The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-09-25
SANGER HALLE.
Dedfeatory Ceremonies
Yesterday.

Interesting Dedieatory Ceremonies
Yesterday.
THE COLORs HoIsTED AND POSSESSION
TAKEN-MUsIC, FLOWERS, AND BEAUTY
ADDRESS OF THE PREsIDENT-THE his
TORY OF THE SOCIETY REVIEWED
DANCING AND BANQUETTING-CoNG
ULAToRY LETTERS AND TELEGRAMs.
The Gesangverein Virginia took posses
sion OF their new building on Seventh
street yesterday. They flung their colors
to the breeze at noon. First was raised the
Society's banner, KesSnich's- band playing
Dixie; then went the, United States colors
to the tune OF the Star-Spanged Banner, and
then the German flag, while the heart Of
every son Of the Fatherland patriotically re-
sponded to the inspiring strains OF "Die
Watcht am Rhein." There were many
members OF the Association and numbers
OF other citizens present, but the ceremo-
nies were few and simple and did not in
clude any speeches.
Last night the hall was dedicated. A
procession composed OF the Acting Mayor
Judge Incredibly, reporters Of the press,
invited guests, and members OF the Asso-
citation, headed by kessnch's band, was
formed in the garden and moved out into
the street, and thence up into the hall,
where the formal ceremonies OF taking pos
session were conducted. The hall was
handsomely decorated with bunting and
pictures. The stage was bright with flowers
and prettily-set scene. The soft light OF
the handeIicr-lkened by Mr.. Siegel to
"intense moonlight "-shown down upon
- ft,l ny,1
gallant men. Bouquets were in the hands
OF the ladies and upon the lappels OF the
gentlemen's coats, and the air was fragrant
with tube-roses and geraniums.
What great folks for enjoying themselves
are these Germans They do as much
work and have more amusement than any
other people. When they take holiday or
have little social gathering or musical fes-
tiyal, they don't 60 about it in heavy,
awkward, numbering way like Americans,
but in an easy, graceful style that quite puts
to shame our poor efforts. Recreation
doesn't seem labor with them az with us.
They don't have to struggle to entertain
themselves, but drift along in a quiet
current OF enjoyment from the beginning
to the end. Such was the case last night.
The members OF the Gesangyerein Virginia
were happy themselves, and infused into
their guests something of the same spirit.
First they looked after their guests and
made them welcome. Then they made the
first night in the hall memorable for an en-
tertainment that was brilliant indeed, COM
bining, as it did, in admirable proportions,
superb music, the presence OF lovely women,
the delights OF the dance, and the soclablllty
Of the supper-table.
TIE MUSIC,
under the direction OF their skilful and
renowned leader, Professor G. l.. Slesel,
was OF that high order which might nave
been looked for from an organization which
has been so precminently successful in the
presentation of such operas as Der Frey
chutz and StradelIa. There were three
choruses with orchestral accompaniment,
and an overture by Kessnich's orchestra.
The finish and expression with which each
chorus was given attest most highly the
skill OF the director and the proficiency
Of the musicians. There was unity and
| accord, as also delicacy OF shading and
expression observable, which is the perfec-
ton OF chorus-singing, and altogether vir-
tues seldom attained, even by professionals
who have undergone the training OF years.
The chorus was composed entirely OF
male voices. The first piece sung was Abt's
I" Germans Song OF Victory" The next
was the "Dedication Song" The poem
was written by e.. A. Peple, ESQ.,, and the
music composed by Professor c. l.. Siegel.
The composition, we must say, was highly
meritorIous, and does great credit to the
composer. Its rendition was very fine,
and must have gaven satisfaction to the au-
tbors. a. the applause it called forth showed
how we'll it was received by the audience.
The
GEN OF THE EVENING
was the "Hymnus," grand composition
by Fl. M0hr. It was given with great eX-
preston and feeling.
Mr.. B. A. Brauer, on behalf Of the Build
| ing Committee consisting OF himself, DR..
G. A. Book, and George Klein, Esq, de-
| livered in a neat address the completed
building.
MIR. ii. g.. Miller, president OF the Socie-
ty, responded in behalf OF the Gesangve-
rein Virginia upon the reception OF the
new hall. He first addressed himself to the
Building Committee, complimenting them
upon the manner i'll which they had per-
formed the arduous duties committed to
their charge. He then spoke to the
Society in general, and gave a con-
else history of the Association from its
INCEPTION. He said that in 1850 the Ga
sangyerein Der Manerchor was instituted.
In September, 1851, it was rcOrganlZed
under the name Of ManerchOr, and in July,
1852, this last.named society was merged
into the Gasangverein Virginia, name
which it has born to this day. He wei
coined most heartily to their new hall the
members and invited guests who were pre-
sent. He showed what trouble the older
members had had, and under what vicissl-
tudes they had labored to establish
PERMANENT ORGANIZATION.
But, thanks to their perseverance and un-
tiring zeal, they had raised it to It's present
| dignity, and he was confident that II the
unity OF action which had distinguished
their course OF action in the past be strictly
adhered to their efforts would always be
crowned with success. Mr.. Miller con-
cluded by extending to all present cordial
invitation to attend any and ali festivities
that would be in future held there.
| After this delightful programme was COM
pleted the dance was begun, and continued
until
| THE BANQUET
was announced. A sumptuous repast, pre-
pared by MIR. Zimmerman, was greatly en-
| joyed, during which the following teIe-
grams and communications were read:
GOVERNORS OFFICE, September2 a, 1877.
Gentlemen,-I regret very much that
special and pressing engagements VIII deny
| me the pleasure of attending the twenty
| fifth anniversary and dedication OF the hall
OF the Gesangverein Virginia this evening.
Thanking you for your invitation, and
cordially wishing the prosperity o. your
Association, I have the honor to remain very
respectfully yours, JAMES L. kEMPER.
| The followino dispatch is from the Balti-