Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-06-28
WELCOME KNIGHTS
Today's K. p. Excursion on the
c., 3. & Q.
EXERCISES IN THE NEW PAVILION.

1Ouav Will long be remembered,
not only by the knights of Pythias
of Rock Island, but by the visiting
Knights and eNcursionists who took
advantage of the occasion to visit
Rock Island. For some time past the
excursion has been noised in the city,
and through the efforts of the local
lodges of the X. p. and some of our
leading professional men, prepare
tions had been made to receive it
properly.
Early this morning the work of
decorating was begun by our bust
ness men. and before o'clock the
business houses of the city were be-
decked with national and Pythian
colors.
The Reception.
At 1890 Bleuer's tand, headed bv
aplatoon OF y police, in command
of Chief Sexton, and followed by the
firing squad of the Rodman Rifles,
under command OF Capt. Cook. car
riage containing Judge j. j. Glenn,
States Attorney c. J. Searlc, CITY
Attorney j. l.. Haas and j. L. Ken
worthy. delegation of co men from
st. Paul lodge No. 1O7 and Metro
politan lodge No. 474. X. p, and the
Rock Island fire department. re-
paired to the corner of Twentieth
street and Second avenue, where the
knights were to be received.
The Arrival.
AT about Ills the old %. on the
20" in charge of Engineer Cham
bers. ran into the depot yards with
cight passenger coaches, in charge
of Conductor Frank Willis.
Owing to a stupid blunder, charge
able to the train crew, the train did
not stop ut Twentieth street. as was
arranged, but pulled on down to
Seventeenth street, and after the re-
ceiving procession had proceeded to
that street, the train was backed up
again to Twentieth street. The incl
dent not only delayed proceedings,
but made a balk in the entire ar
rangement that could not be avoided
under the circumstances.
The train was decorated with
the colors of the X. p. and al
SO the national colors. After back
Ing up to Twentieth street again.
the passengers alighted. and the
procession moved to Market square
was formed. The column proceeded
through the principal streets. max
ing an exceedingly attractive appear
ance, terminating on Market square,
where open ranks were formed about
1.-THE new pavilion. There were in the
line in addition to the local organiza-
tions referred to above, Beardstown
lodge. 207. RushvilIc. No. 2O9. Sv-
rian, 215, of Vermont, and the Rush
Vile brass band. together with the
visitors accompanied by their la
ladies, while there were also Knights
and others with their families from
Winchester, Macomb. Monmouth.
Viola. Bushnell, Table Grove, As
toria, Roseville, Rio and Ray. There
were about four hundred people in
all, and more would undoubtedly
have come but for a storm just as the
train was leaving Beardstown.
| Welcome to the Knights.
AT the stand in Market square
States Attorney c. j. Searle acted
As master of ceremonies. introducing
j. L. kenworthy, who in behalf of
the Knights of Pythias of Rock Isl
and bid welcome to the visitors. In
the course of his remarks the speaker
said: You will find here the order
eXeTpliticd in the grand M otto which
you all know is friendship You
have come here to enjoy yourselves.
You will find everything prepared
for you. Ii you seek historic ground
and memories of the old Inhabitants
OF this country, you can take the
street ears and 20 out to the historic
precincts of Black Hawk. If YOU
seek to see the guardians of our ma
ton and the strength and patriotism
displayed and the ability to defend
that patriotism, all you have to do is
to take the ears and go over to the
United States arsenal on the island.
If you seek Aquatic sports, all YOU
have To do is to 20 on the various
pleasure tubs on the river. You
will find everything prepared for
your enjoyment in evcay way"
City Attorney Haas.
Mr.. Searle then introduced CITY
Attorney j. l.. Haas, ..who," said Mr..
Searle, Twill bid you welcome and
extend to you the freedom of our
city"
Mr.. Haas then in the following
Language addressed the visitors, act
ing as the city's host in the absence
of Mayor Medill, who is i'll:
Ladies and Gentlemen: In the alb
sence of the executive officer of our
city, and ut his request, and in his
name. and in the name of the people
OF Rock Island, ! extend to you a
most cheerful greeting and hearty
welcome to our beautiful city. |
don't think l exaggeratc when ! use
this term, for being located upon the
bank of the Father of Waters" with
its miles and miles of paved streets,
lined with fine business blocks and
residences. interspersed with beau
tiful parks and squares which are
now in their full glory of bloom and
verdure, ] have no doubt that this
Gel 4 L