Arrival of Rifle Companies at the Shooting Festival in Merano

Austrian Monarchy.

Meran, 26 May. Yesterday evening, the riflemen from Feldkirch made their entry and were received by the brothers Dr. Gottlieb and Anton Puß. The latter stated in his address: “I stayed among you for four years and spent sweet, delightful days in your midst. I absorbed the first constitutional ideas while among you; they seemed to us a beautiful dream that has now taken shape as complete reality. Therefore, long life to you, brothers from Feldkirch! A cheer to the Countess of Meran, from whose hand this high, noble banner, rich in gold and art, originates!”

This morning, the riflemen from Partschins and Klausen were introduced. Mr. D. Schönherr welcomed the inhabitants of the Eisack Valley with an apt address: “Greetings and a handshake to you, riflemen from the Eisack Valley! You have at all times offered up life and property for the endangered fatherland, and from your midst have come forth men whose deeds shine in the annals of Tyrol. From your midst stepped forward the impassioned Haspinger, the Redbeard, and with his staff drove the unholy Philistine host from the sacred soil of the fatherland. From you comes the innkeeper of the Mahr, who died in Bozen for the fatherland. You lead in your midst Captain of the Riflemen Rumpelmaier, who helped exhume the mortal remains of Andreas Hofer from foreign soil and transfer them to Innsbruck. Yet it is not men alone; the whole lineage is permeated with the same spirit. The women of Leyfers and Feldthurns courageously defended their hearth. The old familiarity with the Stutzen has not been lost to you. One among you shot the center at this festival, and another shot two fours. Go forth now and do likewise.”

The bystanders made it evident that this speaker had struck the right chord.

An hour later, the men of Algund marched in. In front were the white-and-red Tyrolean banner and the white-and-green riflemen's banner. The captain wore the large gold medal of bravery. Dr. Lentner greeted them with a speech full of apt references to Algund and its beautiful region.

“Riflemen of Algund! You are dear and precious to us, as you are our neighbors, always standing ready with your aid, and have now come to join in celebrating the festival. In your region lies the beautiful Rosengarten, in which according to the ancient legend a king held court, and lies buried there with his treasures. Just like the roses of this paradisiacal garden, the roses of your love, loyalty, and strength bloom. Go forth now and pluck many beautiful roses from the shooting festival and wreath your brows.” — The bearer of the white-and-red banner demonstrated great artistry in waving it.

The registration books show a total of 1,200 riflemen to date.

As we hear, the Italians departed exceedingly pleased, with newly awakened affection for their German brothers.