Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-01-10
TIE GERMAN VOLUNTEERS.
Their Thirty-Sixth Anniversary
COmmemorased by Appearing I'm
Their New Uniforms-Their Grand
Ball.

The German Volunteers, one Of our best
military organizations, and one that has a
history of which they have cause to feel
proud, celebrated their thirty-sixth ami
versarY in fine style yesterday afternoon.
For some time past it has been evident that
a new life had been infused into the
corps, and at nearly every meeting the mem
bership has been increased. The adoption Of
a new uniform was good move, and the
lively interest taken by the commanding
officer, Capt John Derst, and his worthy
Lieutenants, H. Kuck, Charles Ratz and j.
II. Helmken, bad an excellent effect on the
privates, who became more regular In at
tendance at the drills OF the company, and
the result was seen yesterday afternoon in
their excellent marching and skillful hand
ling Of their guns.
Sunday, the 8th, was the thirty-sixth ami
versary OF the company, and in accordance
with custom it was determined to
celebrate 1t In an appropriate
selected, and the corps made their first
appearance in their new uniforms, which
we have heretofore described. They made
very striking and attractive appearance,
as the new uniform, while handsome ard
neat, is not gaudY, and the committee who
selected 1t showed taste and good judg-
ment. They we're all good GIFTS" and made
in the best style, rejecting credit upon Mr..
Louis Steinbach, the merchant tailor, in this
city, who had the contract.
The company assembled about half
past three O'Clock at their rem
devious, and were formed by Cap
tain John Derst They made
splendid appearance, showing four full
platOons, and were accompanied on their
81 hry ho
brass band. Throughout their march they
were followed by large crowds, and the
spectators who gathered on the sidewalks
on the line Of their route were cordial in
praise Of their fine appearance. They
in fact made a decided impression in their
new uniforms, and predictions were express
ed in regard TO glorious future for them
After parading through the principal
streets the company were dismissed to pre-
pare for their ball, which took place at st.
Andrews Hall last evening. The hall was
handsomely decorated In honor OF the event,
and was brilliantly lighted, a prominent
design being large picture on one side of
the wall representing a Volunteer in the
new uniform under the old flag. The Volun-
teers were out in full force with their lady
friends, and there were also present large
representations from the other
military corps Of the city. The
music was fine, the floor committee efficient
aud attentive, and the terpsichorean pleas
Ures were continued until the early hours
of this morning. At twelve O'Clock the
Grand March was played, and the process
sion was formed and was conducted to the
supper rooms overhead, where a magnif-
cent feast, prepared under the personal
supervision of the steward of one Of the
New York steamships. noted for his success
as a caterer, awaited them. 1t is super
fUous to say that to such feast ample JUS
tice was done, and the party returned to the
ball room in a contented frame of mind, and
with increased zest for the enjoyments of
the dance. A feature of the banquet was
a speech from Philip NJ. Russell, Esq,
veteran honorary member of the Blues, who
was present in the new uniform adopted by
that company, and who was called upon by
Capt. Derst. His remarks were listened to
with attention and were loudly applauded.
We can congratulate the Germans not
only on their appearance in the parade aud
their handsome uniform, but also on the
pleasant success attending their ball.
The daucing programmes were gotten up
in exquisite taste, the covers being adorned
with Illuminated designs appropriate to a
terpsichorean hall. They were presented
for the occasion by Mr.. F. H. Meyer, with
his compliments to the Volunteers.