Constitution of the Free Municipality of Merano and Election of Mayor Joseph Haller

Austrian Monarchy.

Meran, 12 July. Yesterday evening brought together a gathering of citizens of the pleasant small town of Meran, as numerous as it was select, at the Post inn for a cheerful and joyous meal.

A (regrettably too small) number of amiable female citizens and the brass band formed under the direction of the excellent chapel master enhanced a celebration which—held in honour of the constitution of the free municipality of Meran—gave voice to undivided joy over the election of its head.

Mayor Joseph Haller enjoys the highest esteem. Many years of service in the same capacity have made known in him the man of honour whom the new structure of the municipalities requires more urgently than ever.

In this unanimous acclaim, and honour be to the electors who value it, may Mr Haller also accept irrefutable proof of recognition for his proven strength of will and action in serving the common good.

After prolonged convivial gathering, District Captain Kopp rose to speak. In a brief but thoughtful address, he outlined the significance of today's festival, called attention to the importance of the rights and duties granted to the municipalities by the constitution, as well as to the concept of true freedom—whose foundation pillars are the preservation of peace and order and respect and affection for the law—openly expressed his pleasure at the election outcome, and concluded with an enthusiastic cheer for the “newly elected Mayor.”

Not a sound stirred during the address of the universally beloved District Captain, and the spoken words, delivered in a fine and clear presentation, undeniably made the deepest impression upon the company.

Mayor Haller responded in his characteristically modest manner, expressing his gratitude for the confidence placed in him.

Rousing toasts followed in uninterrupted succession: the first to the health of our young, chivalric Emperor and the most august Imperial House, followed by toasts to the well-being of the free municipality and its self-elected leaders, of the District Captain, of District Judge Kink, already held in high regard despite his brief tenure, of the Reverend Dean, and others.

It was late in the evening before the lively gathering dispersed, not to commit the celebration to the sleep of oblivion, but to preserve it in memory and let children and their children know how joyfully and happily the citizens of Meran celebrated the establishment of their first free municipality. -