Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1898-04-27
PRESIDENT OF THE DAYS REMARKS

Mr.. jackson Makes Patriotic Reference
to the Occasion.
Hon. William jackson, president of
the day, in his opening remarks, said:
While the nation is preparing for
the shock of battle. the WOodmen of
the Mississippi valley have come to-
gether to recognize and by their pres
ence to dedicate the blessings and re-
suits of peace. Woodmen's temple
on the banks of this great river. that
shall symbolic by its symmetry,
beauty and strength, the great pur-
poses of the order; that it is meet and
most fitting that on the banks of this
great stream this great order should
pitch its tent. A little over three
quarters of century ago when the
white man travelling along this great
highway needed protection and sup
port, this republic, with view of
aiding the defenseless and protecting
those that needed protection. sent its
soldiers clothed with the sovereignty
of the nation and in the center of
these tri-cities and on the island
of Rock Island built fort.
assuring the pioneers that there was
a kindly power that belonged to them
and for them was camped in the viii
derness to give shelter. confidence
and aid when needed. To the proud
purpose of helping the dependent.
supporting the needy, protecting the
defenseless, the Woodmen of the
northwest have built up the great or
der whose members have assembled
here today. Born in the Mississippi
valley, nurtured there in its infancy
until it has now become numerous
and strong. What more fitting spot
could have been selected than within
the radius of these tri-cities, the home
of the first protecting fort of this
great republic in the upper Mississip-
| pi valley, as the mighty river flows
past our cities bearing upon its flow
ing stream a great commerce, fertiliz-
ing and identifying the country
through which it flows, the source of
health, pleasure, profit and riches to
the people.
ITO crown this Woodmen temple
the cornerstone of which we are
about to lay today will issue messages
of protection, assistance and comfort
to the thousands of Woodmen' S wives,
children and dependents, not only in
this valley and the country tributary
to it, but to many thousands in Other
states, To this place will Woodmer
from time to time and from year to
year send their pledges of loyalty and
obedience to the great order from
which much has been received
and from which much is expected
Thus while we gather here to Law thi:
foundation stone We must all saw
and truly feel, here we rest In
this city on the banks of the Faith
er of Waters, will this temple rise
a monument to the fraternal spirit
that made it possible not only to con
ceive it, but to build and dedicate il
to the fraternal purposes for which il
is intended.
TO the Woodmen of the Mississippi
valley and all others who have Joined
SO heartily in the purposes of this oc
casion, 4 cordial welcome is given
We hail thee, fathers. mothers, wive,
and children who have this day hon
ored this occasion by your presence
May the impressions received thi
day cordially and lovingly fix thi
spot in your memories. and enabl
you to feel that at this spot Their
stands a building in which ever,
stone and brick therein is concen
trated and dedicated to the well bein;
of mankind.