The New York herald., 1872-11-18
SWISS INDEPENDENCE.

The Five Hundred and Sixty-ifth An.
nivcrsary-Thc Order OF the Three Mem
Greetings Exchanged by Telegraph-A
Grand Concert and BaIl-AppeaIancc
of the BanqucttinS Hall-Adsiresses.
The Swiss residents of this city last night cee-
brated their five hundred and siXty-fith anniver-
sary Of the independence gained on the memorable
day when Albert Furet, Arnold Won Melctha and
Werner Staufer, insigated by the patriot Tell,
met In the rocky pass of Grut to swear never-end-
ing hatred to the duchy of Austria which then ruled
Switzerland. The Swiss Confederation consists of
twenty-five Cantons The sovereign authority is
vested in the Federal Assembly, which consists Of
two Representative Chambers. Liberty of con-
science and freedom OF worship are enjoyed by ALL
and education Is generally diffused. In q cavern
near the Lake of Luzerne the three founders Of the
Helvetic COnfederacy are said, in Swiss tradition
to sleep. The herdsmen say that they lie there in
their antique garb in quiet slumber, and when
Switzerland is in her utmost need they will
awaken and regain the liberty OF the land. There
Is large secret ASSOCIATION spread all over
the United States called the "Order OF Grutli, or
the Three Men, whose present headquarters Is in
Washington, and the celebration that took place
last night at COburger Hail. 10 stanton street, was
under the auspices of the New York branch OF that
association. The decorations OF the banquet hall
were OF the most splendid description. The walls
were filled with the proper emblems OF each Can
ton ana large painting placed at the extreme end
S SSsth|"All for one, ana one for aH:S
evening, and a concert composed Of forty Tyrolese
singers opened the festival by national anthems
then the director OF the Society, Mr.. Fireabund adj
dressed those present. In the course of q long
speech he said:-"5di years have passed since
ranny in his native land. The memorable deeds ac
corded to the Swiss hero and his few but noble COM
panions who drove from the shore Of the tempestu-
GUS lake the boat oil the tyrant Gesler we celebrate
tonight, and am glad to such large gathering
Oh my cOuntrymen as is at present here. Switzer-
land, once elevated to freedom, put on that crown
which makes her seem always fair governed as 1t is
with simplicity Of customs, honesty frankness OF
heart, the full observance OF national laws and in
tcrnationa compacts on the Sth OF ia auary, 1908,
little after the ancestors OF the Grutli reunited
the Hevetian shepherds for the first time under
the auspices OF liberty our lOreathers invited them
to renew the sacred oath oil the 18th Of November
"One FOR all, ana all for one"-in defending the
rights OF the oppressed people. Here commenced
the chiyaric episodes of SwitZerand's history,
wherein the names of TELL Straugacher, Mecthal,
glorious and impressive. Other names OF our coun-
trymen have been transmitted In honor to our days,
and Will In all times be chronicled in the most
splendid pages OF Hevetlan history. AS the
popular demands were not complied with
dissatisfaction grew rife ana revolution impended;
imperial, royal and ducal thrones trembled or
fell. But the swiss republicans rose again to a
man, and, without giving the corrupt seed time to
replant ITSELF eradcated it efectualy and forever.
tremendous cheering.) The speaker resumed his
seat after much greeting from the fraternity. The
by band OF vocalists selected from
each Of the Swiss Cantons, then took place.
Several celebrated Swiss singers then sung
patriotic Swiss songs. Greetings were afterwards
exchanged by telegraph between the twenty eight
sections OF the Grand Vercin In the United States
The President then delivered brief address, after
which the sons and daughters OF the land OF Tell
joined In the merry dance with good prospects OF
keeping 10 up "till the wee sma' hours.0