Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1867-11-25
Great Gathering of the Germans

I
The Germans in America are prepar
ing for vast international Festival, il
which the Rife Clubs, the Singing Soci
eties and all the vast array of orchestral
unions of the Old World and the New
are to be reunited in the city of New
York in one mammoth exhibition OF
skill and emulation, such as the world
has never before witnessed. The details
of this magnificent festival, which have
already been decided upon, enable one
to form some conception of the entertain.
ment which is in preparation for the
American public. The project, compre-
hensive and splendid as it is, originated
about three years ago, at an immense
meeting of Sharpshooters from almost
every European country held in one of
the famous free towns in Germany. To
this nearly every Schutzen corps in the
United States sent delegation; and
after the usual rifle matches had ended,
with satisfaction to the contestants,
some one started the idea of inviting
the organizations of the Fatherland to
visit America. The idea, however, could
hardly take a practical form at that
time, owing to the still unsettled condi-
tion of public affairs and the derange-
-ments of social life caused by late
troubles; but since the United States
have resumed that aspect of external
tranquility, which, in spite of minor
troubles, it now really enjoys, our Teu-
tonic friends ON each side of the broad
Atlantic, have bestirred themselves to
bring the great scheme to brilliant is
sue. 1t must be candidly admitted that
that the German element of society in
the United States is one of the most
valuable and order-loving possessed by
any country on the face of the gloSs
Ordinarily intelligent, to large
extent well educated and we'll
informed, attached to the forms
and precedents of government
yet by no means inimical to progress and
improvement, they form a class of citi-
zens whom the descendants of older set
tiers may well receive with encourage
ment and welcome. And not alone in
this respect is their presence among us
to be viewed; for in receiving the bene-
fits of American citizenship, they had
communicated in return certain ideas
connected with their minor morals oflife
"a taste for simple pleasures, the judi
cious cultivation of art, and a refinement
in all the small but important economies
of society, which Americans have not
been slow to appreciate. Their ex-
ample in this respect has been of value
as an antidote to that somewhat morose
and gloomy tone of character which has
been thought to have its origin in New
England; but which in reality seems in
herent in the Anglo Saxon race; and
which four hundred years ago led the
keen French observer to remark of our
old country ancestors that "they took
their pleasures sadly To this mental
frame of the American element, the
Germans exhibit happy contrast,
which has been valuable as a corrective.
They look upon the world as an en-
joyable place; hunt after pleasures
without inordinate excitement; and mix
ing the bubbles of hilarity with the
dull waters of life, form draught that
stimulates and invigorates without ine-
briation. Their Liederkranz, their
Arion Societies. their Schuzten festivals,
their Choral unions, are all examples OF
this, and have been happy in their effect
upon society in our cities.-New York
World. III s..