Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-04
THOUSANDS ENJOY
CITY OBSERVANCE
OF JULY FOURTH
Rock Islands Community Celebration
at Long View Park is UnQuali-
ned Success.
SCOTT GIVES THE ADDRESS
This Evening VIII Be Given the Finest
Fireworks Display Ever Wit
messed in the Community.

Ideal weather conditions prevailing
in Rock Island today, made it possible
for the community observance of the
Fourth of July 10 be complete sue
cess. The affair is being staged under
the auspices of the Independence Day
association and thousands are being
entertained.
Long View park is the scene of this
years celebration. Taking advantage
Of the pretty day, hundreds of fam
lies visited the beauty spot this morn
ing and took their picnic lunches with
them. An interesting program was
carried out this afternoon. Follow
ing the singing of America" by
double quartet with band accompani-
ment. Carl C. Londberg gave Tribute
to the Flag" Mayor William Neon
ochie gave a brief word of welcome al
ter which John X. Scott delivered a
patriotic address.
Why We Celebrate.
1T is fitting" he said that we
Americans should celebrate July
Fourth. for that is our national birth
day, the day on which through the
voice of the continental congress, the
nation declared its own being and an
nounced the right of the united col
onies to be free and independent
states.
From this loose union Of 13 orig
inal colonies, the stars upon the flag
have grown until As shine upon it's
field of blue, every star state and the
whole. our own dear land. the great
est and I believe, the happiest nation
on earth Rich. fruitful, peaceful and
happy for these many years past, We,
as a people. have climbed the heights
Of commercial success and civic ad-
vancement. until now at this mad hour
OF worldwide war. we sit as a nation
surfeited with success, softened by
lack of contest and holding but weak
" the blessings and advantages that
nature and circumstances have made it
possible for US. as people TO attain.
Must Enforce Ideals.
The character of a nation develops
along the same general lines as that OF
an individual: opportunity and INDUS
try bring material success: and cour-
age and the will and ability to dare
and to defend. are the qualities needed
to retain and to turn to the highest
uses the garnered fruits Of the VIC
tories Of peace
las we respect a man who is sue
cessful and who remains kindly and
strong in his attitude to all, so must
our nation from its pinnacle OF world
success look out over the nations, with
Justice and sympathy Tor all, put Win
the courage and strength to defend
and enforce at all times our standards
Of humanity and liberty
The double quartet then gave, with
band accom- animent, The Star
Spangled Banner" and following Sc
lections by Bleuer's band, the quartet
rendered Illinois"
Fine Fireworks Tonight
Special interest viii center in the
fine exhibition of fireworks tonight at
8 o'clock A preliminary program Will
be given from to 7. The Sunday
School Fife. Drum and Bugle corps
will give selections, after which there
will be drills and formations by boy
scouts, including first aid demOnstra-
tons A ceremony escort OF the col
ors will be carried out and the eXeT-
cises will close with unfurling OF Old
Glory by the boy scouts
From 7 TO Bleuer's band viii give
a concert and from to 10, will be the
most elaborate pyrotechnIc display
ever witnessed in Rock Island.
Other Diversions Enjoyed.
Although the celebration at Long
View is proving the greatest attraction,
many other diversions are being en-
loved Many took excursion rides on
the river. Watch Tower, Campbell 5
Island and other resorts are crowded
and baseball fans were given their
choice of seeing either Davenport or
Moline work out as both teams were