The Potter journal and news item. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1872-1874, 1873-10-15
A Christmas Eve in Germany.

/ "a NuIiSInldS hV6 IN Germany.
Of all the numerous Christmas
gatherings at which | have assisted
in Germany, the most interesting
was that Of the Bergwcrk. the most
distinguished Of the numerous club
associations of the city wnere i was
residing. The members are either
artists or authors. 1t is called the
"Bergwerk,n or mime" its mem
bers are ''knappen," or master-w ork-
men. AS the most precious sub
stances Of the material world are
gained only through hard labor. SO
in the realms of intellect and art
treasures of thought and genius are
obtained only after much hard drudg-
ing and delving. In accordance with
the significance Of their name, the
members at their meetings adopt the
costume and phraseology of the
miners-each one throwing over his
coat-upon which often glitters more
than one decoration bestowed by
princely hands-a miners blouse
and placing upon his head a little
round cap with no ornament but a
gilt hammer and pick, the badge of
+ the society. In his hand he carries
a wooden hammer, and all express
sions OF appreciation are given by Il
vigorous rapping and humping up
on wooden block beside him. The
assembly presents most grotesque
appearance. the uninitiated would
hardly suspect the bright stars in
the world Of literature and art which
are hiding away under this curious
disguise.
! will premise that ladies are not
admitted to their weekly meetings.
1t is only the expansiveIy generous
influence of Christmas which induces
them, once a year, to throw out their
Sociecy's arms and embrace the fair
ones allied with its members.
Years ago. when the organization
was IN its youth and the miners"
brisk and lively, they gave, from
time 80 time. the finest balls Of the
season, which were often graced 10y
the presence Of the king and court:
but now they assert that although
there is great art in dancing well, it
is not the noblest art to pursue.
Each member is called a'.knappe,"
as | have said, but on admission to
the order he must be christened
anew-receiving some comical name
suggested by the peculiarities Of his
profession. Under penalty of fine
for violation Of the rule, these names
must be used by the members as
they address each other.
Some of these appellations are
very droll, perhaps a little sarcastic.
4 celebrated romance-writer, some
what ditfuse in his style, is called
the "Knappe Tintenklecks"-"Ink-
/ splash." A renowned violinist gets
no better name than 'Pizzicato;" a
singer is but "Kehlkopf''-Larynx;
wealthy banker. who in his leisure
hours dabbles with the muses., is
told, in the word ''Zahlwort," to look
TO his counters. An architect. under
whose direction some Of the finest
buildings in the country have been
erected, is christened "Shnorkel'-
Flourish. \ German savant, who
has more than once visited the icy
regions Of tue north, is dubbed ''Es-
quimaux." and the word Group"
keeps the poet-doctor constantly in
mind Of the responsibilities of his
profession. One of the greatest bari
tones that the world has ever known,
now retired into private life, has his
past triumphs brought to mind as
the members call out "Knappe Furi-
oso." Another musician, pianist,
whose weakness. if he has any, is a
leaning towards certain school
perhaps not over popular. is desig-