Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1871-11-22
INDEPENDENr SWITZERLAND.
Celebration offhe 56fth Anniversary OF
swiss Independence.

swiss Independence.
Yesterday evening the Swiss Society cole
of Switzerland, at Turner Hall. There was n
large audience of Swiss and American citizens
present The stage was draped with the Swiss
and American flags, and decorated with cedars
German band opened The exercises with "Me,
ridian Sun March, by Prof G.. II. Knabe
followed by Whispering of Love-" by
kunkel.
The American: National air to German words,
was then sung by the Society, Miss Katie
Staub presiding at the Piano.
Mr.. z. Staub, President of the Society then
made an Introductory address. They had
met to celebrate the 5G4th birth day Of ytzer-
land, the Oldest living Republic in the world.
The late Franco Prussan war was great trial
to Switzerland. Her protection was her brave
honesty and her honest bravery, He might
say that tho Swiss when they arrived here did
not have to learn how TO become orderly citi-
zens of Il republic. They had learned that be-
fore. They found in East Tennessee their Swift
erland. Mr.. Staubs 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 Glee 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 q mother. Switzerland
was small country, but the home of heroes
In the beginning of the 18th century some small
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 eXertcd an influence among
| the nations by her schools and learned men and,
also her religious influence.
| lie then referred to the kind treatment which
| the Swiss had received in this country.
| At the close of his address, Fatherland "
! was sung by the members of the Society
| Judge T. A. X. Nelson then delivered q short
! address He said that historians traced the spir-
! it of freedom which characterized the Swiss
| people back to the time of Hevetius. He spoke
of the contests and triumphs of the nation, their
great 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.
| The Alpine Horn " was rendered on the
| piano by Miss Katie Staub.
Rev. Mr.. Esperandieu then made very in
| teresting address in the French language, fol-
| lowed by music, "Trebelli Polka MaZurlla, -
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 body at the invitation of the
| Society.
After adjournment the hall was cleared fol
dancing, which was kept up until a late hour.