The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1872-06-19

degree OF success or Wnlcn many an OrganlZa'
tion older than yourselves might well be proud
The German rifle clubs 10 the United States
are of comparatively recent origin. When,
eighteen years ago, q few gentlemen 10
Charleston conceived the idea of finstituting the
schniZeniest. many shook their heads. doubtful
of success. But our courage did not foil. The
SchutZenfest look place, on small scale, to
be sure. but it met with such appreciation
that it at once led to the permanent organl.
izalion of our society, and our festivals find
more and more appreciation year alter year
with all classes Of our cilizens, In proof OF
which need only state that our Irish fellow
citizens In Charleston, three weeks ago, held
Schutzenfest of two days duration. 1t ls
certainly Que OF the most pleasing character
istics of the German nature that wheresoever
his fLful fate may carry him, he holds fast 10
man cheprfnlness, mirth and jollity. In our
dear cid Vaterland the Schutzen Guilds. as
they were formerly called, have been In ex-
istence since The middle ayes, and We're found
ed by the burghers OF the town, principally to
oppose the expressions OF the robber knights
But it Is only during the last thirty or forty
years, while intercourse has been greatly ia
cililaued by means of railroads aud steam
boals. that a closer bond has united the
several societies. and I venture 10 assert
that the Schnizen Gesellschaften contrib
uted in no small degree 10 the general desire
for unity in the old Fatherland, and to MAX
lug Germany what she Is to-day-not only the
first IN art and science, but also the most pow
erful nation of the world when the defence Of
German honor and German territory against
rapacous encroachments OF her neiGhbors is
required My friends, 1t is not my purpose to
make long speech on this occasion. No, Mr..
President, have much more grateful task
before me. I have the honor, In the name OF
the German Schulzen Geselschatt cf Charles
ton 10 present 10 you this chain as feeble
token OF our 1--we. esteem aud friendship. 1t
worn by the Schulzen king during The period
OF his reign, and hope tnat every
time when this chain Ia handed over
from one king to his successor, these
friendly feelings, which now exist between
the Sc6utzan OF Charleston and Savannah, will
be renewed. also tender you this medal,
the inscription upon which explains It's object.
It is inscribed, "To the first king of the
youngest Schulzen Gesellschaft, Savannah,
Ga, from the oldest Schutzen Gpsellschaft In
Charleston, S. c., June II, 1872" May these
gifts be received as they are rendered, with
warm and friendly hearts.
The captain was interrupted by frequent ap-
pause, and at the conclusion the enthusiasm
eliminated In three rouslng cheers for the
Savannah SchutZen, which was responded 10
with vim.
President Elsinger took The beautiful and
valuable presents which have already been de-
scribed in detail In The NEWS. and said that,
Judging from the workmanship, an accom-
plished artist must have made the chain, Mr..
Fischer was here seen positively 10 blush.) 1t
was made of strong and lasting material, and
he hoped that the love of the Savannah for
the Charleston Schuizen would continue until
even our festivals themselves had passed out
of mind.
These speech-makings and long listenlngs
had an effect upon the participants and the
collation. which was next placed
upon the long tables was dla Iussed with an
appreclatlve appetite. The floor was then
cleared of the debris of the feast, and, the
music being called once more Into reqnlstion,
the votarles of Terpschore began their matu-
tinal offerings upon The shrine of that light
footed muse. This formed the focus of at
traction lor the rest of the day. A short time
before the threatening clouds had opened
heir wounds, and for i've hours the rain de-
3cended with diluvan copiousness. From one
stand to another the schulZen could hurry
across, but shootingIwas out OF the question,
and all focked TO the dancing hall and spent
the day.
Abont three o'clock the showers became
ess frequent. and the rain gradually abating,
oreparaI Ions for the shooting began. There
1ected with the shooting stand by twine bell
pulls. The early morning had been spent
10 cutting the brush aud branches of trees
rom the course, aud four targets being now
ready the shooting began. Many OF the rifles
others hung fire, and little or no
shooting was done. Only few bulrs.eyes
were made. The eagle was also placed 10
position on q tree about one hundred and
seventy wards from the stand. A brisk fusilade
was kept up at the crown OF the poor bird. but
beyond q piece of the ring. which was knocked
from Its mouth by rfeman, ils fair proper
tions were preserved until the evening hour
put an end to the firing. All then went to the
dance hall, where the festivities began alresh
with new strength, and were kept up until
long alter dark.
The attendance at the grounds, besides the
clubs and families of the members, was very
small. This was, doubtless, owing to the rain
and the insufficient means OF conveyance to
and from the fest. All present, however, had
q Jolly good time, and bright anlicipations are
In for tomorrow, which will pSoba-
bly, be realized If Old Sol consents to lend his
10 The sports. W.