Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-11-24
GATHERING OF THE NATIONS

Projected Meeting Of the FadeFIanders
fn America-UniversaI Congregation
of ShRrpshOOters, Singers, ChOfrs
and Gymnasts.
The Germans in America are preparing
for vast international Festival, in which
the Rife Clubs, the Singing Societies and
all the vast array of orchestral unions of
the Old World and the New, are to be re-
united in the city Of New York in one
mammoth exhibition of skill and emu
lation, 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 concep-
ton Of the entertainment which is in
preparation for the American public. The
project, comprehensive and splendid az 1t
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 Of Germany
To this nearly every Schutzen corps in the
United States sent delegation aud, after
the usual rife matches had ended, with
more or less satisfaction to the contestants,
some one started the idea of inviting the
organizations of the Fatherland to visit
America. Theidea, however, could hardly
take practical form at that time, owing
to the still unsettled condition of public
affairs and the arrangements OF social life
caused by late troubles but since the
United States have resumed that as
pect of external tranquility, which In
spite Of minor troubles, il now really en-
Joys, our Teutonic,friends on each eide Of
the broad Atlantic, have bestirred them
selves TO bring the great scheme TO a
brilliant ISSUE II must be candidy ad-
mitted that the German element Of society
in the United States is one of the most
valuable and orderloving possessed by any
country on the face of the globe. Ordi-
narily intelligent, 10 a large extent well
educated and well informed, attached TO
the forms and precedents of government,
yet by no means inimical to progress and
improvement, they form class of citizens
whom the descendants of older settlers may
well receive with encouragement and vel
come. And not alone in this respect il
their presence among us TO be viewed; for
in receiving the benefits of American citi-
Eenship, they had communicated in return
certain ideas connected with the minor
morals of life-a taste for simple pleasures,
the Judicious cultivation Of art, and a re-
fnement in all the small but important
economies of society, which Americans
have not been slow TO appreciate Their
example in this respect has been of yalue
as an antidote 10 that somewhat moTose
end 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 ex-
hibit happy contrast, which has been
valuable as a corrective.
To bring all these different American
German societies face to face with kindred
societies Of the old world, in one grand
stirring combination Of mutual rivalry is
the object of the present magnificent move
ment. In spite of the political contest
next summer, the recent elections are a
guarantee that our national welfare will in
It's wonderful development meet no
hindrance or obstacles Of serious char
scter; and the cautious policy Of Victor
Emmanuel leaves the world not entirely
without hope that the peace of Europe
" dhu Tue Siouu OF VIII
dispelled which for a while overshadowed
the new German empire Bismarck is en-
deayoring TO consolidate The times are
suspicious; and a more promising era
could hardly have been selected for as
semblipg in this the cosmopolitan city of
New York a vast international assemhlage
of this description. The preliminary ar
engagements for the celebration are already
being discussed among the leading pro
motors Of the grand scheme the Atlantic
cable is now the medium. Of many n COM
muaicstion between these parties, and
already the preparations have taken
such shape that they appear to
be fully justified in asserting such a cele-
bratlon has never before been witnessed in
the world; and that apart from the maize
rial attractions Of the Paris exhibition orr
New York International Scbutzenfest and
Gesangverein will be Of character WORTH
to compare with that immense catherine
Of the peoples. Primarily theobiect Of the
scheme is TO bring into friendly corppet;.
ton the riAemen Of the world and thoupb
the inception Of the idea is entirely due 10
German compatriots, and its active man
agement is and will be solely in thei,
hands, they cordially invite the co.opers
ton of the sharpshooters OF every conn.
try. Nothing in the shape Of exclusivspes,
will receive liberation French, English
Prussian, Austrian, SWISS, American. and
ali other nationalities will be taken bv the
hand, and have the right TO contend fol
every prize upon equal terms. The pros.
pective statistics of such festival as tha
in contemplation seem almost bewiIderinf
when the subject is briefly examined
OF the number above indicated, ther'
will probably be twenty-five Thousand
sharpshooters, and about fifteen thousand
gymnasts or turner's; as many more cho
risters. and probably from three 20 foui