New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-05-10
THE DRUIDs' FESTIVAL
MR.. SAMBOLA'S SPEECH on DRUIDS
EEyOYMENTS AT THE FAIR GROUNDS

/
cession of the various groves, which as
sembled in Lafayette Square. Thence the,
marched through the principal streets
Prominent among the citizens who ap
peared In the procession were George H
Pabst, R. H. Schmidt, Anthony Samoola
George G. Stronger, George 3. Ebelin
and others too numerous to mention.
They proceeded to the Fair Grounds
where celebration and picnic were held
the object OF which was TO raise funds t
| properly receive the Grand Grove of the
! United States, which is to meet here in De
cember next. The object was highly sue
cessful. The beautiful weather and the
popularity OF the Druids contributed tc
make the occasion succeed financially and
otherwise. Arrived at the Fair Grounds,
by Mr. Anthony Sambola, who spoke as fol-
lows:
Ladies, Gentlemen and Fellow mem bers:
l have received with no ordinary pleasure
the HatterlDG invitation tYtended to me TO
deliver an address on this occasion, but
regret that teel incompeten Mt to do Justice
TO your wishes, and to di.poee in a salts
factory manner the duty which your indul-
gent kindness has thought proper to honor
me with. | shall be brief. for you have not
come here TO listen to orators and discourses,
but TO take part in the amusemenls provi-
ded by the committee of this festival.
am expected presume, 20 treat on the
suggestive theme of Druiuism, and to an
swer the question, what is the Druidism of
modern times2 Why is there such an insti-
tuition? Why is it so called2 and what
possible relation Can it bear to ancient
Druidism?
To answer all this would b, to enter into
an explanation aud defence of modern
charitable and beneficial societies. Fortu-
nately, there is no such necessity. They
speak for themselves. or rather their deeds
speak for them. and they need no defense.
ask the widowed and the fatherless, the
sick and helpless, who have ie; their benefi.
cent influence, for defense. and they will
vouchsaie 1t If necessary. But the voice of
pubic opinion dlspenses us from any such
task.
Modern Druidism then belongs to the
class OF secret benevolent societies, and ii
simply adheres in Il portion of its emble-
matte mysteries TO the outline or model Of
the ancient Druids. These were priestly
sect. 10 whom WAS attributed not only the
power. but they were conceded 10
Possess much skill and knowledge in medi
cine and law. Doubtless upon these subjects
they had their full share of earthly wisdom,
SIS much. at least, as it WAS the lot of men in
that age tOkuOw.
We have adopted their mystic titles. and
have associated with their use a; private
mark in n.ended only to prevent imposition or
int usioD by the uuinitlated; for we have in
associating into this order entered into
compact only with those who have en-
tered and contributed 70 build up cur insti-
tuition.
TIE institution of Druidism, which led
70 the present order, was first proposed in
England in 1883 By a Mr.. Hurle. He pro
posed social AID benevolent club Of that
name, with no concealed secrets or mys-
teries except those apper rtaiuing to the cere-
mOpy Of Initiation and the forms of entrance
and recognition. No concealed objac;s or
purposes were ever Intended or introduced.
The Institution OF Druids in England grew
With years, at times enj Jying great prosper.
ty, and depression at other times. But it
always maintained a CONTIGUOUS organiza-
ton, or rather several OF them fCrit divided
into several separate and iodependen: or
leTs, some of which again reunited. Among
he most powerful are the ''Order Of Dru |
ds," with which We are now in union. aud |
the United Ancient Order of Drulds,' with |
which We formerly maintained relations, |
now unfortunately broken eff There We're |
1t one time twenty seven different orders |
# Drui1s in England, but the mum Der is now |
much reduced by consolidation. Let it not |
De supposed, however, that its prosperity or
lum bers have been reduced thereby; Gu the |
the effect has been to make it |
more powerful than ever.
The transplanting of Druidism in America
Vas by two organizations, one in New York,
~ English Druids, and one in Baltimore. |
,y Thomas Wiidey, an English Druid and
llso the founder of American Odd Fellow
hip. Both these organizations continued
,r resumed their activity 80 as to become
permanent. That in New York however did
lot spread; that of Baltimore did, so that it
s The germ and founder of American Druid
SIN. In due time Grand Grove Of the
United States Was formed, controlling now
bout one hundred and fifty Groves. of
which. say twenty-five, are in EUglish, and
he balance are German. The latter have
contributed great vig0r and effectiveness Of
organization to the society.
SUme fourteen or ff-efn years have oc-
urred since it was transp'anted in Louisi
la. Magnolia, Oak, Pioneer and Goethe
iroves were formed, aud the representa-
ives Of these formed On the eighth Of Deem.
er, 1857, the Grand Grove of Louisiana,
Tbich still rules over the destiny of the
,rder in this State, subject TO the jurisdic-
ion OF the Grand Grove OF the United States.
ince lis organization it has lost Pioneer
ireve by dissolution, but il has added other
nd bright jewels to lis casket, such rs Mis-.
81, Perseverance, Esperanzs, Mislletoe.
'rient, Gcrmania and other groves, ali of
'hicb still exist and contribute to form a
onpact and powerful jurisdiction to the
rand Grove Vt louisiana. The order has
pread from here to Mobile, Alabama, and
Holly Springs, Mississippi, and will event
Il ly spread over both of those States, as
ell as Louisiana. and also to and through |
le great State Of Texas. !
So stesdfsst and faithful have been the
ruids of New Orleans, ana so regular and
ell directed their work, that the Grand
rove of the United States has varied for
nee, its usual time of annual convocation, ;
nd agrees to meet with Us at a season (the
stth OF December next) when it will suit
} to give them a handsome as well rs warm ,
ld heartfelt reception. We wish to do our. !
Ives credit on tina, ocGasion-tO make it
g worthy of US and OF them, and our
t. ent celebration, aside from their social
ID festive object has for its purpose to t
Use funds to defray the unusual expenses I
hich will necessarily be incurred.
But cur objects and purposes, as before !.
marked, need 30 defense, and but little ]
ucidatioD, for know you, or 1t least most
you, understand them perfectly. Go on,
en- with your happy festivities; let mirth 4
Id good feeling abound, and let my already 9
o long address come to close so AZ no
rther TO preclude the appropriate enjoy. {
ent oi the day which has brought US to- i
tber" n
Dir. Sambola was succeeded by George Ii. t
bst, Grand Arch of the State of Louisiana,
40 addressed the assembly in the German
pguage. r
bIr Hi iizfeld, of Tennessee. a representa- g
'e fom tha. State in the grand council of :
"a, oroa A rc1, nrn;1s Of tho TInifod 2tafau |