Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-07-11

smoking or shooting is allowed on the
island. A dense native forest covers
large parts of the same. The call of
the quail ("Bob White'O is heard
from all sides. Large red squirrels
run about tamely on the grass, safe
from all molestation. Thus the place
where materials for the most cruel
of all cruelties-warfare- manu-
featured, the hunted wild animals
and fowl find haven of refuge. a
number of barracks are found here.
During the civil war barracks to ac-
commodate $4,000 prisoners of war
were built here and at times they
were fully occupied with confederates
taken in action. Earthworlls skirt
the banks and nicely polished brass
cannon menace the river front where
the bosom of the great waters bears
none but the peaceful vessels of com
merce. a large solar dial indicates
the time of day. A card attached
notes the variations for each day, so
one may set his watch correctly
from this simple cOntrivance. Along
Sthe west shore stretches a series of
golf links, along which ladies, evil
IDENTITY the wives of officers, were en-
gagged at the game. There are 10 or
more large factory buildings on the
island. They are all L shaped, and
each is composed of two stories and
n basement. They are filed with ma
chinery for the manufacture of vari
Gus kinds of war supplies. Some of
the buildings were idle. About 600
men are now employed in the others.
L IL,
utensils, saddles. haversacks, etc.
During the Spanish war over 1900
men were employed here night and
day. y dam across the island to the
city of Moline furnishes an excellent
water power. About 4,OO0-horse pow
er can be developed at all times by
the government dam and 3,OO0-horse
power by the factory dam for Mo-
line. The head of water is seven feet.
This can be increased by extending
the reach from the upper end of the
island and adding to the height of the
dam. The power is converted into
electrical energy and is transmitted
by wire to the various factories as
needed. Even during the rush of the
last war the government had ample
power from the dam to run all its
machinery.
Through Three Cities.
From the island we passed over to
Moline. Plow, wagon, carriage, and
other factories, acres in extent. cover
the river front. The Deere plowS are
known in nearly every state where sod
is turned. Space and time Will not
permit an extended description. We
got on car and rode through the
cities of Moline and Rock Island from
end to end. Away down at the end
Of the line is a large saw mill, one of
many located in the tri-cities. The
logs are hoated down in large RATS.
The logs seemed to be of a better
quality than those milled in Mime
apolis. Thus the people nearest the
woods appear to be served with the
poorest lumber. \ large raft was
just being lowed i'm by a steamer. The
logs had all sprouted and the raft
was as green as an island.
After supper we stepped onto the
ferry and were speedily landed at the
opposite shore. We spent the evening
looking over the city of Davenport.
1t is a German-American town and
has the characteristics of one. 1T has
many fine buildings. Among other
ornaments on the public square is a
memorial to the heroes of the Franco
Prussian war. After firing of
walking about seeing the sights
we went down to the pier. \
large river steamer had just come in.
All was hustle and activity. Steve
dores were carrying freight from a
neighboring warehouse onto the boat.
1t was an odd sight to see and endless
chain of men, each carrying a barrel
on his back, hurrying up the gang
plank. We passed on down to the
ferry landing. Presently the boat
bumped up alongside well loaded with
pleasure seekers from the other side
1t was not much more than 9 o'clocr.
and we were alone going back. The
bell changed and the boat hurried
back to accommodate those waiting
to come over. As the boat pushed
out upon the dark river, leaving the
gay city behind, in a passing fancy
we were reminded of that dark river
that we all must cross at the last
and Mount Zion lay over on the other
side.
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