Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-02-23
How They Celebrated
A Mixed Observance Of WASH
ington's Birthday.
WHAT THE OBSERVERS TALKED OF.

Pretty Much Everything Except the I'm
mortal George-Union League Banquet
at Chicago-Gen. Ayers speech-Gen
Rosser. of Virginia, Boasts of Southern
Fighting Qualities and Mentions "Old
Sherman"-Eight Hour Boomers.
CHICAGO, Feb. 23--Ths annual Union
League club observance Of Washington's
birthday drew distinguished and overflow
ing audience to Central Music hall yesterday
afternoon. Ex-Governor Jacob D. Cox, Of
ohio, who was secretary of the interior in
Grants first cabinet, was the orator of the
LAY. Taking az his subject, washington,
the Citizens Example" he delivered an
eloquent although radical address, viii ch at
times aroused tie critical assemblage to more
than ordinary enthusiasm. He deplored at
length the decadence OF the simplicity in
political affairs that marked the administra-
ton Of the first president, the tendency of
politicians aud pension agents to control the
soldier vote, and the corruption which pre-
walls in politics, and strongly commended
civil service reform on the ground that the
offices belonged TO the whole country and not
to any one party
The oratory was followed by the annual
banquet of the Union League in the main
banqueting hall of the club. Over 500 mem
bers participated, while the special guests in
cluded Gen. Russell A. Alger; Hon. Hannibal
Hamlin; Henry W. Darling, prominent
public man of Toronto; Hon Frank F. Davis
Of Minnesota, who placed Judge Gresham in
nomination ut the last Republican conven.
ton; Senator Henderson, of Nebraska; Hon.
John F. GARRISON, of Iowa, and Gen. Cox
The address Of Gen. Alger, who was an,
nounced to speak upon American Policy for
American People, received close attention,
as it was believed TO be an index of the views
of Presidentelec Harrison Among other
things he said:
1T seems 10 me that we are too apt to look
upon the government of the country az
though it were complicated machine with
mysteries hidden around its big chair to be
viewed only by select few, when in fact it
should be managed as gentlemen manage their
numerous bushes, affairs American policy
should be- carried out simply by the applica-
ton Of common sense business principles and
mutual protection to all interests and all peo-
pie within our boundary lines. am tired OF
the constant talk Of the north and the south,
the east and the west, as though they wore
divided, Laws should be enacted and en-
forced applicable to ali parts of the country.
and no person living under the protection of
our flag should be 81 great or humble so rich
or poor, but should have equal protection TO
the most favored, provided be violates no law
OF the land. am aware OF the fact that
many difficulties must be overcome, but
believe such measures will be adopted by
congress and enforced by the man we have
called TO execute them as will attain this end.
Political assassinations and political bondage
should cense and be broken. If necessary
the whole power Of the government should
be brought into use % alta n these ends
This should he accomplished land be-
heve it feasiole) by mutual concessions, for
bearance and common desire to benefit all
classes But it should be done"
The speaker went on To advocate protection
to home industries, 70 denounce foreign An.
archisrs, and to advise them to stay away I'M
less they were willing TO support the govern
Ment in peace and in war; and TO urge that
the country, while pursuing policy of peace,
should fortify her coast defences and her navy
for emergencies. He concluded with a plea
for more liberal pension provisions for the
Veterans Of the war.
The other speakers included Hon. Frank
Davis, OF Minnesota, who, responding to the
sentiment Manifest Destiny" made strong
agunent for the annexation Of Canada
Hon Henry Darling, OF Toronto, in an adj
dress upon 1.-THE Political Relations of the
United State. and Canada, from Cadadian
Standpoint" adjured his hearers TO dismiss
from their minds the possibility of political
union with the Dominion, while at the SAME
time favoring commercial union, with
which idea the people of Canada are in
sympathy.
Bishop Cheney spoke upon The American
Commonwealth" Brief speeches were also
made by ex-Vice President Hamlin and Gen.
Cox.