Chicagoans Root for Germany

Rain dampens but does not discourage the throngs of Chicagoans of German birth and ancestry who travel in carriages and wagons, on horseback and on foot, to Wright's Grove, the popular picnic ground north of the city limits.  They celebrate their pride in the recent unification of the German nation and Germany's military victory over France.  The official program begins with medley of patriotic melodies and other compositions by German composers, followed by speeches. Franz Arnold’s oration praises German history, culture, and prospects to the skies while denigrating everything that is French.  He also pays tribute to America on this Decoration Day.  “In looking upon these thousands of German faces before me,” he states, “it is a pleasing thought to know that, when it becomes necessary for Germans to secure a recognition for the land of their birth in the land of their adoption, they can co-operate to this end without distinction of party.”