The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-07-06
PATRIOTISM AND POWDER
How the Nations Natal Day was
Observed About Rock Island.
A Dali Day In the City, but Big Cele-
brations in the NeighborhOOd.
RICK ISLANDS FOURTH.

R)cK ISLANDS FOURTH.
The city was very largely emptled of
its population on Saturday. and the few
who remained at home did so. as they
said, to watch their houses--to avoid &C
cidents generally from too frequent en-
thusiastic display of patriotism on the
part of the small boy unfortunate enough
TO be compelled to remain in the city. 1t
was dull Fourth for Rock Island, and
save the general suspending of business
and the report of an occasional fire
cracker, toy cannon or other fire arm.
there was nothing TO indicate that 1t was
the day of all days which should inspire
the hearts of all loyal citizens. Young
America was happy, as he always is when
the glorious Fourth comes around,
but his happiness was not always the re
suit of patriotism-it was occasioned
more by the idea that he could make
noise. In the evening there was a fine
display of fire works, rockets, ETC., from
| the foot of tae island, which attracted
considerable attention, many going out
on TO the government bridge to get bet>
ter view of the illuminations.
Owing to the fact that there was no
general celebration here, a great number
of Rock Island people went to
ANDALUsIA
where gorgeous celebration took place.
Across the main streets large and beauti-
full arches had been erected, which were
trimmed with flowers and wreaths and
ribbons. In the morning there was a
procession headed by the Buffalo brass
band, and composed of wagons appro>
priately decorated and containing chill
dren dressed to represent the states of
the union and the Goddess of Liberty in
elegant costume. Then there was an
amusing spectacle-a representation of
Bro. Gardeners Lime Kiln club, and other
cars, gaily trimmed with national colors
Another popular attraction was Barnums
celebrated white elephant, which was
heartily applauded. The general demon>
stration was held in Wells grove, q
few miles below the town, where
fully four thousand people gath
cred from all the surrounding
country. The exercises consisted of pat
riotic music, vocal and instrumental
games, races and other similar attractions
DR.. E. II. Bowman. president of the
day, presided. The oration was deliv-
cred by
J. 7. KENwORTHY,
of this city. After abiding in touching
manner to the place as the scene of hi.
childhood days, and the fondness he pos
sessed for it, on this account, Mr. Ken,
worthy, commencing, said: 1--WE have
met today in this beautiful grove, undel
the green leaves on the bank of this noble
river to celebrate the anniversary of the
declaration of independence of the Amer
lean republic, and to recall some of thu
events in the history of our country tina
have contributed to its present grestnes,
and grandeur, as well as to instiIl in th,
minds of the young and rising generation
lessons of patriotism AMI gratitude =
without which it would be unsafe to trus
them with the glorious heritage that on
fathers have left to us, and which W,
hope to transmit unimpaired to them.
Mr.. Kenworthy then said the substance
of his Grafton might be divided into thre
q parts; the first brief review of the colo
NAL period aud the condition of affair
o at the close of the reyolution second, I,
consider some OF the prominent cause
, that have contributed TO the subsequen
greatness of our country third brie
consideration of the evils of the country
In abiding TO the early history of tn
country the speaker drew contrast be
n tween the people of 76 and the people 0
( our own time, speaking of the gratitud
4 with which every heart swelled whe
i thinking of those who imperiled .thei
lives and fortunes that the blessings o
self government might be established
a Mr.. Kenworthy then turned to the his
tory Of the country from the adoption 0
the declaration of independence one hun
, dred and nine years ago, the struggle fo
liberty, the founding of the government
for the people when the war clouds ha
a raised, the growth of the nation to one @
the foremost on the face of the globe, it
wealth, enterprise, the mass of the popu
lation, cultivation and religion
development He touched upon tn
struggles and strifes the country had t
contend with, with foreign foes and enc
mics at home victories that had attende
every war until united territory and
united nation had been established for
ever. In speaking of the third topic O
his discourse--the evils of the govern
ment--Mr. Kenworthy described as in tn
e unjust administration of the laws, and
!. the distribution Of the burdens of the GOV
!. eminent. the Interpretation of the law
for the benefit of chosen few at the ey
!. pense of the many who are the least abb
to Withstand unjust discrimination
II These expressions were attributed to th
A greed of our corporations and monopolies
and the unwsrranted power of none
used for corrupt and evil purposes,
well as the insane disposition to accumu
late great riches. Mr.. Kenworthy allud
|. ed to the safety of the generation as i