Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-01-20
A. o. U. w.
The '-oriaple ana Dance Last Even
notwithstanding Address--A HAPPY
Time.

ing--IuterestinG Addressed HAPPY
Time.
Tue six A. o. U. W. lodges of Rock ISL
and united ia holding their second annua
soci able and dance at their commodiou'
hall in the armory building last evening
The great success OF last years entertain
ment and the extensive and influential
membership of the order in the city,
made the second attempt one looked for
ward to with much expectation, not only
among the Worknen and their families
and friends, but among the young people
of the city, and there was. consequently,
| a,large attendance when the soci able was
called TO order in the lodge room. Mr.,
John HuntoOn of Black Hawk lodge,
chairman of the committee OF arrange
ments. called the meeting to order with
a few remarks upon the evenings pro-
gramme, and OBLIGATED as chairman dur
ing the evening. Bleuer's orchestra
opened with music, after which Miss
Minnie Ransom followed with a solo, rem
dered in charming manner, and Miss
Young gave an instrumental number
Chairman Huntoon announced that they
were disappointed by the inability of
Rev. A. r. Morgan to fulfil his appoint-
ment, owing to an unexpected business
engagement, and introduced Mr.. Robert
Bennett, who outlined the history and
origin of the order, its aims and objects
and success in the field in which it is
working, in a practical and interesting
address. Mr.. Bennett first spoke of the
national reputation and Influence en-
joyed by the order, achieved by its wor
thy motives and great deeds. It's nflu>
ence extended to every state and territory
Of the nation, and testified TO the great
and glorious principles upon which the
order was founded The order had been
founded near Meadville, Pa, in 1868, by
j. ]. Upchurch, who was justly regarded
as the father of the society. He was
wonderful man, statesman, humanta,
rian and philanthropist, and his funda.
mental idea was to secure the safety OF
our nation and the welfare of its work
ing classes, by establishing an institution
which would be an educator to them.
Education was the corner stone of the
order. The organization into associations
for mutual protection was natural and |
general by effective, although dssen
sions among SUCH associations were |
frequent firm regard at all |
times for the principles of the order had
made them of infrequent occurrence and
never of threatening proportions.
Another of the tenets of the order was
to teach its me mbers to discuss inteili>
gently the laws and usages of our ma
tional, state and municipal governments;
to found and maintain libraries which
would aid in preparing its members for
any station which they might be able to
by our city rendered such
step by the WoTkmen unnecessary. The
society was aloyal one. The proGiuence
Of the educational features had made in
elligent, loyal and useful citizens of this
great country. The order desired to give
TO America, men whose standing should
be creditable wherever they went.
They had furnished many men
who were not only useful, but
and indispensable to the
Itste. They would always be mindful of
he necessity of furnishing men of char
lcter and power for this grand and glor-
GUS republic. Education was the great
underlying benefit of the order; charity
90 was o necessary and blessed part Of
he work. The financial features of the
order were so well known that he would
lot discuss them at length. The fact
hat in Illinois SEQ, 600 month was paid
nut to relatives of late members was
sufficient recommendation in this de-
Mr.. Bennett closed with Il
,rief review of the advantages to be
gained by organizing societies at large.
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