Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-05-12


and attend many more Maifests in the
future.
MR.. JOHN A RoUsHs SPEECH,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends and Fellow
Citizens:
Another year is gone Another spring
has come, and we are here to welcome
its fairest first born child-gentle, blue
eyed May. The return Of spring among
all nations, from all time, has been
time of iestivity; it is a peculiar season
OF personal gsiety and social reunion
around the earth-a messenger from the
bounty Of Providence, Bearing signs of
His goodness and mercy-it is only q
fitting tribute we pay to Him in celebra-
ting this occasion and uniting in the in.
terchsnge of social concord with each
other AS the cold winds of winter lock
the earth in cold and deathlike en-
brace, while the animal forces seem
to sleep so gentle spring returning
awakes the blood pulse Of life, bedecls
the earth with grandeur aud beauty, bids
the field to bloom and smile and fills
the earth with praises and thankful joys
for the hopes that stimulates us for
another year in the common circle of
life.
Common to all races of people, aud
doubtless full of much pleasure to our
brethren of every kindred tie, yet to the
German heart the life and soul of the
Maifest is so peculiar to them that its
memories warns its Oldest and animates
its youngest. With them it is the ami
versary of good cheer and that good
will among all mankind, which make US
all akin. 1t is peculiar to us because it
is universal Think of the happy hours,
the pleasant memories and the pleasing
thoughts it brings to the gray-haired
sire and matron of happy and dear old
Fatherland, now dimly fading from
memory Think how it recalls scenes
familiar to your childhood and places
that may never be forgotten, although
there we are forgot Think of the
thousands in the old land of our
fathers who to-day join in the festive
enjoyments of the hour in commemora.
ton of the same day; of the good feel
ing and fellow friendship, and who, in
indulging in the same exhilarating
cheer, singing the same songs, forget all
care and remember with gratitude and
JOY that in the providence of God spring
times come but once a year-there ought
to be at least spring time to the human
heart Here labor lays down his imple-
ments, war casts aside his armor and
peace reigns supreme, the struggles of
life are forgotten, the memories Of disap.
pointments are buried and a generous
fraternity makes US feel on this bright
anniversary of our long loved Maitest
that all nationalities are of one blood,
one kindred. and one brotherhood.
There is room for all, and let it go forth
on the minds that we come here to-day
to shake hands with old friends, to re-
new past confidence, to forget our
wrongs, to forgive our enemies, celebrate
new friendship and to assure all man
kind that this beautiful spring day is q
free ovation TO the beautiful and the
good, the brave and the gay, and let us
join heartily in the glad welcome of this
Deautltul spring uay.
| have said the occasion is a peculiar
one; and it is eminently so with my Ger.
man fellow.citizens. Since last we met
in these beautiful woods the ships Of the
sea which bridge its waves have added
many thousands to the millions of this
glorious land New homes have been
built, new ties have been made, and the
kindred relationship Of the two coun-
tries have been made wider and stronger
In many vast sections Of the country
our Own language is taughtin the public
schools; our poets and philosophers are
read, our people honored and elevated
to high social and political standing, and
a universal public sentiment among all
classes of America not only recognize
the learning and patriotism of our
Fstherland, but generally welcome our
people to all the privileges of full and
free citizenship, according to us an eque |
devotion, for the advancement and pros
perity of common country. In every
great city on this continent the hammer
of the German mechanic is heard, the
German newspaper is read, aud German
thrift and enterprise contributes to its
growth and prosperity. Our nationality
is so absorbed by the generosity of the
great American people, and the ties
which bind US together are so harmonious
that we are blended into one great unity,
each loving and clinging to the memo.
ries of his native land with fondness and
pleasure, yet by choice are bound as one
people, emulous only Of one great ma,
tiosality.
We are as distinct as the bellows, yet
one as the sea.
On these anniversaries, so full Of good
cheer and happy reflections, we have
abundant reason to rejoice together and
be glad, It is good to be here. 1t is
cheering to meet our fellow-men in the
social circle, to join in the festal merri
ment, to mingle in the gaiety of the
hour, to twine the two great flags Of tvs
mighty people together in loving kind
ness-representing German progress
and American pluck 1t foretells fu
ture full Of history, and it points to grea
national prosperity, which brings peace
to all nations and individual prosperity
to all people. May we have many such
occasions, and may each returning Mai
fest bring with it cup for every lii
brimming full of kindness, for the days
I of "Auld Lang Syne."
Having spoken now longer than | in