The Washington times., 1902-03-12
COMMERS RENDERED
TO SINGING SOCIETIES
Arion and Germania Guests
of Prince Henry Committee.
Meeting May Result in the Organization
of a Body of German-Amer-
lean Citizens.

The trustees of the Prince Henry citi-
zons' reception committee rendered to the
members of the Arion Singing Society and
the Germania Maennerchor a commers
last night at Arion Hall, on Eighth and E
Streets northwest.
The Germania and the Arion were the
two singing societies which rendered the
serenade at the German Embassy on the
occasion of Prince Henry's visit to this
city. There was a large attendance. and
the occasion was marked by enthusiastic
demonstrations and spirit of harmony.
The programme consisted of speech
making. singing, and recitations, and it is
very likely that the result of the meeting
will be the organization of a body of Ger
man American citizens, whose aim will be
the promotion of mutual interests and
the safeguarding of German honor and
reputation.
Thanked for Hearty Cooperation.
Mr.. William L. Elterich, president OF
the German Central Verein and chairman
of the executive committee, occupied the
chair, and in a short address, in which he
expressed his thanks for the hearty CO.
operation of the participants, opened the
commers.
In the course of his speech he expressed
his regrets that certain Germans of this
city saw fit to conspicuously mark the
demonstration by their absence. Mr.. Emil
Christiani the musical director of the
German Maennerchor, made a short ad-
dress. in which he advocated the coop
Grafton in the future of the Arion and the
Germania The suggestion was received
with hearty applause.
Mr. Curt Voelckner, grand marshal of
the parade. also advised the Germans of
this city to unite in a grand body, and in
the future to act in harmony and COM
bine in order to be in a position to pre-
sent a united front whenever an occasion
demands 1t. Mr.. Vcelckner said that the
cultivation of the German folk song is
neglected, and that soloists take the
place where German chorus singing
should be heard. Mr.. Voelckner coun-
seled TO forgive and forget past disagree
ments and to start out anew and build
up a strong and harmonious organization
Mr.. Voelckner's remarks were cheered 10
the echo.
Selections by the Guests.
The Germania. under the leadership Of
Mr. Emil Christiani, sang Goschats "Da
Kaertnerbua." Mr.. Carelius Emilio Chris
tiani, the celebrated Danish violin yir-
tuoso, rendered in a highly artistic man
ger Chopin's "Nocturne" and Wienowski's
"Obertass."
The Arion, under the leadership CT Mr..
Holer, followed with Abt's Die Helm tn -
and received hearty applause for their
fine singing. The United Singers sang
Kalliwodas "Das Deutsehe Lied" and
when the last notes of that beautiful song
died away the applause was loud and con-
tinuous.
Among those who contributed toward
the entertainment of the evening were:
Messrs. t. l.. Schmidt, Conrad Richter.
II. l.. Herzog, John A. Meininger, Curt
Voelckner, William Sauer, August
Schwartz, Rev. DIR. Brodthage. Gustaye
Bender, Mr.. Feldhaus, NJ. Leppert. Wal
ther Schultz. Mr.. Martin, Leon Pohlman.
August Schmidt, Emil Holer, and the
Arion Quartette. Refreshments were
served during the evening.