers stand, and the in
terssting ceremonies Of laying the corner
stone comm enced. a.e
| The first in the course of the proceedings
l e.. I'D olo orks
| by Mayor Rice.
| he Masonic Grand Master of Illinois, j.
| r. CORN, appeared in front of the stand and
| delivered short, touching and really clio
ouent address 60 the assembled multitude +,
| in which he paid glowing tribute to the
| memory of the illustrious deceased, and
spoke of the masonic order at some length -
After tais the Grand Chaplain of the Mason
10 Order invoked the Divine blessing upon the
ceremony. Daring the course of the prayer
almost every one OF the thousands who were
present stood with his head uncovered, and
vast conoourse. rendering the scene one OF
| the most sublime and impressive possible to
conceive.
At tbs conclusion of the prayer, the Right
Worshipful Grand Treasurer Of the Masonic
Order, proceeded to deposit in the cavity OF
the stons left for this purpose, the customary
coins, documents and other tangible memen-
toes of the past.
At this stage of the proceedings, salute
was fired from the guns of the United States
revenue cutter candy Johnson" which was
lying at anchor in the lake, Il short distance
from the grounds.
After the mementoes had been placed In
their proper place, ono of the bands played
solemn dirgs, and whilst the strains of sa-
cred music were floating in the air, the cor
ner-stone was lowered to it's future resting
place.
1t was settled into position By means OF
ropes and tackling which had been erected
for the purpose. At the close of these inter
esting ceremonies the chaplain of the day,
the Rev Mr. Milburn, 1.-THE blind preacher. J
offered most eloquent aud appropriate
prayer.
At the close of tn e prayer there was what
appeared to DO L precoDcerted arrangement
to call out Gen. Grant in advance of the
President but 1t was quickly put down, and
Mayor Rice informed the crowd that TIE
managers had an order of exercises which
would be carried out, and after that the PEG
pie could call for whoever they pleased.
Mai. Gen. John A Dix was then introduc
ed and delivered most mastery, eloquent
and impressive Grafton, occupying about two
hours Gee. Dix was frequently Rpplauded
and roundly cheered at the close.
After the orator had stepped down from
the stone on the monument there was one
universal yell for johnson" johnson"
.'President Johnson" long continued and
loud Mayor Rice conducted President John
son to the front of the platform and introduo
ed him when long and loud cheers ront the
cir for several minutes. The president sim.
ply bowed his thanks and resumed his seat
The people then called for Sec'y Seward, and
the same ceremony, and cheers, followed, ani
he resumed his seat. The great audience
then oalled" u ohnson," johnson" Speech
"Speech" for some minutes, when the presi
dent came forward and spoke for some fv,
minutes, perhaps, eliciting great applause
Sec'y Seward was then called to speak, ant
occupied some 10 or Is minutes, in an clio
8 quiet and impressive manner, elicising heart,
3 applause.
Gen Grant was then called out, and bowed
. his acknowledgment and resumed his sea
amid great applause.
s Admiral Farragut was called out in tn
r same way, and his jovial, smiling face an,
t pleasant words brought frequent and heart.
I cheers.
= There was then universal call for "Mead
8 the hero of Gettysburg" Gen. Mead cam
forward and was roundly cheered. He mad
5 very handsome speech of acknowledgement
hissclsar, sharp tones ringing out distinct.
4 over that vast audience SO plain that the.
could be heard for long distance. He is
. remarkably fine looking man and splendi
speaker, and was cheered to the echo.
: The mayor then announced that the cere
. monies had closed, and the President and hi
party then left the stand. But the peopl
, were anxious to see and hear more, and Their