The Washington herald., 1907-08-23

At a largely attended meeting Of the
executive council of the United German
Societies held al Bessler's Hail. last
night. it was unanimously resolved to OBJ
serve German Day on Monday, Septem-
Der 9.
Delegates from the >twenty-one socie-
ties composing the union. and represent
ing 1900 members. were present, ana
spoke with enthusiasm in favor OF the
proposed celebration.
Kurt VoelckneT. president of the so
ciety, occupied the chair and explained
the significance Of the day.
He said that a band Of German pilgrims,
under the leadership Of Franz Daniel Pas
torius. landed in this country october 6.
1858. on the good ship Concord, and that
they settled in Germantown, near Phila-
delphia, where they established the first
German colony in this country.
Day Thoroughly American.
DR.. VoeIckner said that the day is thor
oughly American in spirit, as the settlers
and their children and descendants, and
every German immigrant that arrived IN
this country thereafter, became loyal
American citizens. preserving those Ger
man traits which assisted to make this
country not only the richest and the
strongest. but also the most cultured and
intellectual nation In the world.
By reason of the views regarding per-
sonal liberty and other questions Of po-
Utical and social importance entertained
! by the Ancient Order Of Hibernians
/ being identical with those of the United
! German Societies and the German-Amer-
! ican Alliance. il was decided TO extend
an invitation to the HibaTntan order 10
/ be the guests of the German societies on
/ the day in question. An unlimited num-
/ Der Of admission tickets was set aside
/ for the use of the sons OF Erin.
Speeches in Two Languages.
/ There will be speeches in English and
German by representative Americans and
/ Communications, District Attorney
( CrandaH Mackey. of Alexandria County,
having signifed his acceptance to make
the principal address Of the day.
The Saengerbund. Maennerchor. and
Arion singing societies will entertain the
visitors and guests with a programme
Of foIksongs. solos, and choruSes. One
( Of the main attractions of the festivities
will be the champion team OF the Co
! mmbia Turnverein. which captured the
| first prize at the national turnfest re-
/ Gently held Wilmington. Del There
will be games for old and young, and al
kinds OF amusements-
The following committees were appoint
i ed: Arrangements committee, T. A.
/ Rockar. P HALTER. r. W. Helbig; finance
! committee. Carl T. Gundlach. Charles
y f,
! Henning, Louis Bauer; reception COM
/ mittee, ". RUckdaeschel. Fred Imhof,
II Streitberger, Heinemann, Rick, Otto L.
Schmidt, and J. Schuerger; press COM
mittee, DR.. S. A Cara
Fame Spreads Abroad.
Since a Columbia Turnverein team cap
tured frst honors at the national turn
fest at Wilmington d few months ago
the local athletes have attracted attention
not only among the larger turn societies
in this country. but their fame has reach
ed foreign countries
Preparations for the international turn
fest TO be held az Frankfort, Germany
are now in progress. and the committee
in charge of selecting the competing
teams has addressed an invitation to the
champion team of the Columbia Turn.
verein to proceed to Germany and meet
there in competition the prize teams
from ali parts Of the world.
The enthusiasm of the local gymnasts
knows no bounds, and their admirers are
making every effort TO collect funds tC
send them to Frankfort 10 participate
in the various tests. The Washington
contingent is confident of landing one OF
the first prizes. if not the prize Of honor
May Get Convention.
Another honor which has come to the
Columbians is the prospect Of securing
for this city next years convention ot
the turner societies of the United States
including about 800 delegates The con
vention will be in session four days, ana
will bring thousands Of visitors to Wash
ington.
The committee on membership and the
new hall report progress, and tae chair
man Of the building fund for the new
hall expects to be in a position soon L
lay before the verein plans and specih
cations Of the proposed new clubhouse.