The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-05

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
The Turner's Of this country, otherwise called
the "Gymnasts,' have so often been misrepre
sented in the papers, that it might be Of some
value for the readers of the HERALD to have state
ment concerning the above named body, which
they could rely for yeraeity. The origin of the Tur-
pers to be found recorded in Germany, where the
first society organized by Father jain, in Ber-
lin, in the year 1872. The war of 1913, in which
Prussia fought against Napoleon, found the Turner's
upon the battle field and there they distinguished
themselves to the monarch's greatest satisfaction
At the time when this body Of young men could be
usefully employed by the despots of Europe they
were well received and iattered; but no sooner was
the danger over than they (the despots) began to
fear those very same men. They considered them
as political faction of too radical character, aud
therefore prosecuted them with the utmost rigor;
but in spite of cowardy persecution, ON the part oil
the monarcbical oppressors, they continued thelr
gymnastic exercises, and made great improve
ments in practical gymnastics. The efforts TO
maintain the Turner's, as the gymnasts are called
in German, were great, but all III vain. They were
crushed at last and nothing could restorethe turner's
This dull state Of things lasted till few years
preceding the revolution of lS4S. In the years
ls46 and AZ societies were again organized IN many
parts of Germany, and the gymnastc schools Gas
these societies caled) worked not only for the
Strengthening Of the body. but for the propaga'
ton of democratic principles The political move
ments of those societies were conducted secretly but
in any parts of Germany, the Turner'S acted open
ly. They organized considerations, and they were
presented with banners by their friends. The con-
sequences OF these movements were that the spirit OF
freedom regned in every Turner'S heart They pub
lshed pamphlets held meetings. and tired their best
to convince the German people that the republican
system alone could lead to their happiness. ).
The police knew part OF their doings, but not all OF
Ma Turner's
closed by officers, and in their meetings policemen
were present The sudden revolution OF 1913 put an
end to these expressions That revolution iell
like lightning upon the crowned heads. They
trembled for their safety; for the people rSse like
one man, and amongst the foremost were the
Turner'S. They fought in Berlin and in Frankfort,
was lost. The unhappy revolutionary movement
of '4S is so well remembered by all the readers
ofthis paper that we need not describe it, Suffice
to say that great many brave Turner's found their
The survivors were driven to Switzerland and
France; hut the governments of those countries, in
their weakness, did not allow them to remain. They
expulsed them under different pretexts, and the poor
refugees emigrated to this country-to country
which has never refused hospitality to the oppressed
Being all industrious young men, they soon found
employment and enjoyed that political freedom for
the requirement Of which they had fought in the old
country. About four years ago the first Turnveren
(gymnasc) society was organized in the city OF New
York. Most of its members consisted of Turner's
lately arrived from the old country During the last
three years societies have sprung up in every part OF
the Union and they amount now to nearly fifty Those
Of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Gin
cinnati consist each of several hundred members,
and are daily increasing: The Turnerband' lIurners'
for the promotion of the Turner'S cause Practical
measures executed by "the Vorort," (executive)
and semimonthly paper is published by that
to take copy Of it, The paper treats on the social
and political conditions Of the Old and New World,
and publishes quarterly reports from the different
societies.
of the American people, and there future actions,
when once they become citizens. will, we hope,
still more show that they deserve that esteem.
Hitherto they have not mingled in politics; they
only have tried to become acquainted with the inst
tutons of this country; and when the day OF their
natul alization approaches they will be fully pre-
pared to act citizens, in the truest sense OF the
word
A congress, consisting Of delegates from all the
societies of the Turner'S Union will be held in Cleve-
land, Ohio in September next, for the purpose of
amending the constitution and bylaws, and electlng
new executive The last congress was held in DC
tober last, in Cincinnati. The New York society,
whose gymnasium is at the National Hall, Canal
street. will celebrate great festival in September,
equal to that OF the glee clubs, which was held last
year. The Turner's of oil the existing societies will
be invited, and there is no doubt that from eight
hundred to one thousand will be present on the oc-
casion. VERIrAS.
AN ITEM FOR Mrs. STowE.-In the upper part of
this city there resides venerable couple who hail from
the Old Dominion 1--WE rot informed as to their posi-
ton in point OF f.y grades their relationship to Po
cahontas and who during couple OF years past have
kept kind Of negro nursery they attend TO
the physical and moral Certainly culture of young
darkes from time to time purchased by them from slave
dealers We visited the establishment time siIcs,
and were quite amused at the gambos Of the little
wooly heads, dozen so Of whom rolling about
the yard in the warm happy need be- Curiosity
pros pied to inquire Of the old whether the pur
these darkiss with the consent of their pa
rents. In answer to inquiry, he promptly replied
that such not the case but that the contrary,
parents Of slave children who were on their way to the
their Children alleging as reason that they would be
better provided for and to be trouble to then
ODe instance in particular he made mention Of pointing
to fine couple Of sable youngsters We remember
having seem whose PARENTS he said, came to his house.
ard entreated him TO purchase them having, they
said, heard that he in the habit of buying young
negroes to raise They going South to stock pan.
tason ard rot wishing to be encountered with their
children preferred leaving them in the hsads of any
who would take the trouble and of raising them for
the profit they would bring He states that the purchase
of these young slaves is always with the of their
parents and that although they sometimes object, they
easily induced by The offer of small presents 10 part
with them Th, chimes badly with the highly colored
facts and fances of the phlanhropic authoress Who
would have believe that it is common custom among
of consapgunty regardless Of the rights and feelings Of
their hunan chatels as she is peaedeo dsnominate
them But perhaps Mrs. Stowe would not believe this
statement We dare say she ", uld not but II she will
call and devote hour to ths investigation
in tbstlocality Of .life among the lovy" viii
peny her chez rfuly, snd wager all old bfeeches
sgainst copy Of Uncle Toms Cabin, that she II get
bette item than any she has oished up in her Ksy
from preface" to fnis."-& Louis Republican, Nay TO-
SUICIDE OF A MILLERrTE-Mrs. Benjamin com
mited suicide by drowning herself in the Connect
cut river, just above the railroad bridge in this city,
at very early hour on Friday morning. 1t appears
that she had been insane for some tune, Merism
having been the exciting cause, and was discharged
about six weeks since from the asylum in Hartford,
apparently cured, or very much relieved. Coming
to her home in Springfield, she soon showed signs of
the return of the disease, which assumed suicidal
phase. On Thursday she was remarkably sane, and
appeared to be entirely herself, and went to bed at
night apparently better than she had been for long
time. At about half-past three o'clock on Friday
morning she arose, and apologzed for going out 0,
doors minute, stating that she should Immediately
return. She spoke so calmly and sane!y that the
family were thrown off their guard for icw minutes
but they soon followed and found that she had gone
out Of sight. A neghbor was summoned, who fol
t,ar sx, -