The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1879-01-25
The Robert Burns Anniversary.

The members OF the Burns cluD OF Ia
EXPORT, held their twenty-frst annual fes-
tival at Turner Hall, in that city, last
night, in honor Of the birthday of their
patron poet There were fully two humid
red and fifty ladies and gentlemen present,
and nearly, if not quite ell, took active part
in the festivities of the evening. The dane
ing hall was appropriately decorated with
the thistle of Scotland. the shamrock of Ire |
land, the arms of Great Britain, the lilly
of France, the colors of Germany, and the
stars and stripes, as indication of the uni
versal admiration for Burns, aud the wide
welcome the club extends to all nations to
join with them in doing honor to his mem
DRY.
Of course John Cameron furnished the
music, just as be has done for the club dur.
ing the past eighteen years. and at nine
o'clock two hundred people were whirling
around the spacious hall, while hundred
more were enjoying the scene as speeta-
tors. At 1880 supper was announced in
an ABIDING room, and of the two hundred
who sat down at the first tables, there was
not oue who did not vote John Hill, the
caterer, success. The HaggiS could only
be properly concocted by our old and val
ued friend, Robert SWindle, who for twenty
odd years, with one or two exceptions has
superlntended this national dish. 1t has
10 be eaten to be comprehended. We
know of only one reporter who has ever
undertaken to describe it, and he, Geo.
West, of the Democrat, twenty years ago.
spoke from the fullness Of his mouth, and
the sensations that went through all his
organs of digestion. He said it seemed 10
him as though made of 'saw-dust, onions,
much pepper, and boiled 10 an old boot
leg"
Of the original members who assisted
at the organization of the club. twenty
years ago, only three were present, Robert
and David Munro aud David Swindle. A
festival without some Of the old-.imers
would not be Burns festival, except il
the genuine enjoyment the committees
prepare for all who attend.
After supper the dining room was
cleared, and the entire company sat down
to clean tables, with giasses 10 hand, Il
listen to the toasis and Responses.
Mr.. James Lindsay, president of The
Club, was master Of ceremonies, and deliv
cred an appropriate and excellent address
in response to the first sentiment, The
day We celebrate" Then followed toast'
and responses, 80 follows:
The President of the United Statae-Response b.
Hon. John W. Thompson, mayor Ct the eity.
The Queen of Great BritaIn-Response by Roher
| Munro.
TIE Land o. Cakes-Respcnee by William Robb.
All honor to the memory Of Scotia's Immorta
, Bard. Robert Burns-kesponse by Hon. j. W
Green.
America, the land OF our Adopaon-Response b.
, Mr.. Smith.
Our Sister societies-Response by Nell McInnis
4 The oficers and Members of the Burns Club 0
Davenport-Response by John i. smith.
The Ladies-Response by John Craig.
The Press Response by j. S. Drake, OF the Roc
Island ARGUS
Of these responses, the one made b.
1 Hon. J, ". Green was especially worth
of comment, as being history Of the poet
D with here and there sDatches of song cuile
: from his works, and Illustrating how, of q
= the poets, Burns tuned his harp to tn
: hearts of the people, that, While he wrot
for all people Of all ages, he most efec;u
ally made himself the idol of the Scotc
people.
= This part Of the festivities closed. tn
company adjourned to the main hall, wher
the dancing was kept up until daylight.
4 This festival was one of the most SUI
% cessful, in all things, that the Club ha
L given for some years, and for this, niue
credit is due TO the careful management
q the committee and floor managers, Messr
1t D. Is. Munro, Lewis Byers, Fl. Fl. Mullil
It II. Slratman, Neil McInaiS and Fl. [
It Brown.