Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1873-08-21
German Influence ON American Gus
toms.
From the Territorial (Nevada) Enterprise.

From the Territorial (Nevada) Enterprise
1t has been suggested that no other ma
tlonallty whose population form portion OF
clal an effect upon American habits and GUS
toms as do the Germans. This is rather a
broad assertion; but we must confess that
during the last decade an improvement has
been made in one particular, the credit for
which we must give the Germans 1t has
been noted, and if we recall the remembrance
OF the occasion, all will recognize the truth
OF the statement, that our public celebrations
have been of late conducted upon a system
totally different from the style of former
days. For instance, the late Fourth of July
was celebrated in far more quiet manner
than for many years. There was none the
less OF depth Of feeling and pure patriotism
manifested, but the exercises every where
were OF more sensible nature than has Of
ten been the case. There was less of useless
waste of money in fireworks, less of the
bombast in Oratjons that we used to witness,
less property and life lost in consequence of
too careless use of powder in its various
forms. The day was every where more
thoughtfully and sensibly enjoyed than when
we INDUCED in riotous celebrations. 1t is so
with nearly every anniversary that we COM
AAOAO1oC uC CFCut VIC uOuOT VI OC-
casion we cherish, is as affectionately and as
sincerely celebrated after the new style, as
when of old a boisteroHs demonstration was
made. Americans used to think that the
more gloriously drunk people became, the
more of braggadocio INDUCED in by our shall
low orators, the greater noise that was made
on these occasions, the greater honor was
paid to our national anniversaries Washing
tons birthday, Christmas, New Years and
other days recognized as holidays. We now
find rational enjoyments taking the place of
riotous debauchery and boisterous demonstra-
tions, and we can but recognize the fact that
our people, while they enjoy themselves as
much, reflect more in their pleasure than
they did of old. This is good sign, and it
can hardly be questioned that in this change
we approach the German customs in celebra-
tions. No nationality is faultless, but the
Germans know better how to enjoy pleasure
than almost any other people, and this enjoy
ment is generally intense as well as rational
and natural. If in the progress of years we
are learning lesson from our Teutonic fel-
low citizens, it is indeed good for us that
they are among us. We think that this fact
Is patent, and regard the change in this re-
spect as in the highest degree beneficial in
a moral and social point of view. AS an ex-
cnange remarks, ailudlng 10 our celeDrauOns
OF anniversaries, it is certain we have lately
learned to admire and to initiate the customs
of our fellow citizens of German birth, and
while we have never been able-even those |
Of US who are of German descent-to satisfy |
ourselves entirely with all of their habits, we
have nevertheless so far assimilated ourselves |
% them that we may admit the force of their
lirect influence on our national character. |
In other words, it is evident that we are be-
coming Germanized. The change may be
gradual, but no better indication of it is to |
)e found than in the manner Of present OBJ
ervance of anniversaries and the enjoyment
If festive occasions.