Conclusion of the Imperial Shooting Match in Meran and Visit of Archduke Johann

Austrian Monarchy.

Meran, 14 Oct. That was a day such as I have not yet experienced here; for the first time I saw and felt that certain something known as public life. Nothing contrived could be detected in the merriment, everything developed on its own, and what was all the more gratifying: our country folk, who otherwise form an immobile mass taking at most the part of an uninvolved spectator in whatever takes place, had today become lively and active. How they crowded toward the prize hall, surveying the flags and other winnings with joyful eyes; how they surrounded the climbing pole, spurring on with friendly encouragement or witty reproach the bold lads who scrambled toward the best prizes; how they streamed after the approaching brass band, and finally circled the flag tower, eagerly awaiting the moment when "the gentlemen will preach from the stage." It was a universally felt, uplifting celebration—it marked the close of the imperial shooting match. The third hour of the afternoon arrived, the rifle shots fell silent, and the booming of the mortars announced the distribution of the imperial gifts. The balcony and windows of the shooting house were densely occupied by ladies and gentlemen from near and far, upon the wide grounds surged the country folk in their picturesque Sunday finery, and presently the prize banners fluttered in a semicircle before the platform of the flag tower, where Their Imperial Highnesses, the Archduke Regent of the Empire, Viceroy Rainer, and Prince Heinrich, surrounded by Their highest retinue and the authorities, had taken their seats. Dr. Anton Putz, the shooting master, followed by a marshal carrying the drinking horn, ascended the stage and delivered an address stating that the shooting contest was now brought to a close by the Emperor's grace in peace and joy, and that an illustrious guest, a long-proven friend and protector of marksmen, was doing the high honor of presenting the awards to the valiant winners. To the strains of music and the thunder of mortars, the prize winners stepped forward at the summons of a shooting councilor and received the imperial gifts from the hand of Archduke Johann. Permit me likewise to present the proficient men to you in order:

Main Prize No. 1: 1) Lorenz Meilinger of Toblach (the merry Lenz). 2) Dr. Anton Putz, chief shooting master of Meran. 3) Anton Oberheidacher of Bozen. Late entries: Thomas Oberschneider of Bozen.

Main Prize No. 2: 1) Johann Georg Prey of Niederdorf. 2) Peter Telser of Schlanders. 3) Elsler Michael of Meran. Late entries: Joachim Unterplatzer of Kastelruth. – Christian Mayr of Kastelbell.

Main Prize No. 3: 1) Bartlmä Salzmayr of Telfs. 2) Georg Mader of Steinach. 3) Christian Mayr of Kastelbell. Late entry: Alois Pomela of Kurtatsch.

Main Prize No. 4: 1) Mathias Tummler of Schlanders. 2) Joseph Hartler of Natters. 3) Joh. Gleirscher of Fulpmes. Late entries: Joh. Bacher of Sillian. Joachim Unterplatzer of Kastelruth. Franz Huber of Andrian.

The distance banner, a prize for the German marksman who had traveled from the greatest distance, was awarded to Dr. v. Franzius of Danzig.

The sash richly embroidered in gold, a gift from Mrs. Kopp, wife of the district captain, for that Meran shooter who had scored the most bulls-eyes across the four main prizes, was won by Dr. Anton Putz, the chief shooting master, who besides carried off one of the first minor prizes.

Henceforth there was great jubilation among the prizewinners, and the chief shooting master in particular gave himself entirely over to his joy, in which, with radiant face, he hastened back onto the stage to offer, amid the warmest expressions of gratitude, cheers to the supreme prize-giver, His Majesty the Emperor, to Archduke Johann, distributor of the prizes, to the dearly beloved House of Austria, and to all the marksmen who took part in the festivities. The Archduke Regent drank from the horn while cheers rose into the air from a thousand voices, and when quiet had returned, His Highness began in a clear, firm voice a solemn and yet so heartfelt address, whose exact words I heartily regret being unable to reproduce; yet permit me to acquaint you with the general sense thereof:

"An old marksman experiences the joy of seeing again that land where he learned to shoot; indeed he is granted the privilege of taking part in Meran in a marksmen's festival observed so splendidly and worthily. I come as the old comrade, but I also find the old Tyrol; it is the same that holds fast to the motto of our fathers, which we wish to pass on to our grandchildren: With God for Emperor and Fatherland! In this motto everything is expressed that a Tyrolean heart feels; it was always My motto as well, and I know that everyone standing on this square feels it with Me. We shall hold fast to it, and then we shall always be and remain what we have been. There is peace in the land now, wherefore we may delight in the contests of the marksmen; this is a feast of joy for us all. We want to hope that peace may last, but should it happen otherwise, should we have to defend our borders, mountains and valleys, wives and children, if the Emperor calls us, then we shall stand together in unity just as we do now in cheerful times, and we will prove our mettle. – Here is the wine of honor; I am delighted to be able to toast you on this festive day, in this adorned place, Tyrolean men. I take it and drink, and let everyone repeat after me: Cheers to my Emperor! – The land of Tyrol, firm as its mountains, unshakeable, unchangeable, ancient and faithful, long may it live! – The marksmen of Tyrol, my dear companions in joy and sorrow, cheers! – The town of Meran, the heart of the land, cheers! (Stormy cheers followed each proclamation.) And now, my dear marksmen and friends of marksmanship: next year, when all blooms in May, we shall see each other again, for then I shall host My own shooting match. I will bring my rifle along, and then we shall show what we can still do, and so I cordially invite you all to it. God protect you! Farewell until we meet again!"

Loud shouts, yodels, and cheers resounded in manifold tones, and with difficulty the chief shooting master gained the floor to reiterate his thanks to Archduke Johann, who had attended the festival, distributed the gifts, toasted the health of the Tyroleans, and made the noble, great promise to give a shooting match for the people of Meran in the spring. He then proposed a cheer for Archduke Heinrich, the illustrious layer of the cornerstone, whereupon, amid the strains of the imperial anthem, the distinguished guests were escorted to Their hotel by the authorities present and the joint committees. A little later, the prize winners marched to their lodgings with sounding music.

At 7 o'clock in the evening, an exceedingly large gathering assembled at the Inn to Archduke Johann, where to our particular delight we found the fair sex splendidly represented. Miss Fanny Kink and Miss Bianka v. Gasteiger, the much-praised Liedertafel choir with its excellent tenors Niederegger and basses v. Weinhart, and the pianist Klebelsberg knew how to cast such an enchanting spell over the guests with their singing and melodies that a substantial troupe did not return to its quarters until the cock crowed. Stepping over the corpses of beheaded champagne bottles, it strode toward rest. By that you may measure the amusements and the cheerfulness that prevailed there. That was the conclusion of the festival!