Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-09-17
HIS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.
A Tribute to John Hitz by His Swiss
COmpatriOts.

Mr.. John HitZ, formerly consul general
for Switzerland and at present director of
the Volta Bureau an international institu-
ton and repository of information rela-
tive to the deaf and dumb, founded in this
city by Alexander and Graham Bell, cele-
brated Wednesday, the 14th instant, the
SEVENTEEN anniversary of his birth. To
demonstrate the love and gratitude the
Swiss have for their venerable compatriot
the representative local societies We'd with
each other to give expression of their
feelings on the occasion. Letters of con-
graduation, with large bouquets of flow
ers, as well as many other tokens of their
affection, were sent to his residence.
For nearly half a century MIR. HitZ has
worked in an unceasng and most disinter-
ested manner for the welfare of the Swiss
at the capital. He may justly be consid-
cred the founder of the three principal as
sociations, all of which have in view the
benevolent assistance, in word and deed,
of the needy, and the fostering of a mu
tual attachment among all of Swiss de-
scent or relationship.
The demonstration in honor of Mr.. EIit1
was spontaneous and general and the eX-
pressions of good wishes were numerous
and sincere.
A surprise party was arranged for him
at Arion Hall in the evening, which was
graced by the presence of the Swiss min
lister, j. b. Pioda: the new secretary of
the legation, Mr.. Deucher, and the chan
cellor Mr.. Huegli. The societies repre-
sented were: The Grutli Verein, founded
about forty years ago, of which Mr.. Domi-
nick Rickenbacher is the president; The
Benevolent Association, of which Mr.. The
odore j. Mayer is the head, and the Ladies'
Stauffacherin Society, presided over by
Mrs. Eliza Holer. Minister Pioda, voicing
the sentiment Of all, addressed Mr.. Hitz,
extolling his worth as a Swiss representa-
tive and as a man, who had devoted his
life and manifold talents in behalf of his
ADOPTED country. He compared MIR. ditz s
character and deeds with thescolor and fra
GRANGE OF the flowers that graced the ban
quoting hall. .-s B-i,Qi
Various papers were read. sent by par
ties who had not the opportunity of beng
present IN person: Mr. Henry Hurter lead
a letter sent by Mr.. GeBrer of New York,
VINO mad been Mr.. Hits Secretary while
consul general, in which an the good deeds
OF his former chief were Reviewed In a most
pleasing manner. An original poem, writ
ten by Mrs. Rose A. Braendle. was another
tribute. Mr.. Emil Welfauer.7 In behalf of
the GrutH Verein, EXPRESSED his grateful
ness for the many benefits the society has
receiVe ed ever since its foundation throug h
Mr.. Hitz
Music and songs altetnatsaa during the
evening. solo in Swiss dialect by Mr..
Emil Holer. and another song also in dia-
lect sung by Miss Holsr,, Mrs. Rhyner,
encored. 4rIfo
Under the direction of Minister Ptoda-
VINO always succeeds In making his COM
patriots feel at home in his presence on
such occasions, this birthday celebration
TOOK on the character of an intimate lam
lily AFFAIR. All were eager to show their
anection to Mr.. Hitz. as ii he were their
Iather' and the minister himself was glad
TO cede for the time being SUCH a position
ne himself SO rightfully deserves in the
hearts OF the swiss of Washington
fne wishes OF all We're finally very hu-
morousiy expressed, that all present may
celebrate their own SEVENTEEN birthday
ana eacn nave Mr.. Hitz as his guest of
honor: that he may have again and again
a ut occasion to trim his venerable beard. .
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