New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung, May 2, 1889, pp. 1-4

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They honor the memory of the 'Father of the Land'
In Rank and File. – The last day of the Washington Centennial.
Tens of Thousands of New York Citizens March in the Parade.
Unions, Clubs, Loges, Firemen and Police. Workers and Millioners, Artists, Doctors, Lawyers and Businessmen in endless parade.
The Triumph of the German-Americans. –

The Centennial, celebrated on the Hudson and in the entire country for the last three days, ended yesterday with the Industrial-Parade. In magnificent sequence the program unfolded from the meeting of the President on the first day, the official Declaration, the Military Parade and the big banquet on the second day. Until the end it can truly be described as the crowning touch. It was correct to give the Industry and the Procession of Citizen Clubs an entire day, since the Union rose to its current status due to the industriousness of trade and businessmen under the country's liberal institutions. Yesterday's military might did not compare to this peaceful assembly. The tens of thousands of citizens regardless of income, political belief or standing marched for hours –Tammany strongly represented by every district – and left a greater impression to thousands of viewers than the military parade. Without taking away from the citizens' guard this country prospers from development in peaceful times. The demonstration of true interest in their nation was overwhelming in its expression.

Luckily the entire celebration has succeeded without a major incident. The police and citizens are to be commended for their efforts at organization and directions and achieving true patriotism and dignity for this great historic event. Not to mention the patients needed to push through the crowds and 'hanging' on street lanterns.

It was interesting to see the colorful militia from yesterday's parade walking through town. The bleachers in front of the Roman Catholic Orphanage on 5th Ave. and 51st St. were filled with 2,000 persons: Catholic Church hierarchy, citizens and orphans. Dr. McDonald, Secretary, sat with Archbishop Corrigan and Bishop Corbitt of Australia, with Bishop Conroy and Father Acosta not far away. Bleacher seats that sold for one or two dollars had some room. Impertinent prices! 2,000 schoolchildren were seated in front of Tiffany's, with the boys 9 to 15 years of age surpassing all cheering and noise making.
The bleachers on 4th Ave. had been reserved for ladies by command of the Mayor and were filled at 8 AM. Others stood on the streets 6 to 8 deep without moving. On the Southern side of Washington Square the thick crowd was repeatedly pushed into the streets. Thanks go to the police for keeping order without using their clubs or their horses. Everywhere stairs, roofs and windows were occupied and loud cheers went up particularly at the passing of the German sections.
The Review Stand. – Waiting and Waiting. – The citizens of New York through their Mayor presented the President with a proclamation.[image] Decorated cars: one portrayed Columbus on his discovery trip, the other 'Declaration of Independence' with three ordinary citizens lounging and the third one depicting the old "Federal Hall".

The German Division. - A Festival Marshall up Front of each different section.
Shooters, Gymnasts, Singers, German Soldiers, Grocers and Piano builders.
Finally there appeared General Schaefer, Parade Marshall for the German Division, assisted by Marshal Seifert, both on horseback and wearing orange colored sashes accompanied by the Hoboken and Brooklyn Riding Club members in elegant riding attire. They were followed by the Concordia Shooters, the German-American Shooting Club and many other clubs, all in beautiful uniforms adorned with medals won in prize shootings. The lack of keeping the march together provided an opportunity for the Irish 'ancient Order of Hibernia' to move into the empty space before more Germans appeared. After a long interval finally: The Grand Parade of the German-Americans. The Second Division. Taste and artistically rich decorations nicely united.
By far the best section of the whole parade was the German-American division depicting their life here, from emigration to the present. This section was to give a picture of German art, science and social life, German industriousness and industry and their contributions to this country. However, the art wagon had broken down and was taken out of the parade. But then another troop of magnificent horses leading the long and interesting section of the piano builders, hundreds, even thousands of men marched. They moved along in long rows according to the company they belonged to dressed in hats, sashes and aprons.
Highlights of the individual parade floats.

German Heroes of the American Revolution.
In this historic section of the parade Generals Steuben and DeKalb, who had served Washington so brilliantly in the American War of Liberation with their knowledge gained oversees, shared a float. They were seated in a tent in uniforms of the Continental Army discussing war plans. Sentries stood guard with old-fashioned rifles stacked outside. This group was interesting to view and depicted the times well.

The Forty-Eighters.
After the military subdued the freedom loving elements in 1848 in Europe emigration to the US increased dramatically. It has been recognized before that much German knowledge, strength and trade know-how entered America and this portion was to recognize them.

Book Printing and Binding.
Under the aegis of Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom, book printing and binding appeared in the parade. In the history of mankind the rise of modern culture would not have been possible without Guttenberg's black art. It served as the connection between the old and the new 19th century and earns its right of pride in progress in such a short time. The mass production of printing depicted the human work achieved over the last 100 years. Minerva rose on a pedestal in helmet and harness, spear and shield and at her feet the owl flanked by opulent palm trees. It was followed by floats depicting:

The German Regiment. - Emigration in Newer Times.- The Arion.- The German Drama.- Blue Beard, Maria Stuart by Schiller.- New Yorker Singers.– The Bacchus float.– Carnival.- German Gymnasts.- The Kindergarten.- The Opera.- The Symphony.- Beethoven Men's Chorus.- American Indians producing utensils from iron mined in the earth walked along the next float in war costumes with tomahawks in their belt and water canteens on their back.

