The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1871-06-07
a form Of srsrv cast proieotile used 10 those

the form OF every cast projectile used 10 those
pieces.
THE TESTING MACHINE
used at the Rock Island Arsenal for testing
all solid materials was improved and put
in its present shape by General Rodman.
Other Improvements of note have been
made, especially an improved cap and
bullet machine, which we had the pleasure
of inspecting
General Rodman never patented any oil
his inventions, excepting the method OF
casting the gun, which method he offered
the United States Government twice, before
he was forced to have it patented and to in
troduce it successfully himself.
We tender our sincere sympathy to the re-
latives aud suffering family of the deceased
aod speak but the sentiments of all our citi'
zens when we say to the bereaved your
loss is ours also" Ee was transferred to the
command of. this department in August,
1865. Scarce ak years have passed, and
Rock Island, his chosen work, blooms like
q rose. In 1865 he found barren, uncul-
sivsted, uuimproved island, showing yet the
traces of primitive wildness. His attention
was early directed to the natural facilities
the Island presented for i'm provement. He
took hold of the work of improvement with
the intention of making the Island a monu.
nent that would outlast whatever military
renown he had achieved during long and
varied career. With taste and energy be
laid out shady drives through the groves,
handsome avenues appeared where once
was shrsbbery and timber the shores of
the Island were rip-rapped, embsnkments
built wherever inuuostion threatened. The
groves we're thinned out, the whole Island
| put under careful cultivation, and out of
chaos came order. In the matter Of secur
ing appropriations for the government i'm
provemenrs, this vicinity has Gen. Rodman
to thank. His mind originated and sug-
gested those improvements. His influence
IN congress enabled him to secure any reas-
enable sum from that body. He directed
and superintendent the expenditure of the
appropriations. To almost the day of his
death he Was engaged in planning new
designs and carrying out old ones. To him
alone, We repeat, do we owe our progress
aud present Aotoriety. His interchangeable
efforts secured to this point the location OF
the government bridge, and the expenditure
of the immense sums necessary to that work
He has virtually given employment TO the
hundreds of wOrkmen on the Island, ever
since his installation as commander, and
they will lose in him not only kind bene
factor but good friend. Purchasing rea
estate in this city, be bound himself more
closely to our interests, and in his death ell
feel the loss Off fellow citizen, man above
All others for the position he occupied, and
whose equal We fear we shall never see
Cut short in his work. Dead before hi
had half completed his undertaking and
before he could convey even conception o
it to his successor; with his home approach
ing completion, uss IS he was beginning t.
see his ideas and designs assume defnit,
shape, but with knowledge that he haC
+ left behind him an everlasting monument
he has gone to thAt unknown bourne AuC
in remembrance of his good deeds and il
respect to the honored dead, let our mourn
ing take some outward and visible sign
Let US all follow him to his lasting rest OIL
we would near and dear friend.
General Rodman was q man of imms nst
wealth, and leaves his family mAgni6cen
residence, one of the finest in the country
on the garden spot of the world, and in sf
huence. Due notice will be given Of the
funeral of the deceased