The weatber bureau had made a rather don...

INDEPENDENCE DAY 1899

of American Independence in Patriotic Citizens.

AND BY ANN ARBORITES

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The Fourth Was Celebrated In Relief Park

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The Patriotic Germans Listen to a Patriotic Address by William Reichmann--A fine Parade was Given at 10 o'clock

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The weather bureau had made a rather doubtful promise for the Fourth, but the weather clerk relented and furnished splendid weather. Here in Ann Arbor the day was as usual introduced by many blasts of cannon and anvils, giant crackers and anything that would make noise. For years the German Americans of our city have celebrated the day. While others have done this individually they have done it, collectively. Tuesday was no exception, and they had a fine time. They are always thoroughly patriotic, as has been shown in every war, by the numbers of their young men, who have risked their lives for their adopted fatherland. Tuesday the Ann Arbor Arbeiter Unterstnetznngs Verein took the initiative. The arrangements were well made and carried out as planned. The various societies met at their halls at 9 :30 a. m. At 10 o'clock under the direction of Titus F. Hutzel, marshal of the day, the procession was formed. It started at the corner of Main and Liberty, marched north on Main to Huron, east on Huron to Fourth ave., north on Fourth ave. to Ann, west on Ann to Main, south on Main to Liberty, west on Liberty to Fourth, south on Fourth to Jefferson, west on Jefferson to Fifth, then to Relief Park. The procession was headed by the Washtenaw Times Band. Then followed carriages, one containing President George F. Lutz, Jr., Williaiu Reichmann, of Grand Rapids, speaker of the day, Samuel Spring and John George Lutz, then another containing George Visel, Henry Faber, Gustave Zindler and Cari Bauer, of Detroit, then a bus with members of the Turner Vereiu, a brake with mernbers of the Harugari Gesang Verein. The Schwaebischen Unterstuetzungs Verein, Laudwehr Verein, A. O. U. W., Phoenix Gesang Verein and the Arbeiter Verein marched in a body. There was enough breeze to float the flags of the various societies. The whole made a very pretty picture typical of the true inward feelings of the people, ready to stand up for the country both in joy and sorrow. When the procession reached the park they assembled about the grand stand. Here George F. Lutz, Jr., welcomed every one with fitting words. He said when reading the bilis posted up he saw he was expected to make a speech. If he had prepared a speech he had forgotten it. He told two appropriate stories and said in the name of the society he bid them a hearty welcome. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, William Reichman, of Grand Rapids, a representative of the Germania, the well known German paper, the orator of the day. was introduced by President Lutz. Mr. Reichman is not unknown to the citizens of Ann Arbor, having spoken in the city on former occasions. He had not only a pleasant delivery but showed by what he said that be is a careful thinker. He said those who had been born in the old fatherland. Germany, should not consider want they may have lost, they should only think of what they had gained in coming to this country of freedom. They had become American citizens. They should become as thoroughly good American citizens as those of Irish, English or other extraction, although not forgetting their German parentage. They must recollect that no people can be truly happy unless they be virtuous. Proud of his German forefather, if he maintains his high character he will be respected by his American fellow citizens. The speaker recommended strongly that every German should become a thorough master of the English language He should do this while not depriving his children of the glorious heritage of the language of their forefathers. Make them masters of both. Plant in the hearts of their children German virtues of honesty and character. It was not mere chance that they were led to this country, but by a power that was above all. They had a duty to perform to the country of their adoption. There were duties for each individual, which went to make up the happiness of the whole country. The state as a whole had the duty of looking after each individual. They should live uprightly among their fellow men. The speaker paid a just tribute to the patriotism of the German American citizens, who in all wars, even that of the independence, the declaration of which they celebrated today, had always been ready to offer up their blood for their adopted country. The German American was no longer a stranger in this country, he was an integral part. The German in other in this country had preserved her housewifely virtues, which she and her daughters would never forget. In conclusion Mr. Reicbmann spoke of What the Germans had accomplished in Michigan by standing together. The Allgemeiner Arbeiter Bnnd was a shining example. In 32 years' time they had paid out over 700,000 to Widows and orphans in sums of 500. This had been done during the last 11 years at an average cost not exceeding $6 a year per member, and they now numbered 9,000. Mr. Reichmann received the liberal applause which he deserved. He may always count on a warm welcome when he comes to Ann Arbor. The balance of the day was spent by the visitors to the park in social conversation and games. In the evening beautiful fireworks were set off. The young people danced in the pavilion. The day as a whole was one of those pleasant ones not soon to be forgotten.