The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-05-15
SECRETARY ENDICOTT.
The Chief of the War Bureau the Guest
OfCOl. ID. W. Flagler ON the
Government Island.
The Reason of His Visit...Tour Of LIN.
spectiOn, Reception, Etc..-.An In.
terview With Him.
A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR.


Attached to the 6:15 train from Chica-
go this morning was Vice President KIM
balls private coach Columbia, bearing
Hon. w. G.. Endicott, secretary OF war,
Mrs. Endicott and daughter, Gen. A. Z.
Drumm, adjutant general of the United
States army. Col. Barr. deputy judge adj
vocate of the United States army, and G.
s. Sweet, Secretary Endlcotts private
secretary. On arriving at the Rock
Island depot the special car
was Immediately switched over
to the Government island, and the dis
tinguished party was taken in charge by
Col. d. w. Flagler. whose guest they are
today The secretary and party are on an
official tour of inspection to the principal
military posts in the west, the points to
be visited being Rock Island arsenal,
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and Fort
Smelling, Minnesota.
After breakfast had been served, the
party accompanied by Col. and Mrs.
Flagler, took carriages and were driven
about the government island works. Col.
Flagler conducted the secretary through
the machine shops, arsenal and armory
buildings and showed him the works
and improvements completed and in
progress Four hours were occupied in
the trip. when the party returned to Col
Flagler's residence. and a reception
to which Col Flagler had sent out invi-
tations in the three cities--was held from
until 3, after which dinner was served.
Many priced the opportunity of rendering
their compliments and congratulations to
the secretary, and the spacious mansion
was well filled for an hour
with prominent gentlemen of the
three cities. Upon request of Col. Flag
Ter. Maj. H. C. Connolly, of this city as
sisted in presenting visitors to the dis
tinguished gentleman from Massachu>
sets. The secretary expressed himself
as we'll pleased with the general appear
ance of the island, and admired the en-
ergy of Col. Blagler in pushing all i'm :
provements in order to give the govern
ment model arsenal. The buildings and
shops were of greater capacity than he
expected, and in case of trouble the
United States would find that Rock ISIS
and had splendid facilities for supplying
arms and ammunition.
| WHAT HE SAYS.
Owing to the short length of time at
his disposal, and the large amount Of
business to be attended to. the secretary
was not disposed to grant an ARGUS
reporter who called upon him this
morning. much of an interview,
or to give his views upon what
he had seen during the morning. 1t was
apparent, however, that he was much
pleased with Col. Flagler's excellent man.
agement of the government works, and
greatly interested, as well.
In conversation with an ARGUS reports
er. Mr.. Endicott said when questioned in
general concerning President Cleve
lands administration. that the president
was working very hard; that the public
had no idea o the extent of his labors,
and that o'clock in the morning gener>
ally found the president still at his desk,
after putting in the entire day with his
official labors.
Speaking of the rumored dissatisfaction
among certain democrats, the secretary
said he believed the democrat as rule
were well satisfied with the manner in
which affairs were being conducted, and
that he believed President Cleveland
would carry out the civil service reform
measures TO the best of his ability. The
secretary denied all statements to the eff
feet that there had been trouble between
Gen. Sheridan and the war department
He said he had denied it all several times.
In replying to question regarding the
Oklahoma difficulties, he said the presi-
dents proclamation would be fully and
strictly enforced by the war department,
and that the "boomers" would be kept
out of the territory.
When asked as to the policy of the
war department, with regard to re-
lations with foreign countries, he said
the policy would be to preserve peace
with all countries at all times. if possible
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Hon. VIM Crowninshleld Endicoti
was born in Salem, Massachusetts, IL
1927, and is the son of William Putnam
Endicott, and Mary. daughter of Hon. ia,
cob Crowninshield. who was represen
tative to congress. He attended the Sa'
lem schools and graduated from Harvard
college in the class of 1S47 He married
his cousin, a daughter of George Pea
body, and has two children, son and 6
daughter. Judge Endicott studied at Har
ward law school, aud read law in the Office
of the late Nathaniel J. Lord. He was
admitted 10 the bar about 1850. In 1875
he was appointed seat on the Massachu,
sets supreme bench. This position he
held until 1882, when he resigned on &C.
count of his health In 1882 he made al
extended tour of the continent He wa
a member of the Salem common councl
in 1852, 1853 and 1857, when he wa
| olo,tod ,,rao;dont ~ +bot hoard ua rue,