The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-04-11
from OTHER LOCAL SEE FIRST PAGE
ADcfence of the Germans.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
II seems pity for so much Indignation
to be wasted as Is expended in the two or
three columns of interviews with clergy
men in the Dispatch of Saturday, as di-
rected against the German Citizens As
sociatior" on account OF an imputed
movement against the "Sunday law" II
is utterly wasted, because this assumption
i'm regard to the Germans is rs baseless and
unfOunded on fact as the assertion OF one
OF these clergymen-some time ago re-
ported in the papers that the bar-rooms OF
this city are thrown open on Sunday ana
their work goes on rs upon other days.
The correctness Of this latter assertion can
be tested by the experience and observa-
ton of any one who knows this city, and
it is the purpose OF this note TO show that
the allegations and assumptions of these in
terviews are equally unfounded. To come
directly to the main point in question, ii is
absolutely denied that the German Citizens
Association have discussed the "Sunday
law " as such, or that they mean or wish
to move for any agitation OF that subject.
On the contrary, the leading members OF
that Association are as decided and out
spoken as anybody else in favor OF Sunday
observance. and decided expressions OF
opinion in those meetings have been TO this
effect. Any action they have taken de-
mands the enforcement OF the Sun
day law. Candid people, when they
know this, will understand why mem.
bers OF that Association feel az.
grieved and indignant when they see an
attempt To f.lsten upon them intentions OBJ
noxious to the general sentiment of the
community, and in consequence OF these
alleged intentions find themselves branded
ms beer-drinking infidels." II beer
drinking be sign OF intidelity, then many
native citizens are In a "parlous state
The knowledge OF q few facts to be men
TONED, aud the perusal OF the subioinet
schedule of questions adopted by resolu
ton OF the Association. will perhaps show
the business of this Indignation. A wore
may be necessary here as to the origin anl
character OF this Association. 1t is but tn,
continuance or successor OF the German
Centennial Association, organized last year
that won so much praise and reflected sucl
credit on this city by their brillan
procession and other successful efforts thai
added eetat TO our celebration last October
After that event it was decided to continue
the organization for purposes OF general
interest, with the distinct declaration on
the part OF at least some OF its officers that
in no sense should the organization be used
sor political-that Is 10 say, party purposes
AT meetinga week or two ago there was
discussion OF matters OF interest TO every
citizen. natiye as well as foreign-born.
The Germans are naturally interested i'm
the subject OF immigration, and il will be
generally admitted that they arc among the
most desirable immigrants we could have.
The subject was discussed. and Il was re-
solved 10 propose the following questions
Tor candidates for Office at the ensuing mu-
nlcipal election:
I. Are you in favor OF and will YOU en-
courage immigrationy
= Are You in favor Of and will YOU en-
courage initial, mechanical. and industrial
enterprises by relieving them TO some ex-
tent OF taxation.
Q. Are you in favor OF maintaining per-
sonal and religious liberty. and viii you
do al! In your power to aid and promote
thess great fun damcntal and constitutional
principles?
4. Are you In favor OF strict economy IN
affairs. 80 as to avoid any in
crease OF taxations
8. Are you IN favor Of local-opticn
awsy
q. Are you in favor Of equaljzIng the