The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1882-06-03

What have we not accomplished in the few
years of our existence. With grand strides we
have kept time and step to the prosperity that
has blessed our country and given to the world
an example of progress that forms an era in
history of nations. The population Of Texas
in 1890, when it was a province OF Mexico,
was but 5000, and they too occupying but a
small portion of this vast domain, scattered as
they were from the Sabine to this ancient city.
How imperfecty then can we realize the
changes that have occurred in the last halt
century. The principal ports of the state then
were the Brazos and Matagorda; few small
schooners afforded the only means Of Trans
porting both the necessaries they required and
the necessaries they raised, and these came
but few times year. Their arrival was
looked forward to and hailed with delight.
Their small fields and herds, the furnished
not only the food, but raiment, and their
rifles provided their tables and protected their
persons. Now our products have attracted
the commerce of the world, and regular lines
of steamships bring articles to our ports from
almost every land and bear back the rich re-
turns of our fields. The iron horse drags
his long line of ladened cars through our
vast prairies, and connects US with every
portion of the state and the railroad system
of the United States. The Sunset line, the
pioneer not only in the west, but of rail-
roads west of the Mississippi, is push
ing its way rapidly to connection with
line already built from the Pacific and the
montain sides are being used for its founda-
ton, the hardy miner is boring his way through
the rocky barrier from side to side SO that in
few more months the historic city Of the Alamo
will be in close communication with the city
| &c h. he elf
How little do men apprehend what is to be
the result of their acts and services in the tu-
ture and upon generations yet unborn. The
most visionary Of the early settlers never
could have dreamed even of the vast empire
that was to spring magic like into existence,
when they built their little log cabins amid
the unbroken solitude of the woods, and
planted the first seed that has since germin-
ated into state of two millions of people.
While no one more fully recognizes the claims
of the old Texans, whether their services were
erndered IN the civil walks of life yet there are
others than myself, or amid the conflict of arms,
to whom we owe the need of praise, and
to whom western Texas is especially indebt-
ed; and the tribute that l propose to-day to
pay to the early German settlers is one that
will find an echo in the he.rts of all true men
who admire devotion, energy and true patriot
ism. feel, Mr.. Chairman, that would be
guilty of base ingratitute did permit, this the
first Volksfest held in western Texas, to pass
without assuring the living of that noble band
or their descendants, that though their adopt
ed country may not have done full justice
to their virtues or fully appreciated the
measure Of their efforts; yet they
have left monument more enduring than
the marble shaft, and, one, too, that future
| ,uin
keep fresh and green in their hearts. Lit
tie did those pioneers from Germany, under
Prince de Solms and Baron Meusenbach i'm
agine when they severed the ties of kindred,
relinquished the associations, which for years
had endeared them to the homes of their ma
tivity, and trusting to Divine providence
launched fearlessly upon the wild waste of
waters to seek an asylum in the Lone Star Re-
public that they were to aid and assist SO ma
terially in building an empire that was to be
the home of millions, and the wonder and adj
miration of all nations. They left homes and
affairs of the Fatherland-they pitched their
tents amid the broad expanse of the prairie or
the deep gloom of the forest-lttle dreaming
that in few years it was to blossom as rose,
and the primeval forest become a fruitful vine
yard They struck the axe at the root of the
forest and it fell before them; inhospitable
nature YIELDED 10 tner perseverance anu tne
savage Indian shrank from before their daring
and interchangeable zeal; dangers and difficulties
were met with firm determination and were
overcome. Success crowned their efforts, and
to-day, from the result of their energy, zeal,
industry and courage, their kindred can enjoy
: in peace and security the blessings of their
= efforts and bask beneath the bright beams and
warmth of the sunshine Of true prosperity,
that western Texas owes to these pioneers
: from the Fatherland. While the broad expanse
of this territory was to a large extent then un'
settled, and these early settlers could have Sc
lected home amid the more ponulated por.
tons of the republic, but with an undaunted
courage, and an eye to the future, they came
r to the west; they sought the post of DANCE
and became the sentinels on our western from
t tier. Though many have crossed the rive
and rest beneath the shade, their descendant:
e still can be found around the old homestead
l increasing by thrift and industry, not only
$ their own wealth, but adding to the prosperit,
S of their adopted country. To-day hundreds
D of these ancient settlers, their children anc
i their grandchildren, are here to share in tn
h enjoyment of this happy occasion. Welcome
aye thrice welcome! The men who organ
e lied and were connected with the settlements
at New Braunfels and Fredericksburg, ant
# the celebrated forty-two who came after them
r were men of no ordinary character; amonI
e them were those distinguished even in tn
old country for their intelligence, literar
= requirements, professional skill, courage
: and energy. They have in this city and tn
r and the other places where they established
I.l- &c.,. kba