Rock Island Argus., 1895-11-15
REFUSES TO SPEAK.
Rev. Marquis Resents Hospital
Dedication Invitation.
MOTIVE OF SAME MIsCoHsTRUED.

unfortur ate Misunderstanding Over the
Matter.
In this mornings Union Rev. w.
s. Marquis, pastor OF the Broadway
Presbyterian church, publishes n |
card in which he refers to the fact
that he has been announced by the |
daily papers TO participate in the ex-
ercises at the opening Of st. Antho-
ny's hospital next Tuesday in which |
he says furthermore:
"Printed invitations have also been
sent forth bearing the same announce
ment. By whose authority it is
male ! cannot say, but wish the
public TO know that il is without my
knowledge or consent. have other
duties which fully engage my time
on Tuesday. and moreover seriously
object to such an unwarranted liber-
ty with my name"
Mr.. Marquis Explains.
That more detailed explanation
for such an unusual position might be
ascertained, an ARGUS representative
called on Rev. Marquis this morning.
lie said: There are various reas-
ons for my non-acceptance Of this
invitation. In the first place COM
mon courtesey entities one to con-
sultation before being announced
to participate in such an affair. This
was denied. and I don't propose to
be picked up and used by any set of
people. should have taken this
position no matter what denomina-
tion or society adopted such q pre-
sumptuous course. In the second
place I have engagements which
would not permit my preparation for
this occasion, and then consider
the dedication OF st. Anthony's hos
pital--a catholic institution under
the control and supervision Of catho.
lics--a sectarian affair and not just
the proper place for protestant
minister to be expected to deliver an
address. !, nevertheless. appreciate
the honor of being invited to partici-
pate. but believe the sisters, or who
ever have charge Of the arrange
mepts, should have at least con-
suited me before announcing me in
connection with the program, and
in justice to myself and people,
cannot consider the invitation"
Az Expected to- Accept.
The Franciscan sisters say tha,
Rev. Marquis was extended the same
invitation as the other announced
speakers, none Of whom they expect
ed would refuse to accept unles.
otherwiscfengaged. "Several mem
bcrs OF Mr.. Marquis congregation
prevailed upon the committee to in
vite him to make an address, which
they assured US he would be only too
willing to do. The hospital opening
is to DO a public reception in which
all denominations will participate, anC
the hospital is public institution
and 1t has been our earnest endeavol
to erase every phase Of sectarianisn
from the opening reception"
The Ladies' Conmittss.
"Thc program" said one OF tn,
members Of the ladies' committee
"was prepared by the committe
representing the physicians and th'
ladies and was arranged somewha
hastily. owing to. the exigencies o
the situation. The invitations t
those invited to speak went wit
the program. and there was n
thought that any would decline t
respond, but would rather esteem
an honor to be selected to take par
In the exercises in which we are q
50 much Interested"
From tho Hospital star.
"The fact that Mr.. Marqui:
as all the others invited to max
addresses, was not seen befor
his name was put upon the pre-
gram was circumstance Of 4
entirely inadvertent nature" sal
one Of the hospital staff. "Unavoid
ably. because of the short time befor
the day set for the dedication, tt
programs were sent out as soon 8
the Invitations to the diffcrer
speakers. of which Mr.. Marquis r,
ccived one, and to which he has M
yet seen tit to respond except throug
the newspaper. He was invited
speak in recognition. not only OF ii
protestant clergy OF the city, Of whic
he is the oldest in point OF residen,
here among the pastors. but IN vie
of the fact that me bers of his col
grcgation had been among the mo
liberal in the city Of contrib
tions to the success OF the hospit
enterprise. His action is therefor
not only Of a great susprise. but
regarded as entirely uncalled for"
Much to Be Regretted.
Were it not for the vigorous ma
ner in which Mr.. Marquis express
himself this morning one might CO
slider that he had acted hastily al
without knowledge Of the circuI
stances in his communication in IL
mornings Union. The card in que
tion. however, seems to reflect
spirit Of general unfriendliness al
prejudice toward the institution,
well as the resentment Of what W
sought to be mark OF courteo
recognition on the part OF those hs
ing the exercises in charge. The U