The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-23
GERMAN HOUSE FESTIVITIES.
Fourth Anniversary Celebrated in a
Happy Fashion.

the fourth anniversary of the dedication
of the German House, at Michigan and New
Jersey streets, was observed last night with
appropriate ceremonies. There was music
and oratory, supper at II 80 o'clock and
dancing afterward. The exercises were of
Il patriotic character. The building was at
tractively decorated in American colors and
the interior presented a most pleasing APP
pearance. On the stage was IA large bust
of George Washington, and above it was
the American flag. There was a profusion
of flowers and potted plants. A large audi
ence was present, and it generously cheered
the patriotic songs and speeches
The orchestra of the Music Verein made
its first appearance last night under the
leadership of Professor Ernestinoff. One of
the best musical numbers was Der Lenz''
a spring song by a mixed chorus of nearly
one hundred voices. They also gave a bril-
liant number called 'Violets in the Wood
Mrs. Alice Fleming Evans gave a solo,
"Creolen-Lied," and responded to an encore.
Philip Rappaport, editor of the German
Tribune, delivered address on the ami
versary occasion which was being so hap
PLY celebrated. He spoke in the German
tongue, and was followed by John w Kern,
who addressed the audience in English. Mr.
Rappaport spoke of the happy hours that
have been enjoyed in the German House in
the past Every year, he said, brings new
efforts on the part of those who occupy the
house, and the years bring also new hopes.
Even now there are preparations making
to dedicate the splendid new addition to
the present building. The new building he
said would be chiefly dedicated to those
things that are inspiring and ennobling in
their influence. 1t is to be a temple of
music and a home for the dramatic depart
ment of the club. Mr.. .Rappaport said that
whatever is accomplished in this way is an
achievement of the Germanic spirit which
is the spirit of liberty. The speaker said it
was not by chance that these exercises
were taking place on Feb %. 1t was in the
spirit of liberty, and it was this spirit that
the societies who enjoy the privileges of
the German House have to thank for the
splendid building.
John w. Kern in his remarks said that
the present occasion was strong proof of
the proposition that among a population of
20 coo. GOO people there are no better or truer
Americans than the German Americans
who. while cherishing the most tender
memories of their beloved fatherand, have
the promotion of the honor and glory of the
American Republic. Mr.. Kern spoke of the
character of Washington, which he declared
would remain secure through all the years
to come in the hearts and affections of a
grateful people Washington had loyalty
singleness of purpose. patience and cour-
age and faith in Almighty God. He COM
manded the respect of all the people whose
leader he was, and they never ceased to
admire him, but regarded him always as
their deliverer from oppression and as an
instrument in the hands of God for the es-
Establishment of "A government where all men
should be free. Mr.. Kern said il was a
mooted question with the newspapers as to
whether George Washington had been gull
~ of profanity at Monmouth. The speaker
said he himself did not believe in profanity.
but hoped that when the issue was settled
by the newspapers it would be shown that
Washington had sworn IN good round En-
glish on the occasion when he was reputed
to have used some strong Oaths. Mr. Kern
believed the circumstances at the time justi-
fed the sin.