Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-07-13
cloud.ness adding to the joys of the
coca sion.
Roads Were Bad.

| cIoud.ness adding to the joys of the
occasion.
Roads Were Bad.
But the roads for those who were
| forced to travel far were a bugbear
going and coming, and many of the
familiar ones that are accustomed TO
coming from 20 to 50 miles, were alb
sent perforce. Those from Rock ISL
and had about all they cared to con-
tend with. being forced TO spend from
seven TO eight hours on the road. Sew
eral failed to reach the grounds, be
cause of horses giving out or OF break
age through the severe strain in pull
ing out of mudholes. Both c. j. Searle
and F. G.. Allen, rivals for the republi-
can nomination for congress, had dis
agreeable experiences. the horses
drawing the formers carriage falling
in a slippery place and breaking the
harness. and the hack in which the
latter travelled from Presumption TO the
grounds being stuck fast on hillside,
necessitating all the occupants getting
out in the mud But so far as has
been reported. none of the politicians
suffered themselves to be left by the
wayside and they ali arrived early
enough to put more or less hay in the
doodle" How il stacks up time will
show.
Under Same Tree.
Under the same spreading linden
tree that has sheltered it for SO many
years the speakers stand was built
and the decorations were the same
banners and decorations of the Orange
mems lodges of Presumption and Rey
nolds and flags and bunting. More
characteristic still, J. p. Johnston pre-
sided as of old and with the same
kindly humor introduced the speakers
and commended them 10 the attention
of the audience But his voice was not
as strong as in the days gone by and
his limbs were just trifie less steady
than they were one year before.
The delayed arrival of the crowd pre-
vented any part of the program being
carried out in the morning, so Presi-
dent Johnston called 10 order and dis
missed the audience for dinner
After the good things had been dis
posed of under the trees the assembly
was sounded by Bleuer's band, which
was engaged for the day and the pro
gram was carried out.
1t opened with prayer by Rev. Henry
Brink, of Taylor Ridge and then Presi'
dent Johnston introduced Rev. Joe
Bell. pastor of the First Methodist
church of Galesburg. 1t is somewhat
significant that political corruption
formed the burden of his discourse as
it did that of c. j. Searle. Rev. c. f.
10. I IlViV,I -tA ftl
lowed. Each viewed the matter much
in the same light but from slightly diff
fercnt standpoints. and each proposed
practically the same remedy, namely,
the ballot.
Explains Chronology.
Mr.. Bell began by explaining the
change in chronology by which the
18th of July is celebrated as the ami
VerSary of the battle Of the BOyne,
when in reality that contest was waged
on July /. the difference being account
Cd for in placing back the date IL days
in the calendar The battle of the
Boyne. the speaker said, marked the
rise of the human race to a higher
plane. the throwing off of hindrances
to progress, and as such was we'll
worthy of observance 1t was u victo-
~ of the common people and the as
sertion of their right TO a greater voice
in the worlds affairs Being without
political strings of any sort he was
able to say just what he thought This
life is a battle in which each has his
own part TO take and il is necessary
To- have some fighting blood. Unless
the average citizen is thus equipped.
power will gradually be concentrated
into the hands of a few and individual
liberty will cease TO exist. \ politician
was described as one who follows the
trend of public sentiment and when he
has ascertained definitely what it is
lie proclaims with loud voice that
those are his sentiments and endeav-
Grs to make the people believe tnat he
has held that way all along. The
statesman is one who has advanced
ideas of his own and who adheres to
them, molding public sentiment to con
form TO his views. AS a type of the
latter President Roosevelt and Gov.
Folk were named. while by Inference
Gov Deneen was rated as a politician.
The triumphs of Gov. Folk We're refer
red to. and the speaker confessed that
he felt ashamed for Illinois. 'If Gov.
| Deneen were as good a Methodist as
he pretends to be-" Mr.. Bel added.
Il would not have TO apologize for
| him here However. if the Methodists
| OF the state will stand solidly together
and tell the governor 10 clean up the
state as Gov. Folk has done, have no
| doubt he would do il"
Mr.. Searie's Address.
After number by the band. C. J.
| Searle, of this city was heard. Mr.