The New York herald., 1875-08-17
Arminius.

modern nations and peoples can find fit ex-
preston only in the celebration of some
typical event. In America we are now cele-
brating the Centennial of the early battles
which brought independence TO the colonies
and made us a nation. Ireland, seizing an
occasion less important in ITSELF but not less
significant when we consider the purpose
which gave life and meaning to the festivi-
ties, has just utilized the hundredth ami
versary of the birth of O'Connell to celebrate
the achievements of the Liberator. In both
cases the perpetuation of what had been
gained inspired the celebration In America
it was political independence and in Ireland
religious emancipation which had been
achieved but in neither case was it the
actual event which served as the occasion
that was commemorated. These centennials
are the embodiment of q national idea, the
past being recalled merely to express the
sentiments and feelings, hopes and purposes
at the bottom Of the national life. Germany,
in the same manner yesterday celebrated an
/ event old as the dawn of Christianity, and
recalling the struggles Of the barbarians
with the disciplined legions of the
Roman Empire under the first of
the Caesars, but equally full of the modern
purpose to which all history is a con-
tribution. Hermann, the Cheruskan, is sim
ply the type of German unity. For centu-
ries he was a mere hero of romance and it
was not until a strong national feeling took
possession of the German mind that the Ar
minus of the Romans became a reality in
the Hermann of Germany. AS he was the
first to bind the tribes together he becomes,
after the lapse of more than eighteen hun
dred years, the apostle of German unity, and
a statue is raised to him as the embodiment
of the national idea. All this is proof, not
so much of such trite maxims as that
History repeats ITSELF" nor even of the no
ton that the present can find lessons of wis
dom in the experience of the past, as of the
disposition Of the modern world to make the
heroes and events of the past the embodi-
ment of the sentiments and aspirations of the
present. Germany in the nineteenth century
would care but little for the deeds of the
hero who overcame the legions of Rome if
the spirit which inspired him had not been
identical with that which moves the German
people to-day. Hermann, the Liberator is
more completely the representative of their
present thoughts than any other hero of their
history and so it happens that statue is
raised to him at Detmold, and the whole ma
ton assemblies to do honor to his memory
and his deeds.
If we turn for a moment from the consid-
Grafton of the purposes of this celebration to
the contemplation of Arminius as a historical
parsonage, we shall find him one of the fair
est characters drawn by the Roman historians
of the enemies of Rome Neither romance
nor tradition gives us hero in whom are so
evenly blended both virtue and valor Ar
min, the barbarian, learned all the graces
and all the arts of Roman civilization without
losing either his patriotism or his prowess. He
acquired skill in arms in the camps and cam
paigns of Tiberius He was Roman citizen
and commanded German contingent in the
camp of Varus His culture must have been
as great as his genius to have commended
him to the esteem Of chief who, though
not great soldier, was the first gentleman
of the Roman Empire. He was, besides, even
while serving the conqueror, the favorite of
his countrymen and the hope of his country.
Young, ardent brave and skilful, trusted in
the Roman camp and loved by the German
auxiliaries and the German people, he was
of all others best fitted to essay the task he
undertook 1t was his mission to unite
the tribes and conquer the conqueror.
Having entered upon his work no OBJ
stacles could deter him, nor could treachery,
even, swerve him from his purpose. Begin
ming his attack while the legions were on the
march, he continued it until they were over
come and destroyed. Even at this day the
battle ranks with the great battles of history.
1t was full of dramatic incidents, and was as
far-reaching in it's consequences as Sadowa
or Sedan. II was an event that will endure
forever, not in history only, but in the hearts
of the German people. Germany was born
among the nations in this three days
slaughter of the Roman legions; and although
Rome would not forego her hold upon her
transalpine possessions the power of the
Empire was shattered forever, and even the
triumph of Germanicus was barren honor.
All this was tho work of ono man. and the
worlds annals tell of no brighter achieve
ment. After eighteen centuries of vicissi-
centuries OF. darkness and new and
long era of light and progress-the victory of
Arminius is undimmed in the pages of his
tory, and years only add to its lustre. Indeed
we see this morning that the splendors of
modern warfare, the triumphs of national
unity and the growth of political freedom all
] contribute to his renown and make him anew
the apostle of German nationality.
The celebration nt Detmold was one Of
great significance. Well might the Emperor
of Germany and the princes and magnatcs
of the Empire take part in such pageant.
In honoring the Liberator they were honor