The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1856-06-18
THE GERMANS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
BY THE REV. E. w. HUTTER.

in this meridian, where they comprise 81
large part Of the population. The Germal
character once empIoyedthe pen of The learn
ed and enlightened Tactus, one of the frs
historians of antiquity. They evidently in
herit all the virtues ascribed by this author IL
their ancestors, with few of their vices
which Christianity has in great measure
banished from among them. These ances
tors migrated chiefly from the Palatinae
from Alsace, Swabia, Saxony, and Switzer-
principally and dukedom in Germany
When we reflect. at this day, that The stock
of most of these bold pioneers in the settle.
ment of Pennsylvania, consisted only Of a
few pieces of gold or silver coin, chest Of
clothing, Bible, and PsaIIer, and that
| now their descendants are scattered nearly
over the whole West, and own the mos! i'm
mense possessions, we are forciby struck
| with the miraculous changes wrought in the
progress OF time BY an Overriding and Di-
vina Hand. If il were possible 10 determine
the relative proportions Of these sums, the
contras, would from such monument OF
human industry and economy as has seldom
been witnessed in any age or country on the
face of the earth.
The principal part of The Germans of Penn
sylvania are Farmers-hardy and industrious
lillers of the soii-,he most noble OF all the
secular occur ations which can engage the
attention of man. More skilfui cultva,ors
of the earth, too, we hazard nothing in say
ing, can be found Eowhere in this country,
or any other, between The rising and setting
OF the sun.
The Germans set great value upon pa,ri.
monial properly. This useful principle in
human nature prevents much folly and vice
in young people. II moreover leads 10 last
ing and extensive advantages in the improve
ment of a farm; for what inducement can be
stronger in parent TO plant an orchard, to
preserve forest trees, or 10 build commodi
ous and durable house, than the idea, that
they will he possessed by a succession of
generations, who shall inherit his blood and
name.
What strikes a traveller through our Ger
man counties mos; forcibly, is their man.
moth berns, called in their own language
"Schweilzer Scheuer Indeed, il is their in
variable custom, in settling new tract of
land, first 10 provide large and suitable ac-
! commodalions for their horses and cattle,
before they expend much money in building
house for themselves. No feature in their
character speaks so loudly in behalf of their
humanity, as this willingness 10 suffer dis
comfort lhemseIvesr rather than impose il on
The dumb and uncomplaining beasts. They
believe with king Solomon, that "a righteous
man regardeth the life of his beast" But
from this let it not be inferred, that their
! dwellings are deficient in the comforts of life.
| The reverse is "on the fat of the land,"-
and none boasts of so many and such sub.
slaulal domestic enjoyments.
Another fact, which never fails to rivel the
attention of a stranger, is the extraordinary
size and strength OF their horses. A Ger
man horse is known IN every part Of the
State He seems 10 ''eel with his lord" the
pleasure and pride OF good and bounliful lv.
ing. 1t is well established fact, tina, the
German horses OF Pennsylvania perform
double the amount o: labor of the New Eng
land or Southern breed, from the fac, that
they are more plenlifully fed. For The came
resson, their cows yield double the quantity
of milk, and OF quality vastly superior.
! in word German farm can be dislin.
guished from the farms of the other citizens.
| by the superior size OF their barns--lhe plain
but compact construction of their dwellings
the height Of their enclosures--the extent
Of their orchards-the fertility of their fields,
the luxuriance of their meadows--lbe giant
strength of their catle--and by general ap-
pearance of plenty and prosperity in all that
belongs to them.
The favorable influence of Agriculture, as
conducted by the Germans, in extending hu-
man happiness, is manifested by the joy they
express upon the birth OF a child. No dread
of poverty, nor distrust of Providence from
an increasing family, depresses the spirits o!
these industrious and frugal people. Upon
the birth of son, they exalt in the gift of a
2loughman or a.wagoneJ and upon the birth
of daughter, they rejoice in the addition o
a spinster or milk-maid, to their family
Happy state of human society! What bless
ings can civilization confer, that can atone
Tor The ancient and palriarchal pleasure o.
raising up numerous and healthy family o.
children 10 labor for their parents, for them
selves, and for their country; aod finally Il
pariake of tho knowledge and happines,
which are anlayed to existence, both in the
life that now is, and in that which is TO come
The Joy Of parents upon the birth of child
is the greatfu echo of creating goodness
May the hills and valleys Of Pennsylvania
be forever vocal with songs Of Joy upon lhes,
occaslohs They are the infalIibe signs o
comparative innocence, absolute industry
wealth, and happiness ir the State.
The German Mechanic, too, is mos. use
fnl and enterprising citizen, Possessing al
The traits of character in common with th,
Farmer. His first ambition, on starting int
life is 10 become Feeholder, so AZ rot Il
live in a rented house-and the highest tenn
poral delight he can epiov spripps from hi