The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1870-04-28
What is the Turnverein ?

At a recent representation to the So
ciety of Turner's in Oshkosh, one of Its
members Mr.. Marin, gave an address
explanatory Of the objects of the Society,
from which we make an extract:
Nh. Marin commenced by stating the
object Of the gathering, which was the
Inauguration, as it were, of the Oshkosh
| Turn Eerein, and the conservation Of It's
flag. and said that he thought theoppor
| tut..ry was a good one to say a few words
on Turning and its objects. Nature has
gwen Us mind and body and it's our
du-y to cultivate and train these two gifts
and strive IL perfect their Development,
as near as may be. This is the aim Of
tile Turner Society, but has been the eff
| fort Of peoples and countries long before.
The O ,mpian games were the most
houored festivals of the Greeks, being
sad 10 have been founded by Hercules,
and being regarded in the light OF re-
Egious ceremony. Wars were stopped
du ing the celebration OF these games,
and their recurrence was used as meas
u = OF time, each period Of four years,
begH een the times Of celebrating the
games, beng called an Olympian.
as luxury began to enervate the Gre
clan character, these games fell into dis
use, but were afterwards revived and, as
proof Of the important position they
he'd. the name Of the reviver Of them
has been handed down, as matter Of his
tory.
Nlr. Marin, having noted the rise of
Turning in Germany, under Father jain,
then proceed ed:
But what, it may be asked, is Turning
good for? To this we answer, L rnlng,
un6er the directions Of trained and IN
tel gent teachers, exercises and develops
al parts Of the body alike, and brings
them to their most perfect physical con-
lion; added to this is the training and
strengthing Of the mind, by lectures, ETC.,
the two pursuits being united together
and blended as one. And this training
and cu.Gva0on Of mind and body, to-
geJhcr, conGuce as much to tie welfare
Of states, Is Of individuals, for people
that, neg.ectjug all personal culture,
abandon themselves to sioth and luxury
are on the road to ruin, as the history Of
the Pets.an, Greek and Roman Empires
show.
The fig so beautifully embroidered by
the ladies', with the symbols of our order,
is explanatory of the principles we pro-
fess y 10 loW. Its colors, Red and White,
denote Love and Purity, and a Turner
should love Purity and Innocence, and
abstain from what is low aud mean. The
Eage is type of strength, Nigor and
Freedom the Torch symboles the Prog
ress of Mind, and the Sword serves to
remind Turner that he must be ready
to defend his country if necessary, even
with the sword.
The motto we explain, as follows. A
Turner should be-
READY to overcome al difficulties, and
to do all good. =
FREE in disposition, from all prejudice
or party feeling in religion or politics, re-
garding no language, color, or place, OF
blrlh. Free from Bigotry, Free in word
and action.
STRONG, in both mind and body, to
endure and overcome the chances of Fate
as firm as rock in the sea. Strong in
good and strong to conquer all that is bad
and dangerous.
| TRUE he must be to himself and to his
principles, True to his country and her
Jaws, True TO Truth and Virtue.