The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-08-09
stated that the Association has never been

stated that the Association has never been
close corporation sel6shly intent on
money-makiDg. but that &C present II
numbers over 900 stockholders. It
has never declared a dividend
and never will, the pro6tH Of the fair being
annually expended In making the grounds
more attractive, in increasing the facilities
for exhibitors and spectators. and IN the
generous $4,000 premiums which are Of
fered each year. Notwithstanding the
fact that no dividends are declared the
stock Is always above par. and last week L
heard of fifty dollar share being sold tor
sixty-five dollars, which is 80 per cent.
nreminm. and a pretty good test Of the
nopularity of this pet institution. Mr..
II ain went on to tell me that the exposi-
ton this wear and the fair viii be the most
attractive in the history OF the orRaniza-
ton, and that preparations are being made
for hundreds of thousands of visitors. The
railroad companies whose lines center in
St. Louis, have unanimously decided TO put
their fares down to lowest excursion rates,
and expect heavy tide of travel The
reason for this unusual rush lies in the
fact that az exceptionally entertaining pro-
gramme has been prepared for the four
weeks of the exposition as well az for the
! fair itself.
MILITARY AND MUSIC.
The first week of the exposition will be
devoted to competitive drills between CON-
pany and battalion organizations for prizes
aRgregating $1,000. For these contests the
famous Police Reserve regiment OF 81.
Louis, the st. Louis National Guards, the
famous Porter Rifles, of Nashville, the
Peoria Blues, and regiment from Chlca'
90 have already entered, and it is expect
ed that a dozen moro cities includ-
ing the territory from Pittsburg &C
| Leayenworth will be represented on the
tented field. / know Of no pleasanter way
of doing" the exposition than By mill
tary excursion. The railroads will give
the lowest bottom rates to competitors
the Fair Association win provide excellent
company grounds, or barracks, If pre-
ferred, and if the company knows the
school of the soldiers thoroughly, it car
take in enough in prizes TO pay the ex
penses of its members. The second weeL
will be devoted to contests between brass
and reed bands and orchestras, and voca
societies. Already number have entered
and enough are assured to make the week
/ sufficiently melodious for the most must
cal while those who believe with DR.. John
son, that music is only the least disagree
able of noises" the fun and excitement o
the contests will be amusement enough.
THE YELLED PROPHETS
The remaining fortnight Of the Exposi
ton will be taken up with trials of agri
cultural machinery and domestic imple
meuts, and in outdoor sports and gym
nastic exhibitions. Then the Fair comes
on, Opening on the 7th of October an
/. closing on the 18th. On the Tuesda.
night of the Fair week there will be
grand carnival under the charge of tn
: "Veiled Prophets" Who in the worl
the yelled Prophets" are nobody seem
to know, but it is generally conceded tina
] they have coporeal existence. and ar
n wel-to-do business men who have pledge
themselves to produce a street pagan
:, that will be rival Of the New Orleau
! and Memphis Mardi-Gras professions.
: is said that they have invested small To-
:. tune in triumphal cars and chariots an
n effgies and costumes. and that the cit
tor once at least, will at night be as ligt
u as day, with the glare and glory Of earn
Is val If | can ascertain any further fac
d about this mysterious body and its NOV
|. ment will reveal them 10 a future lette
|, X. Y. Il.