Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-02-18
THE OPENING NIGHT.
The Fourth Annual Industrial Ex-
position Commences.
FORMALLY OPENED LAST NIGHT.
The Addresses by Mayor M cCOnochie
and Messrs l.. q. BIanding and
Adair Pleasants-The Exhibits,
Booths aud Those In Charge.

AoSs cFohinS WiIncsscO Tue IOrmal H.
auguration of the fourth annual fair and
exposition of the Rock Island Industrial
Home Association st the Rock Islam rink.
While not all the exhibits were in posi-,
ton, enough had been done to afford an
idea of what it will be tonight and to
insure its practical success. The sudden
sharp cold snap interfered with exhibits
and attendance, IS we'll as with the plans
Of those having the affair in charge.
A platform has been elevated at the
west end of the rink where the addresses
were made last night and on which will
be stationed Biehi's band and orchestra
throughout the fair. The general COM
mittee in charge of the fair met at Norris
hall at s o'clock and accompanied By
Biehl's band marched down Second avenue
to the Armory building. where the mayor,
council and speakers were in waiting an d
who we're escorted to the rink. Seats
had been reserved on the platform for
the municipal delegation and other speak
ers. and President T. A Fender of the
Industrial Home association at euce
called the sssemblsSe to order. Beihl's
band furnished ga overture and Mayor
VIM. McConochie was introduced and he
delivered
THE OPENING ADDRESS.
The mayor spoke of the object of the
fourth annual industrial fair being to
raise money to meet the expense of paw
ing in front Of the newly purchased site
for the home on Twentieth street, the re-
mainder Of the funds secured, if any. to
rorm the nucleus of building fund. He
commended the object as most
worthy one and entitled to cordial
and liberal support. 1t was the
duty Of citizens 10 encourage every
laudable enterprise of this character, not
only with their presence, but also with
their purse so far as possible, thus pro-
noting the cause of united labor in the
city. He spoke of the earnest endesvor
on the par: Of the association to erect
a suitable and convenient building as an
advanced step along the line of progress,
and held that the Industrial home would
stand as monument to the untiring zeal
and enterprise displayed by the working
men of Rock Island, not only rejecting
credit on themselves but an ornament to
the city. He alluded to the purchase and
location of the site for the home and the
fixed policy determined upon thereby,
that the erection of the home was now as.
sured. The speaker went into an ex-
tended discussion of the struggles of La
Dor for years for its rights aud the im-
provement that has at last been reached
in the condition of the toiling masses,
and the better feeling that now prevails
among all mankind. Working men and
farmers are rapidly coming tic the front
in all the walks and vocations of life and
the destinies of this great nation are
gradually, bat nevertheless surely, pass
ing into their hands. What an agency
for good or evil their mighty influence
will be in shaping our future national
policy. WELDING an unlimited power if
once consolidated, with no disposition to
be unnecessarily aggressive. presenting a
solid, unbroken front in defence of what
they consider their just and hone st rights;
and as rule not antagonistic to capital,
willing to concede to Caesar that which
rightfullY belongs to him. nothing less,
but of times more; opposed to all con-
1icts that can possibly be avoided, occu-
plying the position military men would
call the sive-defensive. He spoke
of this as an age of associations and So
cieties, labor organizations and
trades unions, oranges, Farmers
Mutual Benefit associations, combinations
and trusts, some being beneficial and
many otherwise and while be was not dis
posed to criticise business men for organ
izing he mus. concede to labor the same
right. In conclusion the mayor extend
ed his wish for the success of the EXPOSE
ton to an extent far exceeding the most
extravagant expectations. ITO insure
this" he said "you must inaugurate a
vigorous campaign of grab bags and
chance books and all The known devices
practiced on such occasions like this to
gather in all the spare nickels, because
many of them will be required before the
stars and stripes shall wave above the
Industrial home"
Biehls band played q selection when
L c BLANDING
was introduced and in commencing
his remarks he gave expression 10
his conviction tina. it should be the
duty of all classes of citizens to ex-
tend their well wishes for the success and
welfare OF fellow beings and it was his