The national Republican., 1867-08-15
German Turner Festival at Bos-

ton.
| The third annual festival OF The German
Turner Societies Of Massachusetts, and
Rhode Island began on Sunday at Boston,
with a steamboat excursion down the har-
Dor. The Boston, Providence, Worcester,
Lawrence and Springfield Turnverein were
represented. The Boston Journal gives
the following history Of the Turner organ
ization in this country:
"The first Turner Society in America
was established in New York in l843, and
others were speedily formed in Boston and
elsewhere, both North and South. At FIRST
the institution was confined to the teaching
and practice Of bodily exercises conducive
to physical development, but II soon as
sumed higher scope without neglscting
its original object. Schools we're estab-
lished, and various other means were taken
toward general advancement and improve
ment. The coequal relation Of muscle and
mind was recognized, and physical devel-
opment and mental culture were alike
encouraged.
"a newspaper devoted to the interest Of
the Turner'S was established at Cincinnati,
called the Turnzeitung. Slavery carried
dissension into the ranks Of the Turner's,
as into everything else, although the pc
culiar institution could not be otherwise
than in direct variance from the we'll
known principles Of the organization which
from the first had been arrayed on the
side Of liberty against despotism. The
Southern members refused TO subscribe
for and sustain their Cincinnati organ, and
1t was at length suffered to die. When
the late war broke out the Turner's Of the
North were among the first to enroll them
selves individually In defence Of their
adopted coantry's flag. There was strong
German element in our army, and the long
lists Of slain contained many unpronounce-
able names which attested TO the patriot
ism and courage Of these men. The Tur.
ner-Bund was for the time being almost
completely borken up, and its operations
entirely suspended. No festivals were
held, and exercises with the musket took
the place Of the ordinary and more peace.
full gymnastic evolutions. With the ap.
proach OF peace came q resumption OF the
operations Of the Turnvereins, and the or
ganization is now in as fourishing state
as ever.
"The Turner-Bund Of America mum
bers about one hundred hnd fifty societies
Its headquarters are in New York, ant
Mr.. Metzner, Of that city, is its president
A national festival is held once every two
. years, and 'tagsatzung' or meeting
every alternate year. These festivals are
attended by delegations from the different
societies in various parts Of the country
and by whole societies, and prizes are Of
fered for proficiency in gymnastic exer
cises. There was festival two years since
in New York, and another this year in
Baltimore. Theintermediate meeting was
held in St. Louis, and that for 1868 will
, take place in this city. The various loca
. and district organizations generally holt
annual festivals, lin pursuance Of which
practice the present gathering takes place.
The UnSere Zeit, Of Cincinnati, is the pres
ent organ Of the Turner'S.
GAS stated above, the headquarters o
the Turner Bund in America is at presen
in New York, but they are subject Il
; change once in two years. The affairs o
the Bund are managed by the Vorort
which is committee Of seven person
chosen from the city or district where tn
headquarters for the time being is located.