The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-16

The German societies OF this city,
under the auspices of the German Cen
trail Verein, celebrated yesterday the
217th anniversary of the first landing in
America of their countrymen. The 18th
of October is known by all Germans
throughout this land as Der Deutsohe
Tag" and is universally celebrated with
music. song. speechmaking, and general
festivities. The Germans Of this city eel
ebrated last night at the National Rifles
Hall. which was festooned for the occa-
sion with the Stars and Stripes and the
black, white. and red imperial standard
Of Germany
The feature of the evening was the
reading of letter from Count Speck Won
Sternburg. until few days ago First
Secretary of the German Embassy in
Washington. and who sails today from
New York en- route to Calcutta, where he
is to be Consul General for Germany.
The letter, which caused considerable
comment, was read by William L. Ell
terich. President of the German Central
Verein, and is as follows:
Dear Sir: With sincere regret I find
myself compelled to advise you that on
account Of orders which l have received
from higher authority. 1 must embark
for Germany on the 10th of this month
This necessitates my withdrawing my &C
ceptance of the invitation Of the German
Central Verein to be present at the cele-
bration of the German Day l particu-
larry regret that / cannot participate in
this brilliant festival by reason of not
having been able to attend last year.
Then it was Samoa which called my OFF,
cial duties away from here.
Great events have occurred and have
passed before our eyes upon the stage Of
the world since that memorable evening
in 1898, when had the Joy and the honor
to be in your midst for the last time.
Il still wildly recall to my minds Wis
ion Schley, Steuben, and other American
heroes, in whose veins German blood
flows and whose powerful arm conquered
the enemy who dared to shake at the
foundations Of your new home.
In picturesque groupings they stood
before our vision and Columbia and Ger
mania gave the handclasps of friendship
above their heads crowned with laurel.
Il can yet hear the noble words that
were uttered. in which German truth,
German strength, and German faithful
ness were praised. virtues which have
erected the new home of the German upon
such powerful foundation walls, and
which have assisted SO greatly in COM
pleting the, structure.
But IL we look at these events men,
toned above we will find that the ties
which so closely bound both of these great
world
them. closer and more secure.
The Spanish war has made the United
States one Of the most powerful world
empires, but it also chained it with new
ties to Germany in the far-off ocean.
President Mckinley declared himself
ready to leave. to Germany as an evil
dence of friendship and confidence the
rich, island group-the Carolines, and the
starry banner and the black white red
colors float as neighbors in the Pacific
Ocean, symbols of peace and progress.
THE torch of war glared forth the fol-
lowing year in Samoa. and both sister ma
tious were brough. to the very edge of
war. Despicable calumines had syste-
matically sown their poisonous seed and
we're ready to harvest bloody return.
But the clear and just eye and sense OF
Mr.. Trip, whose duty it was to investi-
fortunate islands. quickly discerned the
true causes of the troubles and soon he
and l combined succeeded in lifting the
veil, which had been woven BIZ hypocrisy,
spite. and jealousy.
Instead OF bringing on war between
America and Germany. Samoa has brought
closer together than ever the two nations.
Wherever you look upon this world, every
where the United States and Germany
march at the head of the ranks of the car
| riers of civilization, not with the sword
! in hand. but with the olive branch of
| peace. Has not the Paris Exposition given
a splendid testimony of this fact?
But also the dark powers that endeav-
| ored to obstruct the progress of both coun-
| tries with lies and caumnies, have been
| foiled in their nefarous designs. a Ger
man American cable now connects both
lands. and a few months ago the first
| greetings passed between President Nc
| kinney and Kaiser Wilhelm, carrying
words of mutual sincerity and friendship.
And again We are face TO face with an
! event which has shaken the world in its
! deepest foundations. and We see the pow
! ers side by side upon the bloodstained fields
! of China
| But again, here we find the United
| States and Germany hand in hand. Were
not Mr.. Hay and Count Won BueIow the
| first far-seeing statesmen, who. in clear
| and plain words announced their policies
| to the world? And when we compare
their words, do We not find that they are
almost identical. and dispense every sus-
picon Of self ACKNOWLEDGMENT? Does not
the going together of these two powers
in China offer the best guarantee that the
| world peace will remain secure and that
commerce will soon be restored in China?
"In few hours / will take leave OF
| Washington and also of this land. Blu,
wherever l will be engaged in the future
my spirit will often be in the land in
which have experienced SO much good
and in which, especially among people OF
German descent, 1 have found SO man,
true friends.
MY final wish is that the Germans
may continue 20 flourish. and to take rev
roots. and to give all in their power to
wards the growth of this mighty Republi,
and the peace of all nations.
This has been accomplished by har
mony so far. and harmony and union viii
do it in the future wherefore 1 pray you
to tell all people and friends of thing!
German, who will have been assembled
tomorrow evening to celebrate Germany
day to call out my words of parting.
BE united. united, united!
Very respectfully,
'STERNBURG."
To the Secretary of the German Contra
Verein in the District of Columbia