Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-07-06
FUN ONTHE FOURTH
How Rock island Observed In.
dependence Day.
TOWER THE MAIN ATTRACTION.

uons IN the Country Towns, where Local
Speakers Are Heard.
The Fourth in Rock Island was
most delightful day, not only in the
favorable condition of the elements,
but in the fact that while there was
no general demonstration all seemed
to find ample opportunity for un-
corking their enthusiasm. The
Tower was the main center of at
traction whittier thousands of people
went, Notwithstanding that the loss
Of the Inn the day before led many
to think the features of the day
would be interfered with. Abundant
provision had been made for the ac-
commodation Of all. and while some
Of the fireworks and lanterns were
destroyed, Manager Lardner had re-
placed all these as far as possible,
and no one felt disappointed. The
events at the theatre were superior
to anything ever seen there. The
vaudeville features were first.class,
but the performance by Lockhart's
elephants, which opened an s-day en-
gagement, eclipsed any achievement
yet shown in the trinmphs of animal
training. Mr.. Lockhart has shown
that the herd Of five homely beasts
over which he exerts such wonder
full control do not respond merely to
signs, nor is their program confined
to any special routine. Their intel
ligence has been reached and an
pealed to and they have responded.
They actually speak-in elephant Ian
guage. Nor is there the clumsy
movement so common to the circus
ring. They move rapidly. even
gracefully. They do not simply per-
form-they act. The acme of per-
lection seemed to have been reache d
when four of them stood on their
heads while the fifth danced horn
pipe on his hind legs. but when two
of them sat down at table and or
dered their fare and ate and drank
and one Of them became tipsy and
staggered about and fell ahd
refused to move, but sauced
his master, who attempted to
disturb him. the audience went
wild with delight. Even this sur
prise was heightened, however,
when another Of the monsters, dressed
as a policeman with club in trunk
approached the unruly one and beat
him until he arose and then led him
off by the ear. Such development
OF something more than instinct was
not anticipated. 1t has never been
seen before. Hagenback has won re-
nown by his mastery over wild
beasts, but Lockhart has gone him
one better. He has shown that ele-
plants have brains that can be used.
The Lockhart elephants are of a
truth-great.
Three entertainments were given
during the day and evening. There
were also day fireworks, a gorgeous
display Of pyrotechnics at night, fol-
lowed by the Egyptian carnival on
Rock river, the illuminated flotills
presenting very pretty sight.
Manhattan beach also came in for
q share of public patronage, while
many availed themselves of the
steamboat excursions.
There was the usual racket of ex-
plosives and in the evening rockets,
Roman candles and other ingenious
devices rent the air. 1t was indeed
a glorious Fourth.
Tho Fourth at Coal VALLEY.
Coal VALLEY, July 4.-The people
from surrounding towns gathered
here today to celebrate the Fourth.
There were many OF the features of
the old-time Independence Day jolli
fication, and all pronounced the day a
!. success. Ex-Supervisor Thomas MUIR
phy was the presiding officer of the
day. The Grafton of the day was de.
livered by William McEniry. 1t was
historical and patriotic in character,
the speaker taking up the advance.
ment of the country from the laying
Of the keystone of liberty to the
present time. Jefferson and Hamil.
ton were held up as ideals of Ameri.
can patriots and statesmen, and their
theories that states rights should, to
an extent consistent with and CO.
operative with the national govern.
ment, ALWAYS obtain for the preserv.
alton Of the union was extensively
dwelt upon. 1t was not states rights,
Mr.. McEniry held. that brought on
the civil war. 1t was that a southern
state objected to q northern state
dictatipg to it its laws. Each
state left alone to govern itself. there
will be no danger Of national discord
or rebellion. We are all parts of the
whole. The moment we strike the
parent body we are down. We must
stand together, but one state mus,
not make laws for another. Each
should govern itself in accordance
with those imperishable principles
which our fathers laid down for u.
for the preservation OF the nation
and each and all of its componaA,
parts.
| At Cordovl.
CoRDovA, July 4.-The Fourth o.
July celebration at this place passed
of very pleasantly. The day wal
favorable and . crowd Of about thre<
hundred was present. The program
was rendered in excellent style.
j. W Morgan and n. J. McEniry