Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-09-25
ROOT is A VISITOR
Secretary OF War Makes First
inspection of Rock Island
Arsenal.
SALUTE is FIRED FOR HIM
Reception Given for Him This After
noon at the
Club.
SALUTE is FIRED FOR HIM

and arsenal, coming for the purpose
of inspection.
He arrived in the city from
Peoria, where he spoke last night,
at 11:1S this morning, travelling in u
private car attached TO the regular
morning Rock Island train, and ac-
companied by Congressman G. w.
Prince, of Galesburg, j. W. Parker.
of WATERFOWL, lately chairman of the
Illinois League of Republican clubs,
and c. III. Buck, present chairman of
that body. Congressman a. j. Hop
kins and j. G.. Cannon were invited to
visit the arsenal with the secretary,
but were unable to do so on account
of other engagements.
The secretary's party was met at
Cambridge by joint committee from
this city and Moline, who left on the
early morning train for the purpose
of extending a welcome to the dis
tinguished visitor from the tri-cit-
les and to learn his plans in order
that provision might be made for his
entertainment during such time as he
might be at liberty after his official
duties at the arsenal were completed.
The reception committee was com
posed of Hon. r. j. MedilI and DR.. &.
G. Craig. ST., of this city, and C. \.
Barnard, of Moline.
Received by NAL Blunt.
Maj. Stanhope +. Blunt, command
ant at Rock Island arsenal, attired in
full uniform and accompanied by a
single orderly, was at the station to
meet the secretary and accompany
him to the arsenal. There were also
present about two hundred citizens
who had assembled to catch
glimpse of the man who is at the
head of the war department.
AS the train stopped the crowd
pressed toward the rear car, upon
the platform of which rather small,
dark, and reserved appearing man
was quickly picked out as the secre-
tary. He nimbly alighted and was
greeted by Mai. Blunt. Then a short
conference took place between Mr..
Root, Mai. Blunt and the local com
mitteemen, and the two first named,
accompanied by Congressman Prince.
entered carriage that was in wait
ing and were driven away to the ISL
and, the single orderly following in
another carriage.
The secretary, in reply to a ques-
tion in regard to the Significance, of
his visit here at this time, said: Il
am here for general inspection. l
have been more or less familiar with
the work that is being done at Rock
Island arsenal during my term in
office and for some time have had
desire to make this place a visit in
person. In the short time at my dis
posal | shall cover as much of the
manufacturing plant as possible"
Salute of II Guns.
At Rock Island arsenal the en-
trance of the party at the gateway
was the signal for the firing of the
regulation salute of IL guns. The sec
rotary had luncheon with Maj. Blunt
at his residence and spent the after
noon inspecting the various depart
ments at the arsenal, of course pay
ing especial attention to the manu-
featuring facilities, including the par
TALLY completed small arms plant.
Concerning the attentions that
would be paid the distinguished Wis
itor during his stay at the arsenal
Maj. Blunt said while awaiting the
arrival of the train this morning:
THE visit of Secretary Root is an Of
fetal one, and as my superior officer
of course it would be improper for
me to plan for him what he shall do
when he arrives. He has never visit
ed the arsenal in an official capacity,
and, i'm fact, so far as / know has
never been here at all. If he wishes
to inspect the troops they will be as
sembled under arms, otherwise his
visit will occasion no military dis
play. OF course we shall endeavor to
acquaint Mr. Root to the fullest eN-
tent possible during the brief time
he is here with the needs and possi-
bilities. especially of the manufac-
turing plant"
Reception at the Club
According to the arrangements
made this morning the secretary was
driven to this city at o'clock this
afternoon and an informal reception
from 4 to $3.50 was rendered him at
the Rock Island Club. At he will
board his private car in company
with Messrs. Parker and Buck and
the trio will dine while cnroute to
Chicago. Tomorrow morning Mr..
f,,..,+ ,x,;II no with SenafOr Hanna nj