CHAPTER XVI.
The German Citizens of Richmond After w ’ the War.
HE German population of Richmond was already previous tö 'the war the nucleus of the entire German ^ element of the State, and it has ever since retained the leadership. After the fall of the Confederacy the German merchants and mechanics were in a state of numbness, the first effect of forlorn hopes and destructive blows. Many had lost all and momentarily despaired of future prosperity, but very soon they roused themselves and by diligence, enterprise and perseverance they gained new wealth. They lost no time in repining, but addressed themselves immediately to the work of rebuilding upon the ruins, and in their success made a record that is unparalleled. The task before them was a herculean one, but they accomplished it in an incredibly short time. Several of those who left Virginia at the outbreak of hostilities returned. After the great victories of the German armies in Austria and Erance in 1866, 1870 and 1871. ; upon the establishment of the Horth German Confederation, and most of all by the foundation of the powerful German Empire, the Germans and German-Vir- ginians were inspired with feelings of self-consciousness and pride and with an admiration of their people and Father- land heretofore unknown. This feeling of national self-respect soon found expression in a more active participation in political affairs. However this newly aroused enthusiastic admiration of the dear old Fatherland possessed nothing anti- American, but on the contrary instigated only to advance the condition of Virginia with truly German loyalty and piety.