Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-05-22
HOME DEDICATED.
The Labor Edifice Opened to
the Public Last Evening.
L0YALTY'S REWARD REALIZED.
Prominent Speakers and Executives Ex-
tend Words of CongratuIation to the
Associat,on-A Demonstrated - Brig mt
Prospects for . Profitable Falr-rse TX


Associat,on-A Demonstration Bright
Prospects for . Profitable FaIr-rse TX
hibits.
The beautiful structure of the In
dustrial Home association, at the
corner Of Twenty-first street and
Third avenue, was dedicated last
evening with a public demonstra-
ton. followed by speech-making o:
congratulatory nature. making the
occasion an eventful one in that the
realization of years of unfIinching
effort was reached. The build
ing all completed, save a few mi
mute details. presented a pretty
sight, with large Chinese lanterns
festooned from the windows of the
exterior. all aglow with brightness,
while the inside was brilliantly IL
Illuminated with oriental lights, gas
and electricity, the booths and other
decorations furnishing additional ef-
fect to the beauty. Througs of peo-
pie gathered to contribute their
presence as an expression of appre-
citation and pride to the loyalty and
concentrated efforts of the artisans
illustrated in the grand structure.
1t was, indeed, source of satisfac-
ton to those responsible for It's real
ization to gaze upon the assemblage
of citizens who came to pay tribute
to the laboring mans home, which
will stand for generations as a mon ]
ument of an honorable purpose
and determination.
| The Parade.
Headed by Bleuer's band, which
interspersed the exercises with APP
propriate selections, n delegation Of
Representatives of the different labor
organization, the city council and
speakers, 4 parade including several
blocks. proceeded up Second avenue.
aid thence to the home, where the
city council and speakers were in
vited to the large platform.
The Exercises.
After selection by the band. Mas
ter of Ceremonies H. Abbott, intro
duced Mavor b. +. Knox, who con-
graduated the laboring people on
their grand and noble achievement,
aud felt it an honor and pleasure to
participate in such an occasion. He
had thorough knowledge of the
obstacles which had to be overcome
in soliciting funds for the enterprise
the financial stringency which was
more disastrous to the laboring peo
pie than others, the lack Of employ
ment, the complaint OF the merchant
when approached. that business
would not justify large contribution
when all these were considered, the
Industrial Home association had sue
ceeded wonderfully. Mayor Knox
said he was a firm believer in organi-
cation. and urged all laboring classes
to unite and ask for fair days
wages consistent with their needs
not too exorbitant. He believed labor
had an honorable and just purpose
in organization, as protection
against the wage-cutter, which-he
deprecated the fact-existed in our
midst, some men with families get
ting but 80 cents per day.
Ex-Mayor Medin.
Ex-Mayor Medill was next intro
drced. 1T is with much pleasure
that we meet with you on an occa-
sion of this nature" began the
speaker. Ito celebrate with YOU the
conclusion of an achievement of
which you can justly be proud; to
assist in the dedicatory exercises of
this handsome editice TO the interests
of labor. As stated before, well and
Justly can you feel proud of your sue
cess in this undertaking, wherein you
have reared up to labor a monument
which is enduring and will stand
when many or all of you have suc-
cumbed to the inevitable. The his
tory of organized labor in this city is
known to you all. Having COM
menced in an humble way, you have
exercised that prudence and economy
in the management of your affairs TO
such home as this and have demon
strated to the public atlarge what
can be done by united effort and good
management.
I'VE all recognize what labor is.
that it is to toll, or as We are in
formed, to exert ones powers of
body or mind. or both. So we can
all be classed as laborers. While it
is true that some labor with their
hands and others with their minds.
the fact must not be lost sight of as
some people are inclined to regard
it. that he alone labors who labors
with his hands. The world is caused
to move as result of mind labor.
This grand building which you have
erected is not SO much of a monu-
ment to your hand labor as it is to
that of your mind labor. for in that
capacity did you provide for its con
struction. / take it that the object
of YOUR association in constructing
this edifiee is to supply a home
or rendezvous for the members of
your society. TO provide a place
where you can meet and discuss the
Questions that affect your occupa-
tons, to promote your gen.
eral welfare and educate and
improve your minds in order
to grapple more readily win
the problems Of life. II this be your