The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-05-12

CitlZtu sOluitt vi tue IDiteu Ctatcs Nou
sisted. We saw him return from the
conquests of war 10 the scenes of citizen
ship again. Thus we feel tonight that
our citizen soldiers have returned as cit>
liens to discharge their duties TO the en-
tire satisfaction of the community 1t is
gratifying to know that We can call them
from pursuits of life to defend the laws
of this government In the citizen sol
der lies the bulwark of true republic,
the strength of the government of the
people, and because of this invincible
strength, we may truly say "our country
i. safe" The applause was hearty as the
speaker retired, and President Ferguson
asked the Davenport Glee club TO sing.
and the quartette composed of Messrs.
Downer knocke, Peck and Atkinson,
gave Lovely Night in an effective and
beautiful manner aud responded to an en-
core
Captain Parks was introduced and re-
sponded to the toast
THE MEMBERS OF THE RoDMAN RIFLES.
The captain traced the history of the
company from its organization in July,
1878, 10 humorous and sarcastic manner,
to its present condition. He said the
company was formed sometime after
the civil war, and long before there was
anticipation of trouble with strikes. The
principal occupation of the company
was wearing brass buttons, gay shoulder
straps and military caps and empty
guns, aud drilling when there
was nothing else to do. IL was
fortunate for them that their patriotism
had reached its climax before the call of
the governor to go TO East st. Louis.
Many however get up early enough to
do their duty Witnessing the departure of
their worthy suc,eso.s for the field Of
service. The members were proud
aud gratitied to know their efforts had
resulted in the present organization.
The company was pride and an honor
to the city and to the state. Captain
Parks took the occasion of bidding the
company farewell as it would be the
last opportunity before his departure
from the city. He hoped the
company might be a brighter star in the
state militia than it had vet been
There was renewed applause as Captain
Parks took his seat, and an expression of
regret upon the countenance of many of
the Rifles at the necessity of the severing
of his relationship to them.
Major C. C. Carter responded to the
toast, the Sixth Regiment.
FIELD AND STAFF
Major Carter expressed himself as incom-
petent 20 sag sufficient in praise OF the 9th
Regiment He gave brief and interes-
ting history of the regiment and of its
officers from Col CleDdenin down and the
companies composing it. He spoke of
| the regiments service at East St. Louis,
its promptness to duty at all times, aud
enriched bis remarks by giving anecdotes
of personal experiences there, in his ca,
pscity as surgeon. Major Carter was
rendered An ovation of applause as he
took his seat Music by the baud came
next, and President Ferguson, announced
Captain H. N. Abel to respond to the
toast, the
CAMPAIGN OF East ST LOUIS.
Captain Abel sketched the company's
experience from the summons to proceed
TO the front TO its return to the city. He
outlined briefly the light rations and I'M
shapely service used while IN camp. the
quick response of the company at every
call, and its recognition by Gen Reece
for efficiency The boys were called
upon for succession Of patrol and
guard duty, and no matter what their de
prlvation or inconvenience, they took it
without a murmur. Captain Abeli at.
tributed the cause OF much of the trouble
at East St. Louis, TO the miserable man
ner in which the laws were executed there
The Captain expressed the thanks of the
company for the handsome entertain
ment, stating that the pleasing appreci-
alton of tie company's humble efforts
would leave lasting impression. Caps
tain Asell was greeted with cheers. Vo-
cal music followed and Police Magistrate
Robert Bennett, State Master Workman
of the Knights of Labor. was called upon
to respond to the toast
LABOR
Mr. Bennett said he had nothing to say
either in defence of, or against the late
south western trouble The matter was
in the hands of the congressional invests
eating committee, the result Of which he
hoped would be punishment of the guilty
parties, no matter whom. Mr.. Bennett
deplorei strikes and hoped this would be
the last. He took pride in the Rodman
Rifles and the way they protected, moi
only the property at East ST. Lonis, but
the grand name of the Knights of Labor
1t was the roughs and toughs which The
corporations had brought over from st.
Louis as deputy msrshals, who had
made the trouble there, and il the Law
had been enforced in the first place
trouble would have been averted. II
behalf of the Knights of Labor of the
state, Mr.. Bennett thanked the Rifles fol
their response to the call of the governor
We acknowledge the supremacy of III,
law as given by Judge Smith We ar.
not communists; we are are loyal to the