Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-01-29
Let the Dance go Ao

The fiat has gone forth from two Rock
Island pulpits that the worldly amuse-
ment Of dancing. the fascinating game of
progressive euchre, and the seductive
rattle are not only of demoralizing ma
ture. but are absolutely wicked. The two
divines who have thus openly expressed
their opinions of the sinful ways of socie-
ty in general. will undoubtedly be fol-
lowed by others of their cloth, until the
entire clergy of the city will have fallen
in line and denounced these social evils
in unmeasured terms. While we do not
doubt the sincerity and christian spirit
which actustes these sentiments on the
part of our respected ex>pounders of the
gospel. we fear their preJudices are Its
tie warped against social amusements as
they exist ct the present day From
time immemorial pulpit orators have
expstiated on the uugodliness of the
dance, and 1t will probably always be
prolific theme for criticism and reproach.
The average minister, of late however.
has been rather prone to allow the mems
bers of his flock to follow their own in
clinations in regard TO worshipping at the
throne OF terpsichore during the week. if
they faced him in tn cir pews on the holy
Sabbath. But when the charity ball"
that modern method of combining benev-
olence with pleasure, was introduced the
clergy. almost as unit, declared against
1t. SO far, however, ministerial OPPOSE
ton has failed to diminish the popularity
with which the charity ball" is clothed,
and until dancing is altogether tabooed,
1t is very likely this manner of securing
funds for charitable objects will be con.
tInued.
The introduction of charity balls" in
Rock Island is traceable TO the establish.
ment of st. Luke's hospital few years
ago. The idea of providing retreat for
unfortunates without means of susten-
ance in times of bodily ailments, where
they could receive proper treatment, and
II in the wisdom of an all-wise provi,
deuce, nursed back to life aud health,
emsnsted from philanthropic and pure
ly christian spirit The noble ladies who |
formed guild for the management of the |
hospital, taxed every resource to raise
sufficient funds for the charitable enter
prise. and as last resort decided to give
charity ball. 1t proved to be a
financial as well rs a great social success,
although many purchased tickets to assist
With the revenue derived from charity
balls" bazsrs and voluntary contribu |
tions, the ladies have been enabled to |
maintain the hospital. although at great
deal of personal inconvenience to them.
selves.
Now they find them selves at a mone-
tary disadvantage again and decide to |
give another charity ball" the date |
being February :, and if the ministers
make general onslaught on the coming
festivity rs it appears they will, Rock
Island will undoubtedly experience the
same social war that recently visited
Rockford on similar occasion. And if
the war" is kept up. without meaning
any disrespect or lack of courtesy to our
able divines, the ARGUS predicts that the
ball will eclipse all Others in point Of sue
cess. There seems to be considerable
feeling already on the subject. and popu.
lar opinion is decidedly in favor of the
hall