Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1871-11-18
INDEPENDENT SWITZERLAND.
celebration Ofthe 564th Anniversary of
Swiss Independence.

Yesterday evening the Swiss Society cele-
DRAFTED the 664th anniversary of the Republic
OF Switzerland, at Turner Hail. There was a
largo audienca.of Swiss and American citizens
present. The stage was draped with the Swiss
and American flags, and decorated with cedars,
nterspersed with appropriate notices. The
German band opened the exercises with "Me-
ridian Sun March," by Prof G. r. Knabe.
followed by ''Whispering of Love-" by
Kunkel. -
The American: n RATIONAL air to German words,
was then sung by the Society, Miss Katie
Staub presiding at the Piano Pee
Mr.. 2. Staub, President of the Society, then
made an Introductory address, They had
met to celebrate the 664th birth day of STitzer-
land, the Oldest living Republic in the world.
Tho late Franco-Prussian war was great trial
to Switzerland. Her protection was her brave
honesty and her honest bravery. He might
say that the Swiss when they arrived here did
not have to learn how to become orderly cit-
fore. They found in East Tennessee their Switz-
erland. Mr. Staub's address was followed by
music from the society.
Mr.. o. Benziger then delivered an address in
the German language. followed by Free Born
Switzers," by the Alpine Cleo Club.
Rev. +. Esperandieu delivered an address in
the English language. They were Americans
and no longer Swiss. Though far from Switzer-
land they loved her as mother Switzerland
was a small country, but the home of heroes
In IHe organizing Oh Tic lfLn century SOuc SIndIl
States formed an alliance. Austria sent Gov
ernors to oppose the people. Everybody knew
the story of William Tell. After many hard
struggles they broke the oppressors chain.
Switzerland had exerted an influence among
the nations by her schools and learned men and
also her religious influence.
He then referred to the kind treatment which
the Swiss had received in this country.
At the close of his address, " Fatherland I"
was sung by the members of the Society.
Judge Z. a. r. Nelson then delivered short
address. He said that historians traced the spir-
it of freedom which characterized the Swiss
people back to the time of Helvetius. He spoke
of the contests and triumphs of the nation, their
great men and their distinctive traits of character
which last those who had come among US still
retained.
Mrs. A. Barton then sang, with piano accom-
paniment =" The Swiss Alpine Song" which
was rendered very finely, and was received with
rounds of applause.
VIM. A, Henderson, Esq, was next intro
duced, and, among other things, spoke of the
mighty nations which surrounded Switzerland !;
how she had maintained her integrity against
them all, and expressed the hope that she might
exist until every monarchy which surrounded
her should crumble away ,FEE-r
The Alpine Horn " was rendered on the
piano by Miss Katie Staub. r# Et3IsIl
Rev. Mr.. Esperandieu then made very in
teresting address in the French language, fol-
lowed by music, "Trebelli Polka Mazurka,"
by II; Roubier, performed by the German band,
which concluded the exercises
The Mayor and Board of Alderman, after the
adjournment of the City Council, attended the
meeting, in a body at the invitation Of the
Society
After Adjournment the hall was cleared for
dancing which was kept up until a late hour.