The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-09-05

Rodman Rifles, and Co F of Moline, re-
spectively, deserve special mention for
the handsome way in which they handled
their companies. The scene during the
drill was magnificent sight to the OBJ
server A thousand men with their glitter
ing buttons and formidable rifles, keep
ing time and going through the respective
motions with preciseness The captains
and colonies in their beautiful uniforms,
giving the orders in the peculiar tones
used by military men, presented a strik
ing and impressive scene. The Sixth reg
iment contains the finest body of men in
the brigade, and the officers are thorough
military men, and it is not to be surprised
if their companies are little above the
average for the excellent training they
have had forms an important factor in
the military figures, and may say right
here without boast or desire to praise
without cause, our Moline and Rock Is
land companies, are two of the
most gentlemanly and orderly companies
on the ground. and also that they are full
ly up to the standard in military tactics,
and the Sixth regiment in which they are
in is the most complete and the best
drilled one in the encampment.
A large number of ladies are at the
camp daily, and seem to take more than
ordinary interest in the blue coated boys,
all of which the aforesaid boys are thank
full for. The trumpet calls are made by w.
Eof of Battalion A, First artillery. Mai.
J. w. Vance assistant Inspector general
of the Second brigade arrived to-day, and
has entered upon his duties in a lively
manner. The battalion dress parade which
took place at 5 o'clock this afternoon was
a decidedly interesting feature, 1878 were
drawn up in line and all wore their full
uniform. They wree reviewed by Gen.
Reece and staff. As each battalion formed
in line, large crowds of spectators stood at
a short distance, admiring and compliment
ing or criticising the appearance of the
men, but in fact there was little room for
criticism, for the entire brigade is COM
posed of as fine looking body of men as
ever took up arms and marched to battle
in defense of their cherished native land.
After this a few preparations and supper
was served. Several enterprising men are
on the grounds with cakes pies etc., and
they are doing thriving business, as the
boys are not quite used to army rations,
Rigid discipline will be maintained and
guards detailed down town to bring in any
stragglers who are out after hours and
the propects are that the
guards will have their hands
full, when off duty. James Cook, Pete
Bloone and Louis Knocke, of Rock Is
land delight the members of the Sixth by
their singing, and they sing splendidly too.
All sorts of pranks are played in camp.
Dorm Holt, of Moline, the cook of cumpa-
ny F, was woke up at quarter to one in
the morning and told that it was time to
get breakfast. He got up and built the
fire before he found out the joke. Will
Edgar and Kinnie Simmons make it pretty
lively for the Moline boys. and all the
sleep they get is not worth mentioning,
but there is no violation of the rules and
they do not go beyond the bounds, but
keep within limits of order, so no harm is
being done.
SPRINGFIELD.
A great many of the citizens of Rock
Island and Moline have never visited the
capitol, and perhaps pen description may
interest the ARGUS readers. The main
streets of the city are paved, and with
street cars running in every direction, it |
gives the city quite metropolitan appear
ance. The hotels are all first class and |
the traveller can find splendid lodging and |
board here. The residence portion of the |
city is beautiful, and fine trees grace most |
of the streets in a beautiful manner. The |
point of interest is the capitol |
and the Lincoln monument. But as it is |
near mail time | must close, but will de- |
scribe the above points in my next.
Yours respectfully
FRANK HARDWOOD