The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-07-21
Two German-American Institutions.

Two German-American Institutions.
There are two German American institu
uonD which are deserving OF oil the praise
that has ever been bestowed upon them
One OF them is the North American Sanger
bund or Singers Union. which held It's
twenty-seventh festival In Cleveland last
week. The other Is the North American
| Turnerbund or Gymnastic Union. the quad.
rennial tournament OF which will be opened
to-day in Milwaukee.
We are greatly indebted to our German
born fellow citizens for the introduction OF
these two important institutions. branches
OF which exist all over the country. Their
influence In promoting the musical and
muscular culture OF the whole body OF our
people has been both great and valuable.
The North American Sangerbund has
done missionary service In extending the
popular knowledge Of the art OF music, in
inspiring multitudos OF people with the
love OF vocal and instrumental music, In the
formation Of choral unions. In training men
to take part In musical performances. in
giving great concerts from time to time In
different parts OF the country and In i'm
proving whatever musical taste had ex-
listed In the community.
The North American Turnerbund, branches
Of which exist everywhere may DO re-
garded as one OF the agencies through
which athletic exercises and sports have
been made popular In the United States.
German immigrants who lad belonged
to the Turner's societies OF their own
country came here after the suppression
OF the revolt OF 1s4S. and in o very short
time began to set up Turn unions In our
cities. and to give outdoor exhibitions in
which the public took q curious interest.
The feats Of muscular skill. the social mer-
riment. the lager beer. pretzels. sauer-
kraut. and revolutionary songs at the
gatherings. were all novelties in Amer
ica.\ We took notice OF the Turner's
and their ways and their exercises. Since
that time the Turner's have held their
ground. There are at this time 10000 of
them. organized in the 800 vereins which
constitute the bund It cannot be said that
American athletics have developed along
the gymnastic lines marked out by Turn
Father JAIN; yet we now surely have ath-
letic exercises and outdoor sports in plenty,
have we not
At the festival Of the Sangerbund in
last week. singers were brought
together from all parts OF the country,
and in one OF the concerts there was a
chorus Of 5000 voices: 1t gave delight
to vast audience. At the Turner's tour
nament, which now begins in Milwaukee,
there will be over 5000 competitors, or at
least that number Of men are registered on
the list Of those who will compete for the
awards. The tournament Is very sure to
be fully as attractive as anything OF the |
sort ever held In the United States.
The programme for this year Is compre- |
aenslvo. There will be general calisthenics |
or men between thirty and sixty years OF |
sge. and the same thing for younger classes;
here will be apparatus and special turning |
n groups; there will be competitions day
after day between societies and individuals
n turning and fencing. and perhaps in swim
ming and water sports: there will also be, as
DER programme. mental gymnastics" con-
listing OF literary essays. extemporaneous
larangues. and vocal music. There will, of
curse. be parade. and there will likewise
70 ball and a commers at which both
exes will make merry. That some Of the
nan9uvres will be scientific can be seen by
he programme. from which We take this
assage: The calisthenics. beginning the
ctual tournament, will consist OF $40 move
nents with five-pound nickel plated wands,
arm. leg. chest. rump, and
Their competitive exercises"
1t is evident from the muscular and men
al features Of the Milwaukee tournament
hat tho Turner's are faithful to their plat
orm: 1--WE seek the increase OF bodily
trength and health; we desire to advance
opular culture and foster moral princi-
les: we strive for the development Of the
epubllc in truly humane and republican
'ay." Surely these purposes must be rec
gnized as good. and as we'll deserving of
10 praise Of the whole American people.
The city Of New York. as represented by
he Liederkranz. made a fine display at the
usical festival In Cleveland: and we trust
rat the New York Turner's in Milwaukee
i'll make first-rate show at the gymnas-
Q tournament. and win at least one OF
le wreaths which will grace the victors.
o other prize than a wreath is given by !
10 North American Turner's.