New-York daily tribune., 1854-08-31
THE TURNER'S.

a
were not only the victors, but had the sympathy oi
che q tire community. Since then they have gone
on increasing in numbers and extending their ancnes
wherever oung men of Germ origin could be found
to form nucleus; and now we see that the Fourth
General Festival Of the Turner'S is TO be commenced
at Philadelphia in the course Of the present week.
On this occasion it is expected that about 5000 men,
belonging to some 50 UDions, will take part in the
eymnastic performances, as well as in the social
pleasures OF the anniversary.
The modern system of physical discipline, taught
quite generally in Europe and introduced in few
schools and gymnastc establishments of our large
towns is We believe, of German origin, though the
idea is borrowed from the ancients. The aim is BY
scientific culture, to Develop the muscular powers
into the fullest health, endurance and symmetry As
long ago as the time OF the American Revolution
B,sedow, true phlanthropst OF Germany, not ony
urged the establishment OF system ofeducaton for the
body which should keep pace with the training OF the
mental faculties but actually carried it into Practice
and set up an institution Of the sort. Nearly thirty
wears later the famous Jahn employed the scheme for
patriotic purposes, and Turner'S Unions, in which
gymnastics and hatred to the foreign Oppressor were
inculcattd with equal efficiency sprang up over all
Germany Ii is admitted that the excellence OF the
soldiers and their success in the German War of ln1e
pendence were in great due TO the lessons
received BY the young gymussts in these establish
mepts After the war, the Governments at iirst ia
yored these useful and patriotic Institutions but it
WAS soon discovered that rhe spirit which had been
raised against On alien tyrant would closely scrut-
pize the acts Of domestic one. Hence the Turner's
became suspected, and soon after were suppressed.
md
have been revived again in Germany aud since l545
they have been tranportsed to this country.
The name, Turner's, comes from the word to turn,
which has essentially the same Specification in Eng
lsh as in German, and may be applied to gymnastics
in the one with about as much propriety as in the
other They are organized id Societies or Unions,
without Limitation as to numbers meeting for exer-
else at regular times and as how at Phad-phis, COM
ing together once year for public trial and compe-
tition with all the Unions of the country Persons OF
every nationality are admitted to become members;
though as German is the language principally spoken
we believe there are few who are not OF German
origin. The exercises comprise the entire round OF
acrobac feats aud displays Of strength and agility.
Each Union has its meetings for practice in the open
cir when possible, and emulation and the stimulus
of common effort by numbers soon produce admirable
results in developing muscular force and dexterty ia
the members.
A good deal las been said concerning the alleged
radical political and religious notions entertained by
the mass of the Turner'S, but whatever those notions
NAV be- they have no immediate connection with the
great object Of gymnastic discipline; AMI besides,
what is false erroneous, exaggerated will 10 time
be changed by the action of free discussion and the
growth of Intelligence among all classes of the popu
laon. But for the training which forms sound aud
vigorous bodies for the habtaon of sound minds aud
which by it's festivals relieves the tedium of toll uost
of the Turner's are laborng men) with the charm Of
genial sociaty and the delight of triumph in games
az worthy as those celebrated by Pindar, we hope
that may never decline nor be neglected.. Their, are
things about the Turner's we would gladly see re-
formed a for instance the quantities of stupeying
lagerbeer swilled by some Of them and of nasty to-
bsccO smoked by others but it were greatly to be
wished that our pale and spindling Yankees who
drudge forever in the hOesome l4bors of the City
without the benefit Of such social relaxations. might
find health and ecstacy ia the company of the honest
Turner's. We have no doubt that the time will come
in improved state of society when the same cu
ture of the physical man and the same expansion Of
the friendly afecous-cheered as the festivals of the
Turner'S are by music, poetry and song-may be found
in the useful pursuits Of life; but until then,
not afford to despise whatever looks toward the sys
tema,ic unfolding and improvement Of the physical
powers and health of the citizen. And SO a happy
festival to the Turner's at Philadelphia,