The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-03-23
HONOR TO KAISER WILHELM |.
sAVANNAH's GERMAN CITIZENS PAY
TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY,


rOr's Birth Enthusiastically CeIe-
brated-Speeches and Songs FIX
press the Devotion of the Sons of
the FatherIand-A Patriotic Gath
ering at Armory Hall.
The centennial of the birth of Kaiser
Wilhelm I. of Germany was celebrated
last night at Chatham Artillery hall by
large number of savannah's German
American citizens. 1t was a gathering
of warm admirers of the great emperor
and of patriotic and devoted sons of Ger
many, and the anniversary was enthusiast
tically celebrated in speech and song.
The celebration began with the singing
of the national air of Germany, "Deutsch-
land" Mr.. Erich Fabarius, master of
ceremonies, spoke briefly, calling attention
to the fact that the occasion was being
celebrated by millions of Germans both
in the Fatherland and throughout the
world
In responding to the toast, Germany,
MIR. T.. A. Gieseler said that three dates
stand out prominently in German history.
The end of the great Hohenstauffen en-
perors," he said, was likewise the end of
the long period of political ascendency of
the German empire. About 400 years later
the Thirty Years war and the Westpha-
liam Peace following it completed the dis
memberment of Germany and added
frightful internal distress to utter political
weakness. The economical recovery from
the raVages of this dreadful war was due
solely to the great vital power of the Ger
man people. But the subsequent political
rise was largely due to the appearance at
the right moment of great leaders one of
whom was the king whose memory we cell
citrate to-day
when William l. succeeded to the Prus-
sian throne he had already passed
through long and eventful life He had
seen the fall, and following il, the rise of
his country in it's mortal combat with the
France of Napoleon 1. Then came that
long period during which the antagonism
between Austria and Prussia was the kew
note of German politics. Long before his
accession to the throne Prince William
had recognized the absolute necessity of
aooIlShlng this dualism even at the cost of
war with Austria, and it was to his last
ing credit that he had devoted himself to-
wards preparing his country for this in
evitable conflict.
when finally in 1861, he succeeded to
the throne he soon called to his side those
TWO celebrated advisers, the great general
and the great statesman, and the third Of
the historical dates mentioned before was
at hand, the era Of the foundation of the
new German empire
In the palace of Louis XIV, that cruel
enemy of Germany, William 1 was pro-
claimed German emperor. For many years
he ruled with dignity and wisdom, be-
loved by his people as few monarchs ever
were before"
United Germany the great work that
he achieved aided by his immortal chan
cellor, has survived him, said Mr.. Giese-
Ter, and in drinking to her prosperity. he
said he would do so in the sense of the
closing words of the first imperial procla-
nation:
May our country thrive and grow, net
through military conquests, but in the
gifts and the blessings of peace, in ma
tlonaI welfare, freedom and culture"
toast to the present emperor, Kaiser
Wilhelm II. was proposed by Mr.. Faba-
RUS, who spoke of the emperor's undy-
Ing admiration for his grandfather and Of
his seeking to fashion his own reign after
that of his glorious ancestor
The national air.. Hell Dir I'm Sieger-
kranz," was sung.
Maj Edward Karow responded to the
toast, America" His speech was elo-
quent and greatly impressed his hearers.
He spoke In glowing words of the virtues
OF Germans as citizens of America. The
patriotism of German citizens was maid
a tribute and the Amercanized Germans
were besought, while holding sacred the
memory of old Germany to pay devoted
allegiance to their adopted country.
America. Maj. Karow's speech was
warmly applauded.
Mr.. John Nisbets response to
Bismarck was well received
He eulogized the great chan
cellor as the man of power and
deeds, and paid glowing tributes to the
magnificent mind that had so greatly aided
in putting Germany In her high place
among the nations.
Songs His country, he said, is espe-
cially blessed in its music. 1t has fur
nished the greatest musicians and compos-
ers of the world, and its songs stand pre-
eminent. He warmly congratulated the
company on this and adjured them to sus-
tain the musical reputation of their coun-
try. Ills hearty Endorsement of the TEN
tonia and Frohsinn Singing Societies was
given.
All of the speeches and exercises were
conducted in German. There were few
present to whom the language, even the
refined and grammatical words of the
speakers was unintelligible and the talks
were greatly enjoyed. Many German airs
were sung, both by the company and by
the singing societies, and the Mozart brass
band rendered selections by German com
posers. The hall was tastefuliy decorat
ed Tor the occasion. The national colors
of the two countries, Germany and Amer
lea, hung overhead and upon the walls Al
one end of the hall were life-sized paint
ings of William 1 and the well-known en-
blematic figure Germania On the
side wall was a picture of the
Iron Chancellor" These paintings
were the work of Mr.. A. j. Rel
nod, well-known painter Of New York,
and were done for the occasion. After
the programme of toasts had been con-
cluded, the company partook Of the spread
that had been prepared, and many
remained until a late hour, talking of the
old scenes, old places and old folks of the
Fatherland.
LOCAL PERSONAL.