The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-02
SWITZERLAND'S
SEXCENTENARY
Literary Exercises and Ball at
Saratoga Hall.
The Foundation and Progress of the Oldest
Republic sketched in Orations and
Portrayed by Tableaus.

Russian Hill. woke the echoes Of the city
and ushered in the Swiss celebration.
Six hundred years ago the representatives
OF the three original eantons met on the
Rigi and banded themselves together to
free their native land from the rule of the
Count of Hapshurg. The three cantons
have grown TO twenty-five and the hardy
| mountaineers have kept their freedom and
Identity inviolate am id the commissions
which have periodically changed the map
OF Europe. The completion of the sixth
century of independence called for more
than ordinary recognition on the part of the
Swiss residents, and an elaborate pro-
gramme. extending over two days, has been
prepared.
The literary exercises drew large audi
ence TO Saratoga Hall. The hall had been
most tastefully decorated for the occasion.
Streamers Of the national colors hung in
graceful curves from the central chandelier
to the sides of the hall. The raneling Of
the gallery was decked with the flags of the
two countries, and the spaces between were
filed with shields emblaZoned with the
arms of the cantons.
A BRIEF WELCOME.
Shortly after o'clock John II. Fritschi,
President of the Executive Committee, in
troduced Antoine Borel, the Swiss Consul,
to deliver his opening. In well-chosen SEN
fences Mr. Borel briefly welcomed those
present to the celebration of the establish
ment of the sister republic.
Mayor SanderSOn was the next speaker.
He said he had had the advantage of travel
ing in Switzerland and dWelt on the inspir-
ing effect of Swiss scenery md the noble
| men the country had produced, notably Ar
| mold Winkelried and William Tell. swift
erland, said Mr.. Sanderson in the course
| of his remarks, sis the oldest existing re-
| public. There have been republics before
| the republic of Greece, the republic of
| Rome. But Switzerland is the first state
governed under republican forms and with
| free social conditions which has flourished
| under the influence of the Christian re-
ligion."
After an overture from Casassa's First
Regiment Band e. B. Martinelli followed
with the Grafton.
MIR. MARTINELLI'S REMARKS.
Usually" said MIR. Martinelli in sub
stance, HISTORY deals with the ambitions of
sOvereigns and The changes of dynasties
| But the history of Switzerland is the history
OF the life OF free people. living under I'M
| trammelled social conditions. We who are
met here Tonight are republicans in two
| told sense, f0r we or our ancestors came
| from land of freedom aud we have found
new home in another land of generous in
| stltutiuns. Let US revere forever" the
| speaker said in conclusion, s'those grand old
flags, those emblems of freedom-the Stars
| and Stripes OF America and the cross Of
Switzerland. They are the symbols of our
| present prosperity, the mementOes of the
| past age and the hope OF a glorious future"
Through the Grafton, which was fire.
quentIy interrupted by applause, ran q
| marked strain OF strong American feeling.
EELYETIA AND COLUMBIA.
Three tableaux representing the "Alli-
ance," "HelVeta and Columbia and the
'EldgenOssen," the banding together of the
founders Of the republic against Austrian
tyranny. were neXtrepresented by members
OF the Grutl Dramatic Club. The charac-
tiers were accurately costumed aud most ar
tlstcaliy grOuped, and the audience was
not satisfied until each had been seen a sec
ond time Tie characters were sustained
ny the tollowing-named ladies and gentle
men: Fred Eibeck, Edward Kuntz, John
Buechler, Fred ROesli, Fred Jud, Charles
Nlederosel, John Fret, Otto Kaufman.
The part of Helvetia was admirably sus-
tanned by Miss Fetz. and Colombia found a
striking exponent in Miss Bernhard. a
picturesque group in the third, the 'Im
Rntli tableau, was formed by John Casty,
| j. Hansen and John Reber who portrayed
| the leaders Of the original cAntons.
The tabieauX were interSpersed by the
| singing of chOruses, admirably rendered by
| the Grutli Dramatic Club, and were pre-
| ceded by an address delivered in Italian by
| Mr.. Cayalli, which seemed to strike the
patriotic chord in the breasts of his country
| men.
Al the conclusion of the literary exer-
| ciSes the floor was cleared and dancing was
continued till late hour.
| COMMITTEES IN CHARGE.
The arrangements of the celebration were
| carried out By the following committees:
Executive COMMUNICATIONS Ii. Fri,chI (PresI-
! denD, NJ. Nanonl (Fice Presidrnt). George f
| Cavalli tSecret1ry) Theodore WetZel Cfreas-
| urer, J. L. Martnoni, Felix Beria ID. Deber-
nardi Louis Juri r. q. Houser, q. ID. Mariani
August lien, NJ. TommaSsi, John ThomHen "
BulOtl, Louis FIlppni, U. MarIiuoni, Tony
huObei, ID. q. TOmasini.
| President OF the Celebration, Hon. Antoine
| Bo ell (Swiss Consult.
Reception Commiltee-Amy Vigner, Dr. An
tonic Roitauzi, b. lrezzini, Henry I'ichoir, C.
| Deneryaux, L. MarlinoGt George A. Berton,
| Harry Syz, J. ID. Rued. s. MaTiani, DR.. G. Rap.
| pin, +. A. Giannlnl, Hy. Steiusgger, A. Hugue-
| min, Charles Scheggla. Charles Cnristin X. Neu-
| sehwander, Frank Ruegg, A. Fantina, A. X.
| frltscli. Charles Martin, Louis Tomasi nj Vim
| cent Galgiani, L. Gilardi, b. G. Tognazzi, V.
| Piezzi, Ii. G. Giannin John GenaZZi.
| Floor manager Ed Christin.
Floor Committet-A. Bonelti, Charles G., Mar
| TIN, Fred Deucner Charles NiederoeSt,
| Ball Committee-R. g. Hause U. Marinopi
| G. ID. Mariani, George +. Cavalii, Felix Belta
| General Commitlee-Albert Wild, s. Cappella
| Jacob Nrtterly, GiuliO Foeletti. +. GhisIa r. G
| Moresi, V. Papina, N Campana, HeuIy Ruedi
| Charles Campisli, james CappeIla.