The German differs in that respect absolutely.  While he is not disinclined to attend church and sabbath-school in the morning and afternoon he desires to spend the rest of the day in recreations of a different character.  He likes to be with his family or his friends in social circles, to go to concerts, theatres, picnic, indulging there in a glass of wine or beer.  Hence it is a disagreeable surprise to him to find places of recreation closed on Sunday, as the sale of intoxicating liquors on that day is prohibited.  But not only on Sundays is the sale of beer etc. prohibited, but also on week-days in several states.  No restaurants or saloons are tolerated, and such as violate the law, are prosecuted; their goods are confiscated, they are fined and even imprisoned.  The State of Iowa is perhaps the most severe in this regard, and a great many Germans who had nice homes there, left the State on account of a law so obnoxious to them.

There are some organizations, such as the Prohibition Party etc., which oppose personal liberty and are continually agitating, trying to induce Congress to introduce a law of prohibition in the country.  In some states they have succeeded already, prohibiting the manufacturing and sale of intoxicating liquors.  In some counties they have local option where a license may be granted but often at a very high rate, such as $1000 per year.  On Sundays, as stated before, the keeping open of beergardens, saloons etc. is prohibited throughout the United States, except at a few places, where the Germans are in the majority and where there are Americans of more liberal views.

There exist numerous German societies, lodges etc. in nearly all the cities, where a great number of Germans reside.

The "Sangerfeste", given by all united singing-societies, are often grand, and hardly could be excelled by those given in Germany.  The best musical talent of the country, engaged for such occasions, render most artistic productions.