The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1900-09-19
He Thought Us Untriendly at First, But
Likes us N ow.
phii"dciphm Hcco,d.


teresting to read condensation Of a
review, translated from prominent
German paper, Of certain published
observations and deductions by a
prominent German, Mr.. a. Van Gull
pen, founded upon his experiences
and travels in the United States. Mr..
Van Gulpcn was one Of the most
prominent delegates from Germany to
the International Commercial Con
grcss, 0held in Philadelphia last fall
under the auspices Of the Philadelphia
Commercial Museum. Some Of the
deductions made arc deserving Of close
attention, as he travelled from Phila-
delphia to California and from the
North to the South. The review quot
ing the author says:
That which really astonishes the
European in North America is the
method of work and the energy cx-
pended upon it. Upon this is found
I'd the rapid growth Of all industries
and Of agriculture, and in connection
with them the extension Of the cities
and the increase in population. For
centuries the most energetic and able
people of all nations cmigratcd to the
land of freedom, while the less cner-
getic remained at home and doubtless
the mingiiug Of that element in the
different races had favorable inAu-
ence upon the population. Even many
of those who left the older countries
for moral, pecuniary or political reasons
assisted in bettering the race in
America, where room existed for many
millions and where the surplus Of
energy which in Europe was dctri-
ment became an advantage.
"In America much more stress is
laid upon physical exercise than in
Germany. In Germany no one has
conception Of the passion and cnthusi-
asm with which all forms Of sport are
carried on in America. The writer
first learned this fact when by chance
he attended football match between
the students Of Berkeley and Siam
ford. Thousands Of people decorated
with the oolors of the contending par
ties occupied the enormous stands
built especially for the purpose, and
displayed an interest and an enthusi-
asm which to foreigners appeared in
comprehensive. With yells and
cheers the players were received and
encouraged. In the arena, however,
it was NO play. Il was a combat for
the honor Of victory, where ever the
endangering Of life was not Stunned,
and, indeed, a surgeons aid was often
needed. In earliest youth one begins
in America to strengthen the body in
a way which, if introduced in Ger
many, would, for both mind and body,
be an excellent preliminary schooling
for military service.
"Alongsids Of the different sports
instruction is cared for in the mos.
generous manner through elementary
schools, high schools and free public
libraries with beautiful reading rooms.
The writer saw at Columbia College in
New York, near the instruction and
study halls, well equipped gymna.
sium and splendid, clear, inviting
swimming pool. All in all the Ameri-
can pays more attention to the clean
illness Of the body than does the Ger
man. The numerous free baths and
washing basins in the hotels give rise
to the inference that similar arrange
ments and corresponding use Of them
exist in private houses. In the rail
road trains numerous towels with soap
are always at hand. German railway
management could learn much in
America. Even in German express
trains there is not that to be had for
money and kind words in the way Of
cleanliness which in America is every
where customary and gratis.
Besides this custom which re-
bounds to the common good is the fact
that the great extent of the United
States gives room for productive
growth. Many talents are crippled in
Germany like plants in pots, too small
because there isn't room for the de-
velopment Of all. Everywhere in the
United States one finds the same scale
OF work and the same manner Of living.
Wherever one goes, let it be New
York. San Francisco, Chicago or St.
Louis, one eats, drinks aad lives ex-
actly the came way. Should some one
invent something practical in short
time he is rich man, for his inven.
tion finds acceptance at once through
out the entire country. In Germany,
on tie contrary, everything that suits