Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-12-11
HONOR THE VICTOR.
Commissioner Medill Greeted
by Big Demonstration.
BOTH CITIES RECEIVE HIN

tIe-Eround on which He Conquered
Congratulated On All sIdee.
When Commissioner Thomas j. Me- |
dill, Jr., alighted last night from the |
train which bore him from
the Springfield battle ground on
which he secured the Western In
sane hospital for Rock Island county.
Bleuer's band, surrounded by large
delegations of people and enthusi-
astic citizens, struck up the air of
Hail to the Chief'-a fitting ex-
preston of the gratitude which Rock
Island county people generally feel
for Commissioner Medill. who proved
himself modern conquerer in every
sense of the word in the bitter con-
test, attendant by obstacles and influ-
ence of every description on all sides,
which he had encountered and won.
In Moline, too, the commissioner
was greeted by an outpouring of cit
liens. accompanied by the Light
Guard band, and the blowing of
whistles. The band and a number
of prominent Moline people came on
to Rock Island with Commissioner
Medill. At the Burlington depot q
procession was formed and leaning
on the arms of Mayors Knox, OF Rock
Island. and Swensson, of Moline,
Mr.. Medill was escorted up Second
avenue to Nineteenth street, mid
outbursts of cheering. pyrotechnic
displays and every sort OF demoa-
stration. Returning to the Rock ISL
and house, there was season of
speech-making in which Commits
sioner Medill was congratulated on
his victory and eulogized for his
faithfulness. 1t was q night of good
cheer. and residents of every portion
of the county mingled together and
celebrated as one; Rock Island peo-
pie as we'll as those of Moline re-
joiced as enthusiastically as though
it we're nearer to them. There was
no sectionalism, as has been the case
in other matters. All jealousies
were thrown aside and the victory
was unanimously rejoiced in. In the
marching of the two bands under the
pyrotechnical glow, there formed an
other happy illustration of the re-
union of the blue and the gray.
Congratulations to the Commissioner.
Arriving at the hotel, Mr.. Medill
was escorted inside, where he was
congratulated by the many who
turned out to celebrate the occasion.
Several speeches followed, Mayor
Knox, as chairman, calling upon
States Attorney Searle. ut is with
the greatest pleasure that we well
come home Commissioner Mejill,"
said Mr.. Searle. ''The rendition Of
Hail to the King fully expresses the
sentiment of Rock Island county
people. Heretofore there have been
jealousies between different local..
ties, but in the case of where the in
sane hospital would be planted
have failed to see them-and tonight
we join as citizens of Rock Island
county in demonstrating our feeling
in this manner. We should thank
the board of supervisors for its $780,
900 appropriation, to which action
have not heard one dissenting voice,
Notwithstanding the fact that the
amount nearly drained our treasury.
We should thank the newspapers for
their support; our representatives
and all the people who assisted in
winning this grand prize. The loca-
ton of this institution here is most
fortunate occurrence, for it is the
first actual recognition Rock Island
county has ever received from the
state-and we got it by going after
it as a united people"
William McEniry said Rock Island
| county never made such a concerted
fight. commissioner Medill re.
turns with the game he went out
after, Continued MIR. McEniry. '.Now
we should not allow this matter to
lag; we should continue pushing to-
gether until the appropriation is
increased to a million dollars, with
which we will plant on those beau
tiful Watertown hills one of the
grandest institutions of this coun-
try"
M. j. McEniry followed with q few
forcible remarks. This is a proud
night not only for Rock Island but
for proud Moline and the entire
county," he continued. IA great
victory has been won through con.
certed action. In the future then
let sectionalism be forgotten"
w. A. Meese also made some pleas.
ant remarks.
Mr.. MedlM Tells Of the Battle.
As Mr.. Medill arose to respond to
the many words of congratulation
which had been showcred upon him
he was greeted with loud applause.
Il certainly feel kindly toward you for
this expression" began Mr.. Medill.
1T is more than expected. tried
to do my duty Irrespective of local.
ity. only of course with . preference
for Rock Island county. and always
remembering my duty to the state.
After canvassing the situation
found no county meeting nearer the
requirements than Rock Island.
Fortifying myself with our advant-
ages, which / knew and considered
were superior. I went out to fight
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