The New York herald., 1875-08-16
Tho LIberator of Germany.

The civilization of the New World seems a
thing of yesterday when we compare it with
the culture of the Old World. Europe has
created America, and this country is little
more than the fine clay out of which the great
souls of past times are, by their influence,
moulding the statue of the future. America
is what Europe has made it, yet it may be that
in the future our achievements may become
the model for the action of the Old World.
To-day, in the Thuringian forest, near
Detmold, the German nation will pay due
hOpors to one of its EARLIEST and noblest
heroes. The name of Hermann is almost
NEUROLOGICAL, yet enough remains in history
to show that when Rome had conquered
nearly all of the world known to Imperial
Caesar, the Germans produced hero who
repelled the tide Of southern victory and
vindicated the courage and patriotic spirit of
his countrymen. This was Hermann, the
hero whose deeds will be to-day commemo-
rated by Germany after nearly nineteen CEN
turies of comparative oblivion. Phis was the
man who, when Rome was supreme, justified
the independence Of his nation. To the
classic historian of Rome all the German
tribes were but barbarian but Hermann led
his countrymen to victory and united them
against all the world
The history of this struggle, its national
character and its personal results are else
where fully related. Through the dim mists
of time we family discover the outlines Of a
heroic man. At atime when the outlaw or
the rebel might take ''the wings of the morn
ing" yet fly in vain from the outstretched
arm Of the all-compelling Caesars, Hermann
united the barbarian tribes of the Cherusdi
and their allies triumphed over Caesar him
self. 1t was a fight for Fatherland. 1t
was resistance against imperial aggression.
The Germans, whom the Roman policy had
endeavored either to conquer or disunite, were
combined together by the genius of one man,
who hurled their united force against the
master of the world The Romans were de-
feated among the mountains of the German
country. Varus, their general, plunged upon
his sword. Hermann triumphed, and in
Rome Augustus Caesar trembled in his pal
ace when he knew the Northmen were free,
and cried in his anguish and terror, ''Varus,
Varus, give me back my legionsp'
The glimpse we have of this hero, whose
deeds his countrymen celebrate to-day, is i'm
perfect; but it is like the sun seen through
deep clouds, obscured, it is true, yet not
wholly concealed. The brightness of a COM
manding soul bursts through the veil of time.
Hermann was undoubtedly a born leader,
and his mission was to unite the divided
tribes of Germany. To-day his people
may celebrate in Thuringian shades,
and near the scene of his victories,
his triumph over Rome, with all the
more fervor because of the recent union of
Germany. Rome is no longer the spiritual
monarch of Germany, as she was of old its
temporal ruler. The statue raised in
honor of the hero who lived nearly two
thousand years ago is consecrated also to the
purpose of the people of to-day
Germany may well be proud of this event;
but when Detmold and its neighborhood is
thronged to-day let the people remember
that there is something more important than
even the hero worship of the past 1t is the
idea of the future. Hermann fought for the
independence of Germany and repelled
Rome. The Germans of to-day, while they
honor their traditional hero, should re-
member that though they give him
a statue they should give freedom their
hearts Hermann united Germany, but who
in this age proposes to unite her in the
service of the people? Hero worship is of
little good to a nation, unless the ancient fire
kindles the modern purpose. But no celebra-
ton such as that which will be held to-day
the heroism Of the past is to prepare the way
for the national triumphs of the future.