Inauguration of the Imperial-Royal District Court in St. Leonhard in Passeier

Austrian Monarchy.

St. Leonhard in Passeier, 1 July. Here, too, the commencement of the activities of the Imperial-Royal District Court was observed with all solemnity and enthusiasm. Numerous mortar salutes already proclaimed far into the valleys, yesterday evening and early this morning, the high significance of the festival. On the courthouse, the splendid, newly painted eagle was raised with flowers and garlands, and all local dignitaries, even several village heads and committee members from far-distant communities, gathered there and escorted the District Judge Sebastian v. Isser—who had already been received with all honours a month ago—and his staff to the parish church, where the Dean celebrated a solemn High Mass with Te Deum amidst the continuous thunder of mortars. Despite the preceding Sunday and holiday, and the urgent field labour, the church was entirely filled. After the service concluded, the procession proceeded festively to the courthouse, where the Reverend clergy also gathered, and where the portrait of our youthful Emperor was tastefully adorned with evergreens and roses. The District Judge then delivered an address in a public assembly, which was received with applause and ended amidst widespread emotion with the unanimous cry: "Long live Franz Joseph!", followed by a reply from the Dean. In the afternoon, target shooting was held, and in the evening the District Judge assembled the dignitaries for a modest supper at the Stroblwirth, where the heartiest cheers resounded once again. Thus ended this festive day, unforgettable to the honest folk of Passeier, whose historical fidelity and devotion to religion and the Imperial House continue to endure with untarnished vigour.