The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-05-22

THE GERMAN TrRNERS-Thc German
Turner's held their anniversary celebration
at Elba Park yesterday, III conjunction
with the Richmond Harmonic Society ana
their guests from Norfolk, Georgetown,
Washington. and Baltimore. Eiba Park IS
a pleasant rural retreat, at the western
terminus of Broad street, few hundred
wards beyond the corporate limits; 1t IS
probably better known to the citizens OF
Richmond as the former residence OF John
NJ. Bolts.
The Turner's assembled in front of Mon
ticcllo Hotel at 8 O'Clock yesterday morn
ing. and, headed by the Ambrccht Band,
marched to Virginia Hall, where they were
ioincd by the Harmonic Society. The two
associations then marched to Mohtlceilo
Hall. where their invited guests were III
waiting, and the entire party, after passing
through the principal streets, repaired To
Elba Park. Here they were met by
large number of ladies, who had already
assembled on the grounds. The command
was at once given to "break ranks" ana
the entire aSsemblage joined in innocent
amusvments, singing, dancing, promena-
ding, pitching quoitS, &C.. all apparently
intent upon
"Happiy blending mirth with melody"
About / O'Clock, member of one OF the
societies publicly announced that Mayor
Mayo had arrived, and requested him, on
behalf of the societies, to favor the assem-
blage with speech. In response to loud
calls, Mr.. Mayo took the stand and spoke
felicitously for half an hour or more. Mr..
Mayo stated that some gentleman IN the
crowd had been pleased to allude to nm as
the friend of the Germans. He was the
friend of the Germans but not OF the Ger
mans alone. He was the friend of all law
abiding citizens, and such he had always
| found the Germans to be. However, III
| his official capacity he did not recognize
personal friends, but endeavored on all oc-
casions to meet out even-handed justice 10
all without "fear, favor, or affection" In
conclusion, he stated that his friend, Mayor
Claiborne, Chief of Police, was present,
and better prepared to make a speech
than he (Mr. Mayo) was.
There were then loud calls for Major
Claiborne, who, in response, took the stand.
The Major said that as Mr.. Mayo was his
superior officer, he was compelled to obey
orders. and take the stand. He, however,
had no speech to make. He thanked them
for the honor they had conferred upon him,
and, in conclusion, spoke in complimentary
terms of the Germans who had settled III
our midst-they had proven themselves to
be an industrious, thrifty, law-abiding peo.
ple, and he was proud to say that he had
many warm friends among them.
| President F. Holle then delivered a
lengthy speech in German, which was lis
tened to with marked attention by all pre-
sent. He gave brief history of the for
nation of the Turner's Society in this city.
1t was, said he, something new, and there
were many difficulties to overcome. The
Society, however, Notwithstanding its many
drawbacks, lived through the war, and now
numbered some sixty members, all OF
whom took pride in it, and were punctual
In their attendance. He complimented the
zeal and efficiency Of the Master Turner's,
Messrs. Schott and Kempe, and, in conclu-
sion, alluded in feeling terms to the mem.
bers of the association who had been killed
in battle during the late war.
Mr.. EckhaFdt, Of Baltimore, next took
the stand, and spoke in German for about
an hour, the principal portion of his re,
marks relating chiefly to the condition 0,
the gymnastic societies In other cities, ana
the many improvements and acquisitions