The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-05-03
To the Publishers Of Papers in Illinois.

We commend the annexed communica-
ton from Gen. Mason Brayman to the al
tention of newspapers throughout the state.
Such an association, conducted without re-
gard to any political creed, cannot fail to be
very useful as well as very pleasant to Hi
noisans visiting Washington on business or
pleasure XXI
On the 10th Of March last I had the pleasure of
attending an interesting meeting OF citizens OF
illinois, temporarily resident in thecity Of Wash.
ington, and Of taking part in the erganixatlon oil
"The Illinois State Association" having for its
object, stated in the preamble to Its constitu-
ton, "the promotion of social intercourse, mutual
Improvement and to afford such assistance to
each other, and to residents of the state when
visiting the city of Washington, as may be within
our power.
To attain these ends, it was proposed to estah-
lish rooms, hold regular meetings, maintain a
library and reading room, where the newspapers
of the state might be found; where all citizens OF
Illinois might meet cordial welcome, and re-
ceive such information as members of the associa-
ton could easily Afford but which strangers find
so difficult to obtain.
After adopting constitution, the association
organized by eecting the following officers Pres
ident, Hon. A. Chester; vice-prssident, Col. ii.
ID. Cook; secretary, III. C. Austin treasurer, Col
J. Warren Bell; executive committee, Col. L. d
Bishop, james Fishback, J. NJ. Mcneil, J. B
Atkinson, A. T. Bowers.
The rooms of the association are at No. 1857
Pennsylvania avenue, opposite the National Ho
tel.
The gentlemen composing this association arr
citizens of Illinois, in public service at the var
ious departments, and otherwise engaged in bust
in the city of Washington. Most of then
widely known, having served with honor il
armies or filed important positions at home
1t is very creditable to them and honorable te
their state, thus to vindicate their citizenship OF
Illinois, and extend the hand of hearty fellowship
to such as visit the capital.
Persons who have visited Washington on bust
ness, and encountered the vexatious delays and
disappontments, which prolong days into weeks
and months, will appreciate the value of finding
Il comfortable and inviting Headquarters where
they can register their names and find themselves
at once in communication with their own people,
whose ready courtesies and knowledge of bust
ness will carry them through right and readily
and where they may each morning find the latest
files of newspapers from home. Under the rules
governing membership, and for the reception OF
visitors. all respectable citizens OF lilnols are
made welcome-party distinctions being un-
known.
The present object of this communication is to-
day, that the usefulness of the association, and
its highest interest will depend upon the fullness
of the list of Illinois newspapers upon Its files =
Recognizing this fact, and presumng upon the
known iberality and public spirit of the editors
and publishers of Illinois, ventured to pledge
them, at the meeting referred to, for the regular
grotaitous transmittal of their respective paper:
to the rooms of the association. Such a contri-
button will add to its attractiveness be Invaluable
to citizens of state at the national capital,and
than repay the cost to the generous donors by
bringing the newspapers of Illinois and the state
whose greatness and glory mirrored in thei
columns, TO the notice of thousands.
Colonel Bishop, chairman of the executive com
mittee in q recent communication reminding mt
of my pledge in this behalf, and their readiness
TO receive files of our newspapers, says: Il may
state that the editors of Illinois newspapers hav,
been constituted honorary members, by amend
ment of the constitution, of which they will b
duly advised" -t
The expenses of the enterprise fall upon tn
Washington members, and it is considered tha
their friends at home will eheerfully respond [
the suggestions here made, and aid our patriot
fellow citizens in Washington in rendering thei
association honor to the state.
Respectfully, etc.,
N RRAYMAN