New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1897-09-29
Taken By
Storm.

Well might Americans, when they
come to read the history Of today, think
it strange that American citizens should
take Hermann, the ancient German WAR
rior, and honor him with so much en-
thusiasm. This is explained when it is
known that this monument was erected
by the German order of Hermann Sons,
an order that derived its name from that
of the heroic Cheruscan prince.
This structure is more symbol of
lofty aims and noble exertions than a
mere likeness of the brave Teutonic war
rior. In Hermann and his deeds we find
strong type of the good qualities and
noble ideals of the German nation.
Torn and bleeding, old Germania lay
at the feet of Rome-s mighty and tyr
annical power. The Germanic tribes
had lost sight of the strength that comes
from harmony and union. They quar-
relied among themselves, and as result
fell an easy prey to Roman proves. :.
But there arose before Hermann the
vison of free homes, and he conceived
the plan of uniting the numerous Ger
man tribes and making stand against a
nation that looked upon all others as its
slaves. The rest is matter of history.
Rome sent the renowned Quintil1us
Varus into the Germanic forests to SUBJ
due the turbulent tribes, but under the
leadership of Herm ann the natives suc-
ceeded in destroying the whole German
army.
1t was this union of the tribes, this
harmony and the strong resolve to pre-
serve the freedom of their homes and
families, that made success possible.
Just as in modern times Hermann
arose in Germany 20 unite all the small
German nations, and, like the Cheruscan
prince, to induce them to fight for a
common cause. This man was Prince
Bismarck. Two thousand years after the
death of Hermann we honor his name.
Likewise two thousand years from now
we will honor the name of Bismarck. He
will stand then as an example of wis
dom and patriotism-as the creator of a
mighty empire, that rose over the ruins
OF dissension.
We are now in the friendly and beau
tiful city of New Ulm at the foot of the
monument, and we'll might the stranger
ask why this monument, fit by reason of
its grandeur to adorn. the finest park in
the metropolis of America, should have
been erected here IN the far west. The
question is quite in ORDER The answer
is easy. =
In Germany you will fud monu-
ment to Hermann erected and dedicated
during the rule of Kaiser Wilhelm, but
not at Cologne, or Dresden or Munich.
On the contrary It adorns the little viii
lage of Detmold IN the vicinity of which
Hermann won his greatest battle.
Now FOR similar reasons New Clm has
heen selected as the site for this grand
statue. Here thirty-fve years ago the
Germans waged war with the savage and
bloodthirsty Indians. Here the
German. was compelled to defend his
dear ones and his home against cruel
and inhuman enemy--ther relentless Siou3s
The pretty monument in the centsEo Of
your town shows how your citizens and
the state remember those who fell in de-
Tense of their homes. Here battle was
fought that in courage, character and
results was much like the battle in the
{ Teutoburg Forest and makes New Ulm
the ideal home for monument to Her
mann.
It looks down from these high hills, a
symbol of power, bravery and patriot
lsm-an emblem of love of country. The
love of country he said, builds the true
foundation for character.
To the Germans he said that they
should love their adopted land, as hus.
band loves his home, as BRIDE adore,
her lover.
Our aim should be to do all that y.
can for American institutions, because
we are part Of them, and he expressed
the opinion that the, Germans had don.
their share thus far to bring this country
to its present high standard the freest
country on earth.
We came here as poor people, but
with thrift and energy We have convert;
ed large tracts.of wilderness into besuti.
full fields and gardens.
We brought with US love for music
and art and have helped t. make Amer
lean scholarship the peer Of German.
We have tried to prevent the mad
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