The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-09-18
A Glorious Day for the Coun'
ty Democracy.
Celebrating the Adoption o.
the Federal Constitution.
Afternoon and Evening
Meetings.
A GREAT DAY.

W.
ton of the adoption of the federal con-
stitution by the jefferson club of Rock
Island county. There was great gath
ering at Armory hall in the
AFTERNOON,
when J. H. Eckles, Esq, of Ottawa, de>
livered an eloquent and mastery address.
Owing to its length and the numerous
speeches made in the evening, it is inn
possible to print it to-day.
AT THE BANQUET BOARD.
The grand banquet was held at Turner
hall last evening. At 8 O'Clock more than
two hundred were seated around the well
laden tables. A sumptuous repast was
served in excellent style which is peculiar
to Caterer Herkert. Maj. H. c. Connolly
presided at the banquet, and in opening
lit, delivered the following address;
| GENTLEMEN: you know, we have
assembled for the purpose of celebrating
the adoption Of that great charter of liberty,
the federal constitution This grand event
in the history of our country occurred
ninety eight years ago today. Our patriot
fathers in obedience to a resolution of the
Icon gress of the confederation, assembled
in convention for this purpose As Amer
Ii leans we do not read and study this great
instrument as we should.
In the brilliant days of republican
Rome, the very boys were taught tht
twelve tables by heart. Centuries have
passed and the republic is only remem
bered in history, but her laws of wisdom
continue to be revered Their powe
will remain unbroken as long as the uni
verse exists.
In the more patriotic days of Eng
lands greatness, Magma ChGrtd was per
odically read to the people, the better Il
enable them to know their rights, an
knowing them to dare maintain them
They were taught that in this charte
were centered their liberties, and tina
they must quad those liberties jealousy
In the proper observance of our con
stitution are the rights and liberties @
Or our people also conferred. Our fathers o
wisdom have instructed us to cling T.
this constitution as the mariner clIngs t
the last plank when night and the temp
est close around him. In war as well &
D in peace, at times the strain has bee
lr great, but the old ship of state has a
" ways righted. The democratic party
7. once more on deck This old ship is no
~ manned by gallant crew, with Grow
m hn hal nn 4
a ship of state, sail on Never in the hi
10 tory of our country did we stand bett
amongst the nations of the earth. We a
> great grand powerful. Our future
y bright with promises of great blessing
q And if we continue under the guidan
RS of noble men-statesmen like Preside
-. Cleveland and his lieutenants there Is
, point in prosperity, economy and puri
ne to which we, as a people, may not aspll
&c Then indeed will "the blessings OF go'
ne ernment. like the dews of heaven, be di
al pensed alike upon the high. the low, t
A. rich and the poor.
THE ToAsTs
were then announced, and Chairman Co
nelly introduced Mr.. J. Fl. Eckles
respond to 1.-THE Federal Constitution
r The speaker, in commencing, paid tribl
to C. J. Fox, the British statesman, q
ING upon whose statements in the hol
of parliament, it was that our forefath
begged for the repeal of the stamp act
:, r 1863; acting upon whose statement 1t
that the shot was fired which was hei
around the world; the revolutionary
was carried on; the battle of Bunker
was fought; the horrors of Valley Fo
endured; and the surrender of Cornwa
at Yorktown took place. 1t was acti
f upon the British statesman's staten
.ol. that those who had suffered for II
country, met in Federal hall, Philad
ore phia to be presided over by he who
md the American armies to victory, to en-
A constitution under which the best ID
ain shall be extended to all, the form
thereby of government in which
tor people had voice Although they CT
Law there with different ideas, it was with
non accord, and that for the best interest
RAT the people There were no selfish
ON, tives, the purpose was to form one in
r. solvable union (applause) and after ST
eue ing all these plans, and looking after
lrst, interests the constitution which you
to evening celebrate was presented to
thirteen colonies for consideration.
these men at Philadelphia, patriots
/ by and every one, is due all honor
way praise, and to you, gentlemen, is due
AXE, right to celebrate an event on whicl
so instrument was framed such as was n
tiles given to nation before. He spoke oil
e to increase in population, commercial p
perity and industry; increase in comm
late with foreign powers; of the American
, 10 lriculturist educational advantages,
the protection to foreign born natural
de- | American citizens. 1T is not, said
lend Eckles, enough for you to be fu
gratitude; to be proud of your citi
Elk. shipf Tonight sectional animositie'
II of forgotten; sectional strife is at an
any, In the cities OF the dead, those VINO
as is in conflict quarter of century
enor sleep together beneath the sod, over "
her kindly nature has spread her mi
merit of peace (Applause.) Let US all
,hly. be one people, happy and united" {