The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-01-02

] had consp-r red with the forces OF nature
to destroy human life by wholesale, and
cover the earth with the black pail of
sorrows and tears. The frequency of
murder furnished employment for the
hangman, and mob law also exercised con
took possession of q great many unhappy
mOrtals, who ended their existence in
various ways.
RING IN THE NEW.
The advent of the new year was cele-
brated by the ringing of bells, firing of
guns, and other demonstrations of JOY.
In the churches hymns were ascending to
heaven, or quiet prayers, or testimonials
of gratitude and aspirations for the
future. With the new year comes new
hopes, new ambition and resolves for the
future. We welcome the new aspirant
for favor warmly, as it is most probable
that it will treat all kinder than the year
past. At least we trust that its reign will
be characterized by fewer disasters to life
and happiness than the CHASTITY one it
fellows, and that to all who live and see
Its exit twelve months hence, il will in
deed be happy new year Many there
are who made fresh start in life, and
have begun a new life. To these help
L
| them over the stony paths.
In this city the day and year was
ushered in with binding snow storm
the severest of the winter, The wind
carried the fakes through the air with
remarkable swiftness, and hurled them
along even after they had descended on
mother earth, making drifts upon drifts.
AS business was almost entirely sus
pended, no endeavor was made
to keep the sidewalks and door
ways clean The storm did not
abate any during the day, but on the
contrary, increased in force The storm
King reigned supreme, and very few
braved his violence. Some, however,
observed the time ho10red custom of
receiving and making calls. Oysters,
turkey, chicken salad, coffee, etc, was
punished to some extent, but not so much
as formerly. The absence Of those little
baskets sometimes seen at the door bell,
was noticed. Very few kept open
house, however, but everyone was glad
to see their friends, and those who made
the Grounds" had most pleasant time.
Mrs. J. NJ Montgomery, assisted by
Mrs. Frysinger, of Rockford, entertained
{ their gentlemen friends in elegant style.
. Mrs D. Donaldson and daughter, also
kept open house, and treated their callers
sumptuously.
Mr.. E. p Reynolds received great
many of his lady friends, who are loud in
their praise of his hospitable treatment
Mrs. Reynolds was not forgotten by the
gentlemen, who paid their respects to hel
while her husband entertained the ladies
Mrs B. T Cable was also among the
truly loyal and was the recipient of fire.
quent calls.
q Many other places were visited, a
which the callers were right royalty enter
tanned. Among the latter was Mayor anG
Mrs. Mott, who received their full quots
~ of callers.
THE ARMoRY BLOW OUT.
# At seven O'Clock last evening the cit,
marshars Office, at the Armory building
was filled with joyous assemblage, tina
had gathered at the invitation of Chief o
Il Police Miller and his assistants. A Ion!
!, table was loaded down with an abundance
v of eatables that were most temptingl
1t arranged Mayor Mott had the seat o
/ honor at the head of the table, and hi
= good naturcd face told plainly that h
n was having Happy New Year. Jus
as the guests had become seated, Chief O
Police Miller advanced to City Attorne
y Corbett who was seated next to Mr. Mot
r, and handing him fine goldheaded cane
Ia asked him to present it to the Mayor wit
N the compliments of the police force
is Surprise was visible on Mayor Motifs fac
al as Mr.. Corbett arose to make the presen
tation speech, which was short, but we
worded. He said that this testimonis
- of the esteem in which the mayor wa
10 held by the police force, was evidenc
that they regarded him as he was, a
honest man. "the noblest work of God
w. and that they trusted the cane would b
a support to him in his declining years
!, Mayor Mott feelingly replied, thsnl
e ing the donors for their gift, an
assuring them that his appreciation wa