Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-12-23

The mayor provides the police fore,
with clubs 10 use on obstreperous ant
unruly individuals. but he does not per
NIT them 10 use this weapon on him
ms Is quite natural. indeed, and th,
coppers not having any well-fo lndec
desire personally to club their oh eff OF
any reason morally. decided TO 10 tn,
next best thing. towit to cane HIM.
Saturday night. through the courtesy
OF Mrs. August Herkert. manageress Of
turner hall, offered glorious oppor,
tunity Tor the police to Garry into execu
ton their pent-up, much>cherished de-
SIRE Mrs Herkert. whose late husband
was at one time in his life peace officer,
could appreciate the hsrdships that come
within the unhappy lot of the policeman,
had extended the entire force an invita-
ton to feast at her table on Sat.
urday evening in honor of Christmas. and
had also invited Mayor Niece nochie
and City Clerk Koehler. These officials
together with Marshal Miller, Deputy
Marshal Long and the entire police force
were present promptly at o'clocl. just
before the onslaught was commenced
with knife and fork upon one of the
hnest spreads that has ever been seen in
Rock Island. Marshal Miller arose and
placing his right hand in his breas, in true
Henry Clay style and resting with his left
upon cane, much more pretentic us than
is his custom to carry. addressed lis chief
as follows:
Mr.. MAYOR: In the name AMI in be-
half of the police force of the CITY of
Rock Island. whom YOU see assembled
here tonight, herewith present 10 YOU.
as their chief, this cane, a slight token of
thelr esteem and good will toward YOU,
and MS evidence of their appreciation of
| you as the chief officer of our city. To
surprise one, TO take him by storm, so to
speak and give him evidence of fir endship
and respect is happy, a pleasing custom
Tor IL shows that even in this world of
fuss and strife there Is still room IN mems
hearts for the consideration and cultiva-
ton OF friendship. and that the efforts,
the strong and honest efforts Of those
whom the will of free people
have placed at their head to fill
their trust bonorably. TO be just and
impartial to all. are being appreciated.
And that friendly acts, the friendly
| conduct of one toward others are not be.
ing forgotten, but remembered, cherished
and treasured until on appropriate occa-
sions the appreciation of the same find
outward expression by unexpected, IN
sought and spontaneous offerings from
friendly hands. AT such moments il is
not the intrinsic valIe of the gift by
| which you measure the extent of your
friends feelings toward you. II is the
kindly expression of the eye-ihe frank
friendly words, the firm friendly pressure
OF the hand which accompany their offer
ing. and which must convey to you the
Impression. and the knowledge that what
they bring they bring with good will and
true feeling for you. So take this cane in
the spirit In which it is given, as an ems
blem of the reliance you can always place
on the givers and their esteem and re-
! spect for their chief magistrate.
He then handed the mayor u beautiful
black ebony gold ornamented cane suita-
| bly, inscribed as follows:
ITO Mayor VIM. McConochie, from his police
! force. Dec. IS 1859 "
The mayor was surprised at this very
tasty Christmas remembrance, but he
found expression of his gratitude in the
following language:
| Mr. Marshal and Gentle men of the 'olice Force
This Is indeed u surprise something
never anticipated by me- But / fully
appreciate the beautiful gift and the kind
sentiments accompanying il. Not so
much for its intrinsic value, but as the
| recipients; uEder such rcunstances, it
would appear have earned your conf
| dence and esteem. When / was a boy
my idea OF cane was always associated
with an old man-something to lean upon
for support. Perhaps the boys by this
presentation wishe to give Ine u gentle
reminder that my bark els drifting upon
the leashore. which suppose is all right
and | cannot nor will not deny.
again thank you gentlemen for this beau
tiful cane and hope will never be called
upon 10 use II against my fellow man I'M
less il be in defense of law and order.
| btlOit CiDott Will ldkt lulS ODDOT-
tunity of saying a word in behalf of the
present police force. II there is anything
| have a weakness for. or take special
pride IN, 1t is the present Rock Island
police force. l am even vain enough TO
think it is the best and finest force our
city ever had. Some Of you are veterans
OF more than twenty years sanding. and
your character and standing las not been
lowered by your calling. You have all
the requisite qualifications that make
good and efficient officers, and you are
one and all endowed with u at noblest OF
all qualiticatlons-you are sntlenen. and
know how TO act as such with all with
whom you come in contact. no matter
what is their condition. even though you
have to sometimes use extr sme measures
to impress il upon them. | hope yoI
will excuse me, taken at disadvantage
as / have been in this case. and accept
my thanks. / fully appreciate the gift
Capt. Robert Koehler also made re-
marks, complimenting Mrs. Herkert OIL
her splendid supper and expressing the
appreciation of himself and the others Of
her excellent taste and culinary skill.
Officer Brennan made trlef but hspp,
speech, and others were called upon, blu
they were so awe stricken with the elo
quence of the marshal and so anxious t
get at the tempting dishes before thtr
) that they were excused.
Owing to the exacting duties of tn
officers, the whole affair did not last NOR
than half an hour. but a heap Of enjoy
ment was crowded into that brief spsc
of time.
arn.L usl N s-asfIer