Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-05-30

God. the memory of our dead shall en-
courage and strengthen in us all more
loyal patriotism.
There was prayer by the chaplain, j.
81. Cleland; dirge by the post drum
corps, and Officer of the Day W. A.
Norris. strewed flowers upon the base of
the monument, saying:
In your name, my comrades. deposit
these memorial flowers upon this monu
ment, which represents the graves of all
who died in the sacred cause of our coun-
try. Our floral tribute shall wither, yet
the tender fraternal love for what it stands
endure until the touch of death shall
chill the warm pulse beat of our hearts.
Then the Rodman Rifles fred three
volleys, the Bowlby male chorus led in
the singing Of America" in which the
assembly joined. the accompaniment be.
ing by Prof. Bowlby on the organ and
the brass band. The benediction by
Rev. Leland closed the exercises.
AT THE NATIONAL CEMETERY.
This afternoon the post and other nils
itary societies and the A. o. U. W, have
gone to the national cemetery on tie
island. where the Grand Army posts of
the three cities join in the ceremonies,
Buford post having charge. Gen. w.
A. Schmidt acted as president of the
day. and the Grafton was delivered
by Rev. VIM. McPheeters, of this city.
The address proved a very able effort,
and was well received, Mr.. McPheeters
speaking of the meaning of memorial
day to the veterans. ofithe prese ntation of
the names and deeds Of these men, the
reason they involved themselves in the
struggle which cost them their lives
being the preservation of the union.
Then came the question is that for which
they involved themselves. commensurate
with what they accomplishments
government, and broad view
OF equality. which is righteousness to
all. What have these men received in
consideration of these services? The
country has shown them honor, mani>
| tested in monuments and flowers, and
recognition in history; but what of those
who are left behind? Soldiers widows
can't live on monuments and history.
What should the nation do for the sur
viving comradesf Give them preferment
| in the selection of all federal and state
positions with reference to the capabili>
ties and without regard to politics. But
as rule what do these comrades receive
Large promises and little compensation,
but the question may be asked, the speaker
said: How shall this compensation be ar
rived att Then he offered the suggestion
in answer to such question that a
service pension bill be passed so provid>
ing that the soldiers influence be taken
out of politics. The speaker alluded to
the invidious distinction between the
| soldier and the soldiers wife, and
| said tn at while homes we're provided fol
| the disabled and destitute soldier, whs,
becomes of the wife. The soldier should
have no right to any provision or emolu'
ment that his wife is not party to, be-
cause she shared with him all his woe.
and sufferings, encouraged him in hi!
heroism. worked for him at home, prayed
| for him and suffered with him.
Mr.. McPheeters contrasted the nation.
past, its condition before the war and
now in illustration of what had been &C.
complished by the soldier and what h.
had done for the ration.
There was an immense crowd present
a great many attending from the thre,
cities and surrounding country.
LITTLE REMEMBRANCEs
Payne came down from Yuma with hi
fur cap and great overcost and marched
| with his old comrades.
Superintendent Schnitger sent severa
open cars over from the Davenport lin,
to convey the people to Moline. en- rout,
to the island.
In Davenport exercises were held a
the Scott county soldiers monument thi
morning, and at Moline services wer
held at Riverside cemetery.
About the base of the soldiers monu
ment were framed Autographs of General
Grant, Sheridan and Logan, and one o
loveliest floral designs was the badge o
the G. A. R.
A telegram came from Capt. ]. NJ
Beardsley this morning from Lexington
Kan. 1t read: "At soldiers monument
greeting: We are with you in heart
Fred and Mary Cramer."
Rock Island did not get much of 6
benefit from the Great Western band
They did not even play when passin
through the main portion of Second ave
nue.. They didn't seem to want to d.
more than they had to.
| Charley Stoddard. the drum major O
Bleuer's band and off the Sixth regimen
I. n. G., says this is the first time sine
decoration day was established that b
has not participated in the Rock Islant
exercises in some manner.
| Asceusiou Dav