Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-05-29

0SlQ luz INC 20VouCCo0os "a my
party or politics. The true mission
Of today il to treat Of patriot
ISM" It is proper on an oc-
casion like this, Mr.. Thomson
said to devote some attention and
time to the formative period in this
union. He then went back to the
revolutionary times and said that
during the progress of the war for
Independence, the colonies had
agreed to the articles of confedera-
ton. They were . grand and worthy
document, yet in many respects they
were inadequate to the general good
and welfare Of the people. They
represented o loose union of in
dependent commonwealths. They
admitted the sovereignty Of
each state, and hence it was
inevitable that they must DO
revised. But instead Of . revision
they we're dispensed with, and
in their stead was drafted
aud adopted what 10 now
our federal constitution. Thus the
government machinery was set in
motion, with tbs father Of his coun-
try at its head.
Unfortunately, there had crept in
among our people . curse which was
to test the strength of the constitu.
ton, and shake the very foundations
of our government. Beautiful indeed
was the garment of liberty, woven
with the warpen woof Of colonial
struggles. but an evil genius threw
into the shuttle that wove tho 90 den
cloth of freedom, the scarlet thread
OF bondage. The humiliation of
this curse resulted in one of the
most CHASTITY strifss that ever sew
cred and slaughtered the men Of the
nation. No civil war was ever
waged among the people Of. coun.
try without having the effect of re-
forming some of the principles OF
government of that nation. The
final result of such reformation wal
either to ennoble or demoralize
that race Of people.
No Il form without Revelation.
No great and everlasting reform
was ever accomplished, the speaker
maintained. without a revolution
More especially was this true of TIE
past than the present. He then
spoke Of the gathering to call to
mind the loving memories of the past
whose recollection will linger like the
sunlight on the water lilies bed. Go
ing back to the days of 81, he spoke
of the odious slave laws, that solo
human beings like cattle, tore the
child from the arms of the weepinf
mother, and when the bay of the
bloodhounds was the only music Of
the nation. He followed the boys in
blue on their weary marches over
the southern battlefields until the
climax at Appomattox, when 800. OOC
bondsmen were sprinkled with the
baptism Of liberty. Passing or
through the nations history he com
pared the country Of today with tn,
conditions 80 years ago, sand spoke
of the glories of American achieve
ment. With all the invention oi
modern times the Uuiied States ha.
placed the results of her genius in
every civilized country. He spoke
to the old soldiers in q touching
manner. referring to their devotion
to the flag, and mentioned the high
station the United States enjoys
among the nations of the earth. for
which these veterans, by their noble
d, eds, carved the foundation. In thit
connection he called attention to the
duty we owe to these defenders OF
the republic, the last Of whom will
soon cross the river Of life and bade
all to lead them gently by friend
ships hand down to the edge OF the
waters of the silent river.
In closing the speaker said that .
Decoration day address was incom'
pete without q reference to Abra.
ham Lincoln. He then recounted
the life of him Of whom he spoke,
and paid glowing tribute. over.
flowing with lofty sentiments to his
undaunted courage and fidelity to
those principles that placed him or
the pinnacle of fame. His address
had the closest attention and wa!
able, eloquent and inspiring.
peace to the Brave" was sung b.
the b. 0. quartet. when Buford pos
under the direction of Commander
Bruner conducted the beautifu
ritualistic service of the Crane
Army. the monument being hand
somely and profusely decorated
The Rodman Rifles fired q salute Il
the dead. the audience sang under
the direction Of Profs. Housed, Bowl
by and Daugherty, '.America." ant
with taps. the last bugle call and tn
benediction by Rev. h. C. Marshall
the ceremonies were over.
i The veterans and others have gon
to the National cemetery at Rock Isl
and arsenal this afternoon, wher
the three posts join in the services
TOMORROW Ar THE CEMErERY.
The Annunl Services 1t Chippieanock b