The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1877-01-30
Rural Literary Society.

To the Editors of The Argus:
Having lately returned from Germany
I had quite a curiosity to know some
thing of the character of the people
around and about my old place of resi-
dence in Illinois. and | visited charitable
institution known to the surrounding
community as THE Rural Literary So
ciety," on January 10th, in which the
Alpowerful is lending His ever willing
hand to the well-doing and prosperity of
His people. This society was organized on
the eve of Dec. 2lst, 1876. Although
many prophesied its existence short,
it has enthusiastically increased in
number and notoriety. By some
unpreventing providence / was
permitted to stop in few moments dur
ing the debate on the evening above men,
the hall crowded to its utmost capacity
With quite an intelligent class of people
The debate was conducted on the same
plan of those in other places; but the dis
putants were not confined to the subject of
which they were to speak. They seemed
to strive to make the debate as jubilant as
possible. Jokes in their place are all
right, but when intelligent persons are
talking on so important a subject as was
considered at the last meeting. they
should talk directly to the point, being
careful not to use other disputants' names,
The bylaws of the society strictly forbid
all such expressions; and, furthermore,
that this society shall be conducted in the
best manner possible to benefit the sur
rounding community. fail to see wherein
the beneficial merit comes, especially in
such phrases as were used by the disput-
ants at the last entertainment. IF | I'M
derstand the laws of society in Germany
and all the mother countries where such
debates exists, language becoming all
sexes should be used; and the best Ian
guage, too. No such thing as was used
by one of the disputants in describing the
moving logs with the horse and OK!
| will further venture to say that the
society might be Of more benefit and not
so ridiculous as it is at present by select
ing questions for debate of a different
character; some that will require some
book-study and sound sense and then the
speakers will not have to say. Honorable
judges L think you will decide in our
favor" before they have gained one sin
gle point by their arguments. The last
quOotlOu was NOAy ROOu OuCI uub " JuuSS
by the tone of the disputants the subject
had had none or little thought or study
before the persons came upon the floor
and then embarrassment came in their
faces so thought was banished from their
brains.
At the last meeting the society conclu-
ded to have a paper to increase the
interests of the people both young and old,
and motion was put to the house as to
what name should be given TO it, Three
Of the best educated among them were
chosen by the president as committee.
They went to the entrance hall and after
an absence of few moments returned and
had concluded to call the paper THE
Fri monthly Clodhopper, which is to be
read twice each month, l will take the
pleasure to inform those young men that
(tri) means three weeks (semi) or (bi) two
weeks regarding the month as basis.
Hoping the society may go on in its
good work and prosper in the hereafter,
| remain yours respectfully,
PETER RINKENBERGER, Critic.