49

though among so many thousands there will occur violations
of the law, ii most be acknowledged that crimes are rare and
pauperism nearly unheard of. Their intercourse with the na-
tive element is of the friendliest character although they mis-
gle perhaps not so freely aa might be beneficial to themselves,
Their intercourse among themselves is proverbial for sociabil-
ity. The system of association prevails in every phase of life
and besides their religions, education and benevolent institu-
tions there are many for mutual improvement and amuse-
ment. We have already mentioned their theatres, concerts,
musical societies, &c., and it remains only to add that there
exist here 8 lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows, 3 Mutual
Aid societies of mechanics, 3 associations for gymnastic ex-
ercises, 1 consumers association, (for the reduction of the
market prices for the members) and three large and many
smaller social c|ubs. The first three clubs are chartered by
the Legislature, and possess considerable property beside the
individual wealth of their members, the richest in regard to
the wealth of members is believed to be what is called the
"Germania," which consists mostly of commercial men who
never open their rooms to the public. In regard to the pro-
perty held, the "Concordia," is the wealthiest, which owns
in buildings and contents, not less than $200,000.

This club liberally opens its premises, except the club
rooms proper, to the public at large and is famous for the ele-
gance of its interior arrangements and its patronage of the
Fine Arts. It is unsurpassed in the United States in its
character and its display. The third club is the Scheutzen
Verein, which has only lately purchased for $40,000 a very
fine estate, where now handsome buildings and other im-
provements are under progress. The location of this spot
called the "Scheutzen Park, near the limits of the city, is
exceedingly beautiful and soon will be the favorite resort for
rural festivals and excursions. The- public establishments for
social pleasure consist of three Gerrnan hotels, about six wine
saloons, and not less than from 1,200 to 1,500 beer houses of
more or less capacity, some of them with handsome halls, and
gardens. In reviewing the features of German life in Balti-
more, and comparing it with other cities3 we should direct
the attention to the circumstance that it has the handsomest
and as many claim, the best German theatre, the largest
Scheutzen Verern, about 400 members and the most valuable
and pivturesque grounds and buildings for the favorite sport
of target shooting, the most extensive tobacco and nearly the
largest piano factory in the whole Union.

THE POLITICAL LIFE.

As much as the Germans here cultivate sociability, as little

attention they, pay to politics, There are numerous causes

for this seeming apathy. With many the difficulty of the

English idiom, with others, the dislike to identify them-