St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-09-08
Of the Convention of the North
American German Catholic
Central Society.
Welcomed to st. Paul by Mapor
0'Brien With a Briet ApprO-
pirate Address.
High Mass Celebrated at Assumption Church,
With an Address by Bishop Ire
land.
The Street Procession of Societies, a Grand
Parrde, Witnessed by Many
Thousands.

1851, Will be long remembered as one OF tne
notable days in the history Of st. Paul. II
marked the beginning of the twenty-ninth
annual convention Of the German Roman
Catholic Central society of North America,
and its initial proceedings were marked with
imposing ceremonies that will not be soon
forgotten by the many thousands who took
part therein, or were spectators on the occa-
sion. Although during the morning hours,
and in fact all through the day, the skies
wore threatening appearance of rain, yet
no rain fell. The streets were free from
dust, the canopy OF clouds shielded both the
just and the unjust from the rays Of the sun,
and cool breeze prevailed, making exercise
comfortable and pleasant pastime. All the
streets along the line of march of the great
procession wore 4 gala appearance, most Of
the business houses and many of the
private residences being more or less elabor-
ately decorated with flags, streamers, ever
greens, etc, etc. The arrival of the first
train in the morning brought
with it visiting societies from near and
far, and each successive train added to the
swelling numbers Of visitors. III fact, from
early dawn to dewy eve the music of ''does
little Sherman bands" was heard all over the
city, as they paraded the streets to and from
the Union depot, and about the city in the
grand procession. Upon the arrival of every
train the visiting societies were met by del
egation of the loce. reception committee and
escorted to Mc1ket hall, where a bounteous
lunch was served to all those who desired to
partake II the same. There was enough for
each and enough for all, and many and
hearty were the compliments paid to the
ladies who had provided and dispensed this
bountiful feast. Nearly all the delegates to
the convention had arrived by the night and
early morning trains, the last to arrive being
those from Hastings, Wabasha, Winona and
La Crosse. As fast as the different societies
reached Market hall, they were seated in
sections reserved for them on the left of the
hall, the delegates occupying the right. By
O'Clock every seat in the spacious hall was
flled, and hundreds were congregated on the
outside. Upon the platform was seated
i5on. II. J. Spannhorst, of st. Louis, presi-
dent of the national association; George
Steckle of Milwaukee, secretary of the same;
Gregory Ritz Sr., president of the local com
mittee, and Mayor C. D. O'Bren.
PROCEEDINGS AT MARKET HALL.
Shortly after $3.50 a. IN. the assemblage
was called to order by Gregory Ritz Sr,
president Of the local committee Of arrange
meuts, who, in few words, introduced
Mayor c. D. O'Brien, who, on behalf of the
city, made the welcoming speech substanti-
ally as follows:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen of the
German Roman Catholic Central Society:
Upon behalf of all of our eitizens / give you
a most hearty welcome TO the city ofSt. Paul.
1t is only year ago since our people assem-
bled TO greet most ilustrious cOuntryman
of yours, Mr. Willard, and to mark with ap-
propriate ceremonies an important epoch in
the march of our progress and national
prosperity. Then, as now, our city was dec
Grated, the streets filed with our people, and
music and rejoicing on every side. Now
you have come, and come properly, to re-
mind US that of the prosperity and national
advantages We should give share to those
who less fortunate than ourselves are the
worthy objects of our benevolence, and it is
peculiarly appropriate that your celebration
for this object should be held in this city
named, as it is, after the great apostle him
self, the great advocate of charity, for has it
not been said, ''But the greatest of all these
is charity" and, how much
more blessed it is to give than to
receive. Our holy church, who receives you
to-day within her shetering arms, teaches you
30 well the reverence due to good and charit-
able works like yours that no words OF mine
are needed to apprise you how fully we ap-
preciate them. You are now about to pass
through the sacred portals to the throne of
God, there to receive from His hands the
blessing which your good works deserve
7 l. s
celebration ended you viii proceed to your
homes, carrying to your friends and neigh
bors the assurances of the esteem and good
will of our people, and you may say to them
from us that there are no brighter jewels in
the crown of our fair city than our German
fellow citizens, foremost IN all works of
public good, and honor to the church, them
selves and our county and city.
Mayor O'Bren's remarks were received
with evident appreciation, and at their close
he was greeted with hearty applause.
Mayor O'Brlen's speech of welcome was
responded to by President Spannhorst, who,
after few words in German, spoke in Eng
lish, thanking the mayor for his words of
welcome and the people of st. Paul for their
kind reception. He said that for the first
time the society had met in annual conven-
ton in the northwest. There were historical
facts connected with the city of St. Paul and
the state of Minnesota which would always
eudear them both to every Catholic heart.
That was one reason why they had come here
to greet their st. Paul brethren and extend
to them and the brethren of the state of Min
nesota the hand of fellowship. He trusted
that the deliberations of the convention
would be such as would tend to promote the
good of the society, aud ultimately extend
its influence from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
aud this would soon be done if the brother
hood were tree 10 themselves.
Mr.. Spannhorst's remarks, of which the
above is very brief synopsis, were loudly
applauded.
1t was expected that Gov. Hubbard would
be present and welcome the delegates and
the societies on behalf of the state, which
fnct was stated by President Ritt, when Mr.
George Refs, from the committee on invita-
tons, read the following communication:
GOVERNOR HUBBARD's LETTER.
RED WING, Sept. 3, 1854.
GEORGE REFS, ESQ, st, Paul, Minn.
My Dear Sir-I regret to say that it viii
not be possible for me to attend your con-
ventiOn on the 7th inst. as l had hoped to
do. This is g greater disappointment to me
than it can possible be to your society. and
In yielding to the imperative necessities of
the situation feel that am being deprived
OF a pleasure that would highly appreciate.
With the best wishes for the prosperity of
your society and hearty sympathy with its
objects, Iremain yours very truly,
z