Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-01-13

Reunion OF Soldiers and Fire
men-A Brilliant Scene and a
Sumptuous neutrality-suspicious.

We were aprophet true, In our predic-
tions that the grand reunion ball of the
German Volunteers and the Werner Hook
and Ladder Company at s.. Andrews Hall
last evening would prove q brilliant and
successful social event.
The evening was delightful, the moon
shone brightly, the air was crisp and inFigor-
ating. and In fact everything was favorable
for large attendance at the ball, the prep
arations for which had engaged the atten-
ton and labors of an efficient committee for
some days.
The hall was very handsomely decorated,
and the artistic arrangement OF the flags OF
tee different nations in festoons reflected
credit upon the taste of the decorative COM
mittee, Lieut.. j. H. Helmken, Corporal R.
Schneider, aud Private George Meyer.
At an early hour Of the evening the hall
beganto fill NJ, and by nine O'Clock there
was goodly gathering OF pleasure seekers.
A fine band of music had been engaged, and
when the duleet strains of waltz were
heard, the floor was quickly occupied with
dancers, and from thence on to the midnight
hour time wore on rapidly and pleasantly.
The occasion of the ball was the celebra-
tion Of the thirty-fifth anniversary Of the
fOAuAlCCtot anu IL woo . AoRRy eAOAS
that suggested the reunion of the Werner
Hook and Ladder Company. The gallant
Werner, in whose honor the company
is named, was popular officer OF the
Volunteers, and Yielded up his life in de-
Tense of his Southern country in the memo
rable siege of Battery Wagner, and the
interests and history of the organization are
thus closely connected. Thereunion IN this
social manner attested the fraternal feeling
existing between the soldiers and the fire.
men, who have so much In common. 1t is
therefore not to be wondered that the affair
under such auspices was so hattering sue
cess.
Among those present we noted many
members of other organizations, some in
uniform, others in citizens dress, nearly
every company in the city being represent
ed, and Col. G. w. Anderson, of the First
Regiment, and nearly his entire staff were
numbered among the guests. We also OBJ
served mingling In the throng numbers of
our city officials, Aldermen Purse, Bqllan-
tyne, Blum, County Commissioner NJ. II.
Meyer, who, by the way, is the only sur
vivor of sixty -siX members who paraded
with the German Volunteers, On the Sth of
January, 1876, when he was First Sergeant
of the company. Mr.. Anthony Basler is the
next Oldest living member, but he was pre-
vented from being present by serious indis-
position.
Both organizations, the Volunteers and
Werners, ia uniform, were out in force, and,
with their numerous lady friends aud other
guests, made up an attractive and joyous
gathering.
About twelve O'Clock the grand march
was played, the usual procession was form
ed, and after several tours Of the spacious
hall, filed out aud assembled to the upper
rooms, where a very sumptuous banquet
had been spread by the well known
caterer, Mr.. Jno. +. Weihrs. After the com
pany had been seated, and amidst pleasant
converse, the bountiful spread Of substan-
tials and delicacies had been discussed, at
tention was called, and Capt. John Derst,
the popular commander of the
Volunteers, and the efficient Chair
man of the joint committee,
inaugurated ''the feast of reason and the
flow of soul'' by calling upon some of the
distinguished guests. Pertinent and happy
remarks were made by ex Captain Henry
Blum, of the Volunteers, Colonel Clifford
w. Anderson, D. G. Purse, ESQ.,, and others,
all of whom were heartily appiauded. These
pleassntries ended, the party returned to
the ball room, where the dancing was
resumed and continued, as many other social
affairs OF the Volunteers and Wer-
ners, until the "wee smA' hours"
Long will the occasion be re-
membered by all who were present
as among the most enjoyable of their social
experiences The entire affair was admira-
bly, managed, and for the general enjoy
ment derived those present are indebted to
the efficient joint committee, who had
worked so earnestly and to such purpose,
composed of the following gentlemen:
Captain John Derst, Chairman; H. w.
Rail, Vice Chairman.
German Volunteers-Lieut. ]. H. Helm
ken, Sergt. w. II. Frickty, Corporal r.
Schneider, Private George Meyer, Private
John Gay.
Werner Hook and Ladder Company
Foreman j. F. Weihrs, j. F. Lubs, Fl. F.
Kuck, John Riedman.
We congratulate the Volunteers and Wer-
ners upon the complete success of their
joint reunion, and can only wish them that
the thirty sixth anniversary of the gallant
Volunteers may be celebrated with equal
pleasure and qualification.