New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1858-05-10


began yesterday, at the Union Race Course 1t was
merry making, planned and carried cut on the most
extensive scaieoue Of those outward manifestations
Of the poetry which Is, and has been for Centuries
The exatng feature Of the Germanic race. To dis
miss, for time, the cares and tolls belonging to
prosy practical life, and to give the body rest and
the spirit an expansion, Is an undertaking which
would never succeed, except in some place where
nature throbs-where the floor is the green swsrd Of
earth, the canopy the heavens hlse, and the at
mophere the sweet breath OF shady groves and sweet
smelling gardens.
Ever since the world began, sylvan festivity has
been the pleasantest, the most joyoas, the most
refnedin other words, the most poetic and TO the
children Of the Vaterland " belongs the honor Of
exceeding all other nations In their tribute TO nature
throughjoyousnesssnd merrymaking. principle like
this, Of course, could never select period 80 fitting
for its manifestations as that which we now enjoy
the sweet, balmy month Of May, in which nature
adds the last deep tinge Of green 10 her eay garn
ture and woos the love Of all living things with the
gush OF her delicious floral odors-
Though this is bat the second time the Germans
have gotten up May festival In New Orleans, il Is
by no means new thing with them. The custom
has existed long, very long, in the old country. and
no monarchy in itnothng to clash, in any respect.
with republican feeling or except
that spirit Of unlimited good feeling and juvcnescent
Joyousness which, shaped as il Is, must lead captive
the people Of any cline, and make them feel
poetry which they may not read.
The "Volksfest" was visible all over town yester-
DAY morning, IN the holiday turnout OF the German
population, and the rush OF the rest Of the population
"a Lear tn he
race course and open the festivty The procession
was formed on Canal street, ana most beautiful and
attractive one it was We have not the space 70
describe u al length but that it was May process
sion was visible throughout The garlanded banners
The long carriages covered with bowers OF ever
green-the bands OF masic-and the multitades Of
men on loot, bearing or wearing something symbolic
Of the occasion-would have convinced any one, ex-
eept perhaps Kamschatkan or a New zealander,
that il was May celebration. The procession went
down Royal street and out Esplanade and the Bayou
Road to the racecourse; and after that all day long,
the route unbroken string Of clashing carriages
and omnibusses. crammed and piled up with the mul
tltudes who were intent upon seeing, and perhaps
participating in, the festivities Of the Germans
In the afternoon we managed to find time TO 20
down. The incessant rush of the gay crowds along
ion-for the doors, windows and balconies were
thronged with interested spectators, and the small
white boys and pcannnies were congregated in null
titudes at the Crossings all the way to the course
Arrived at the course. found the lively and
animated in the highest degree. Here and there all
over the course, the stars and stripes uttered amid
the live cak shades--vehices jammed the entrances !;
the clamor Of drivers and officers deafened the ear
md ,.1nAf
and clear Of the dust and general noise and coni
sion" at the gate, we took look around, and were
pleased with what we saw.
whole army Of tents and booths covered the field,
and thousands of peoplethe ladies being apparently
as numerous as the gentlemen-were collected about
in dense crowds or minglng in scattered multitndes
amusing themselves one way or another In the
midst OF the live-oaks was large and welaid floor
over which the most enthusiastic waltzing and polka
ing progressed-one crowd giving way to another at
each halt OF the music, and the dance going ahead
perpetnsly. little way of was the hyinghorse
machine, gttering in splendid new dress Of mirrors
and hangings and fairly groaning beneath the weight
OF the riders, whirlng around two or three horse
In another place was a tall and very smooth pole.
with flags aud summer house Of flowers at the top.
Youthful gymnasts were climbing pole for prizes
49, HiN S"' VIZ y" PtiAr-inaih "hiiss VIC iVoheu ou
On 70 one side was tournament ground, sur
rounded ny tall Stakes surmounted by flying stream
ers In the arena yaorous riders in high boots and
fancy decorations, galloped on fiery chargers now,
with rested lances, bearing of PENDENT hoopsnext,
with flashing scimetars Topping of the heads of fam
tastc automatons-and again, with hickory endgels,
knocking on knobs from projecting poles-altogether
great amusement to both the knights and the null
ttude AT the rear oil the track, the constant crack
ing oil muskets announced the rivalry OF targeshoot
ing In another place, the gymuastic feats of the
Turner's progressed in a manner which might shame
any circus, except that Of Spalding Rogers. For
arthe regular sports OF the day. Except the dancng)
M, " 0o'''es'sss
,rrs ana al rara ;n,r,o,sai,, ,,,.o,as "a s..n'
III ,ba ,,ntIio .ha.s &, ~, Gnu a."y
,antaa r., r. aa,a - ~
,,.;r ~ ch;,.la ;,,', 49, -
r,a,,;a r,,h,,.,a sJes, 's
as'o "o'"a,' '"o I'nop'in inns'fei pauus' sne ar
gun man, ana more other httie shows than we had
time to take note Of Here and there bands of merry
al -, .,...o ..;r. -,