Loreley Saga. – Folk Tunes – Liederkranz.
This float, donated by the Liederkranz, deserved to be here since sagas are part of the Germanic history and the new generation should endeavor to preserve. In deed, it was depicted as written: the beautiful maiden sat atop a rock, high above the Rhine, the German river of the fatherland, her golden hair blowing in the wind and enticing sailors in their boats below with her song, unaware that wind and waves will soon swallow them.

Richard Wagner
The colossal bust of the 'Master of Futuristic Music' on the moss-covered rock was visible far in advance. The glistening Rheingold formed the front of the rock surrounded by Rhine daughters in long swaying robes and swamp grass wreaths in their hair. In the front sits Mrs. Venus with a rose wreath on her locks while the kneeling Tannhäuser is holding a lyre adoringly in front of her singing the love song 'Praise the sounds! Wonders be praised.' Wotan, the Ur-Father, stands in the middle of the float holding the falcon and spear next to his favorite daughter Brunhilde dressed in a suit of armor and shield saying goodbye to her with 'This is how he kisses your diety'. The Faffner's poisonous dragon looks out the back, Siegfried hammering his sword. To the left is a scene from the Meistersinger. Swinging his hammer Hans Sachs in brown leather bag at his belt happily listens to lovely Eva in old-German dress and blond braids singing: 'Do tell, how it is, are you worried, I would be pleased.' Next to her the proud figure of Lohengrin, the knight of the grail, is visible in a scaly silver suit of armor and a helmet crowned in a swan as he leads shy Elsa in her wedding dress.

Nurseries and Gardens.
The Germans deserve to be proud of their achievements in this industrious element.

The Piano Makers.
This industrial branch displayed dignity in its art. It was an imposing tableau depicting the history of the piano industry and its development. Next to the spinet of the last century were the masterful instruments of today. But one could also see the many tools and implements utilized today. A lire rose behind a huge shield displaying the tuning fork, the Alpha and Omega of the trade surrounded by huge elephant teeth, used for piano keys, in the middle the spindly spinet of the 18th century with Mozart seated at the instrument supposedly composing one of his works surrounded by Bach and Händel. A few feet away rose a new modern concert grand piano and a huge 'upright' piano, both brilliantly executed and decorated in gold surrounded by Schumann, Lizst, Rubinstein und Wagner. The bottom drapery was of musical notes and note paper with illustrations of the numerous tools and gadgets needed in the manufacturing today.

Gold and Silversmiths- Artisans.-
Reaching its height in the Middle Ages this art form unfortunately almost died out in the 18th century. Although art lovers still admire these products still visible in old castles and patrician residences.

American Wines - Bacchus - Rhine Wine
The Rhine and its wine will always keep its worldwide fame. And yesterdays float showed Father Rhine peacefully looking down at the water, granting his daughter Mosel a dignified presence. The Neckar and Aar nestled in less obvious view in trees and wine stalks. The grape pickers were happily at work, singing, cajoling, presenting a colorful picture. Not far were the rock caves where huge kegs of Rüdesheimer, Nauenthaler, Aßmannshäuser et all are stored. Wine was bottled and wine merchants were busy. Large vintner signs and garlands finished this lively Rhine image.

German Practical Engineers
Transportation engineers at work on the railroad, a huge locomotive were followed by
The Bakers - The Brewers - Hops and Malt - The Shoemakers

The citizens of New York and particularly the German-division of the Parade can be proud of their job well done. Their patriotic enthusiasm expressed the true 'American idea'.

All is well that ends well.

What is the meaning of our city's Citizen and Industry Parade having brilliantly concluded three days of national celebration in honor of George Washington? Almost 80,000 people in festive garb watched or paraded to honor the country's embodiment of the American citizen. And the character of this homage was the complete lack of inhibition. Maybe another 30,000 would have participated had the parade arrangers not been instructed to limit time and length.

The accomplished deed of the celebration truly served the end purpose: The people could not have expressed their love and thank you for their accomplishments, which means free government for all, in a better way. But the most impressive impression of the whole happiness-demonstration was its cosmopolitan character: one could say, every banner carrier expressed home, happiness and satisfaction, no matter his heritage, all trying to show the best they are able to do in their trade or social life.
The parade couldn't possible show all aspect of the progress during the last 100 years, but one saw tight columns of battalions of working people self confident and proud not visible in many a national capital city and their solid participation was overwhelming and should remain unforgettable for everyone of them. The patriotic enthusiasm celebrated the 'American idea' as a beautiful triumph over corruption, intrigue and attacks.
With high expectations of the 'German Division' in the Parade, the New Yorker Germans can be proud of having overwhelmingly surpassed those expectations in all aspects.

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