Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-09-19
Democrats Open Cam
paign With Enthu-
siastic Meeting.
THE FLAG IS RAISED
Speeches by Judge Wade. Mr..
Hurst. Mr.. Schmidt and
Mr.. WEIGH.


tion day is favorable TO the democrat
ic sidc-that is, in states where the
republican party has the upper hand in
the matter of majority. The true
democrat will vote. if he has to fight a
regiment 10 reach the polling place
1t rained Saturday evening, and the
democrats were on, for the opening
demonstration of the campaign, de
spite that from early nightfall bad
storm was threatened.
Fortunately. there was merely
sprinkle. barely enough TO settle the
dust and cool the atmosphere, max
ing it an ideal evening for an open
air celebration. There was a great
crowd Of people gathered at the pavil-
ion in Market square during the
speaking and those that remained had
treat in intelligent treatment, al
though necessarily brief. of the vital
issues of the impending campaign.
The interest cvinCcd in every utter
anCC Of the speakers was an indication
Of the true state of the public mind in
the election. the desire to obtain in
formation on every essential point APP
pertaining thereto, and that the men
who addressed them gave expression
to facts that impressed them as pic
turing the actual conditions and the
urgency of a change in the control OF
the national administration was mani
Tested by the frequent interruptions
of applause.
Handsome Flag il Raised.
The ceremonies in Market square
were preceded by the raising of a
handsome flag of dimensions of 20X30
between The Argus Office and the
Rock Island house. to which point
Blcucrs band marched. followed by
the speakers. from the Harper house.
The banner which bears the names of
Parker. Davis and Stringer. was low
cred by !. W. Cavanaugh. chair
man of the city central commit
tee. As the flag was foated in
the breeze the band struck up The
Star Spangled Banner" and there
were cheers from the throng of PEG
pie that had filled the avenue from
Sixteenth to Seventeenth streets.
The committee on decorations had
done itself proud in the festOOning of
the pavilion on the square. In the
front there was a huge strCamcr show
ing likcuCSs0S of the candidates for
president. vice president and COVER
nor. while the railing was covered
with bunting, and flags. big and small.
We're everywhere in evidence. afford
ing a pretty picture. and lending a
patriotic tone that was inspiring. In
addition to the officers Of the evening.
30 representative democrats had seats
in the stand.
EN-Mayur J. T. MedIl was chairman
of the meeting. He was introduced
by Mr.. Cavanaugh. Mr. MedU said
that his part was not to make a
speech. but To- see that the others did.
However. he could not refrain from
expressing tho honor he felt at being
called upon TO preside at the opening
meeting of the campaign. and one that
had attracted such Il large gathering
of citizens. He firmly believed that
the democratic party never had a bet
ter chance To win than ii had in No
vcmher. The voters of the country
are beginning 10 realize that streuu-
Osity and vCrbCsity were not the ne
CrSSary attributes of q safe. sound and
prudent president. In Judge Parker,
eminent jurist. the country had d safe
man 10 look 10. one who would fill the
position OF chief executive To the fun
satisfaction of the entire people.
Congressman Martin Wndc'S speech.
Mr.. Medu said that fortune had
smiled on the democrats from all di.
roCtions. two distinguished men hav.
ing dropped into the city unannounced
during the evening. and the opportuu
them into service 10 say a few words
10 the meeting. He had reference 10
Judge Martin !. Wade. congressman
from the Second Iowa district. and q
candidate Cor reelection. and former
Senator w. O. Schmidt. of Davenport
men of wide reputation a orators. and
whose opinions oU political questions
were ever eagerly sought. According
" others of local talent who had been
secured to talk had consented 10 the
withdrawal OF their names from the
list. and IN their stead Judge Wade
and Mir. Schmidt were heard
Judge Wade said he was not hard
hearted enough to hold an audience
ont in the rain and try 10 force a politi
cal argument down its throat-it haC
again begun sHr;Hkl;nS but soon Ceas
cd. He brought greetings from tn,
united. untc-riicd democracy Of tn,
state Of Iowa. He said there was no
many OF them. but those that Their
were were true 10 the bone. The 100