Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-05-29
is GIVEN A CANE
General Mackenzie 10 Recipient
Of Testimonial From Asso-
ciates on Retirement.
PROMOTED IN RANK
Former Chief of Engineers Now Holds
Title of Major General, United
Startes Army, Retired.

When General Alexander Mackenzie,
chief of engineers, concluded his pub
lie service this week, he became major
general of the United States army, re-
tired, being promoted from the rank
Of brigadier general to the higher rank
by a special act of congress, authoriz-
ing such advancement in the case of
officers who served creditably in the
civil war and who also has served
three years in the rank of brigadier
general. General Mackenzie had the
distinction, up to the hour of his re-
tirement, of being the Oldest officer on
the active list, and the one longest in
service. He retired Monday, having
reached the age of GA.
Is Given Testimonial.
During the day TIE officers on duty at
the war department and in the engin-
GERS Office called to take official leave
of the general. The visit was marked
by the presentation to General Mac
kenzie of a beautiful ebony-headed gold
cane. In the presentation speech
Chief Clerk Dempsey congratulated the
general on the fact of his promotion,
and that the single star on his Shout
der is now replaced by two. He en-
phasized the fact that the gift was not
made because of the fact that General
Mackenzie was an officer of the army,
nor because of his high rank, but be-
cause of the affection which his asso-
ciates have for him as man.
This same feeling exists wherever
General Mackenzie is known He for
merly was in charge of the Rock Is
land office of the United States engin-
GERS. and his success has been watched
with much qualification by his many
friends here. 1t is expected that the
general will soon pay visit to this
city. He stated when he was last here
that he regarded Rock Island as his
home, and that he proposed on his re-
tirement to spend as much of his time
here as possible.
No official announcement has been
made of the appointment of success
or to General Mackenzie as chief of en-.
gineers, but it is still reported that
Colonel Thomas W. Symon is to be
promoted to the place.
The Generals Career.
Speaking of the retirement of Gen
eral Mackenzie, the Washington Star
has the following TO say of his career:
He was born at Potosi, Wis, May
25, 1874, and attended the Plattville
Wis, academy and the grammer and
high schools at Dubuque, Iowa. He
was graduated from the United States
Military academy in 1864 at the head
of his class and was appointed first
| lieutenant of engineers
HE served creditably in the civil
war, receiving the brevet of captain
for gallant and meritorious service
Since that time he has served in vari
Gus parts of the country in charge o.
important public works including the
improvements of the harbors of Lake
Michigan, the construction of the
Louisville and the Portland canal.
and the improvement of various sec
tons of the Mississippi and Missouri
rivers. In January, 1904, he was ap
pointed chief of engineers, with the
rank of brigadier general.
HE has disbursed many millions
of dollars in various public enter
pEises and has discharged the highl,
Irresponsible duties of his important OF
fee with great success. AS chief o