Rock Island Argus., 1899-08-18
TARS ARE FEASTED.
A Joyous Gathering Last Night
at the Naval Re ssrves'
Quarters.
BANQUET, SPEECHES AND MUSIC

Boys Highly Complimeuted by Capt j.
McConochie, Lieut.. G. Z. Tubbs. Hon.
william McEniry and III. NJ. McCas-
krin.
The banquet and dance at Armory
hall last evening was a success in
every particular. 1t was the occasion
of reception given in honor of the
return of of the I'd division of the I'd
ships crew, Illinois Naval Reserves,
from it's week of practical schooling
at North Chicago, projected and car
ried out by the mothers and sisters of
the Reserves. About 400 relatives
and friends of the boys were present,
and entered into the spirit of the
evening with zest that made it en-
loyable for all. The program car
ried out, though hastily gotten up.
was q good one and thoroughly APP
preciated. L. II. Thomas, acting as
chairman, announced that the exer-
cises would be opened by prayer,
which was offered by Rev. L. w.
Grafton, followed by a stanZa of
America" by the Reserves.
Mayor William McConochie greeted
the embryo Deweys in few choice
words, and Lieut.. George Tubbs re-
sponded gracefully, compHmenting
the boys on their manly bearing and
proficiency in drill and willing re-
sponse to the call of duty. 1t was
learned that Capt. John Porter, of
Moline, --as present, and he was
called upon to make few remarks.
He thanked the ladies of Rock Island
for the thoughtful encouragement
given the boys. and in the course of
Ms remarks said that the young men,
in the hour of danger to the nation,
would be her bulwark of defense, as a
mum Der of them had already been in
the war with Spain. From the I'd
ships crew, composed of young men
along the Mississippi, there had gone
to the front about 250 men, and they
had served in almost every capacity
in the navy and did it with credit to
themselves and the glorious flag un-
der which they fought.
MT McEniry Speaks.
Hon. William McEniry was then
called upon and introduced as the
gentleman instrumental in bringing
the I'd division to Rock Island.
He said the American navy was
ridiculed by the world few years
ago for it's insignificance. But diff
ferent impression prevailed since the
stars and stripes had been carried vic
toriously from Cuba TO Manila bay.
The war was carried out in defense of
liberty, and Mr.. McEniry said that
those who had left their homes to
serve on the seas had stood the high
est tests of patriotism, courage and
manhood. Mr.. McEniry's remarks
were warmly received.
Bowlby's Mandolin club rendered a
selection and responded to an encore.
Gertie Davis gave reading and
was recalled, after which the buglcrs
sounded the assem- bly, and the division
fell into line and went through a num-
ber of military evolutions, including
the manual of arms.
The program was concluded by an ad-
dress by H. NJ. McCaskrin, and qr . ~te t
composed of Messrs. Boydston and
Wangelin, and Mrs. Leim baugh and
Miss Campbell sang "God Be With
You Till We Meet Again
The Reserves fell into line again
and marched to the banquet room.
Here is where the Reserves show their
courage. Funston and his regiment
of Kansas jayhawkers could not have
made a more brave and determined
attack than did the ID division of the
I'd ships crew on this memorable oc-
casion, and ifany went away empty it
was not the fault of those who provided d
materials for the banquet.
Dancing followed during which an
impromptu cake walk was partici-
pated in by number of dancers. TT e
Judges were unable to decide between
George Knox and j. III. Davis. and
they were called on to repeat the
performance. The decision was given
in favor of Mr.. Davis and his lady,
Miss Stella Goff. At late hour the
party broke up.