Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1899-12-26

Happy-Business Generally Suspended
and the Festival Celebrated in Various
Ways.
Rock Island observed Christmas in
manner BETTING the most joyous
festival of the year. There was peace
on earth, good will toward men.
The hum and hustle of business
ceased. Cares were shelved, sun
shine o'erspread sorrow, smiles re-
placed frowns, and all hearts with one
accord welcomed another yuletide.
Had the weather been furnished in
accordance with a popular vote it
would not have been more unanimous
ly satisfactory. although few inches
of snow would have added some
what to appearances.
The happy custom of giving was
expressed in various ways, from the
filling of the children's stockings and
the loading of the Christmas tree, the
lighted tapers of which shone through
the windows of many coy homes, to-
the bestowal of more substantial gifts,
nome ties and affections and friend
ships being strengthened thereby
In all the churches OF the city there
were appropriate cele orations. The
protestant evangelical denominations
had special services incidental to the
regular Sunday exercises, while IN
the Episcopal. Roman Catholic and
Lutheran churches the day was
marked by the customary Christmas
ob-ervances.
Aside from the home circle celebra
tions. sons and daughters coming
from school, and relatives gathering
cities, seekers for amusement were
abundantly entertained at the thea
tres, the roller skating rink and el-e
where.
Over two hundred poor children
were Toasted at turkey dinner by the
Salvation Army. The tables were
spread in one of the store rooms in
the Carse block. Such an army OF
happy little faces was probably never
| before Assem- b!ed on a similar coca
sion in Rock Island. Many articles of
clothing were distributed. Each
child also received present. 1t was
| indeed commendabie undertaking
on the part of Capt. McGee and his
comrades.
Prisoners Feasted.
Sheriff Cralle treated the prisoners
at the county Jail to a fine spread,
and they expressed their graft nde in
a letter, which reads as follows:
| Hon. l.. F. Cralle, Sheriff of Rock
Island County. Dear Sir: We, the I'M
dersigned inmates of the county Jail,
and al so members of the Kangaroo
| Court. OF the aforementioned place.
desire II take occasion to express our
heartfelt thanks and appreciation for
| the kindness and consideration re-
ceived at your hands on this glorious
| Christmas day. The chicken, mashed
potatoes and cranberries were simply
delicious, followed by mince pie, nuts,
candies and cigars for dessert, topped
| it all off satisfactory to all. In much
appre citation and wishing you a very
merry Christmas. we beg to remain
members of the kangaroo Court.
Holiday Remembrances.
The police department presented
Mayor McConochie a Knights TemPlar
ieweled gold watch charm. The pre-
sentation speech was made by Chief
Miller, who was thereupon made the
recipient of a gold opal set ring, the
gift being bestowed by Capt. Giles 10
| behalf of the members of the police
department.
While the members of the Rock ISL
and Club were gathered in their coy
quarters on Sixteenth street yesterday
morning having little Christmas cele-
| bration of their own, Manager III. L.
Ritchev was called into the library,
where, in n neat speech President +.
w. Bannsen, as spokesman for the
club, pres ented him with a handsome
solid silver pitcher, saving: 1T
| is one year since you came here a
stranger. Since that period you have
shown such marked ability in the
management of this club. and have
treated US all so cordially that you
have made many warm friends. We
are glad to have an opportunity to
manifest our appreciation of your I'M
firing efforts in our behalf, and the
| zeal with which you have labored
| for the success of the club.
present to you in behalf OF
the members of the Rock Island
Club this token of our regard
and esteem. We hope that it will
have place in your home for many
wears to come, and may it ever remind
| you of the friends you have here
among US. We wish you very mer-
~ Christmas and happy New Year. -
Although taken completely by sur
prise. Mr.. Ritchey was equal to the
occasion, and made neat and feeling
response. Mr.. Ritchey's manage
ment of the club has proven popular
and satisfactory, and deservedly so.
for he is not only abundantly qualified
officially. but socially as well.
Head Clerk c. w. Halves was pleas
antly remembered by the employees of
the Modern Woodmen office, who sent
a handsome couch to his home on
/ Twentieth street.
John Crubaugh presented his son,
W. A.. and daughter. Mrs Charles
McHugh, with a fine lot each III
/ Column bia park as Christmas remem-