Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-05-31
PRIZE FOR A NATIONAL HYMN.

PRIZE FOR A NATIONAL HYMN.
Committee oC distinguished gentlemen in
the city Of New York have offered five hun
bred dollars for National Hymn. the ncces-
sary limits and conditions Of which are set
forth in an advertisement The object carries
with 1t high moral Importance, & the design
Of those who have conceived it is praisowor-
thy and patriotic. As yet we have nothing
which in sentiment or the accompanying mu-
sic deserves the name Of a national anthem,
nothing which can be mentioned in the same
breath with the simple majestic one of our
mother country, or the majestic, soulstirring
Marscillaise. Hail Columbia" is a t3l-de-roi
composition, and Yankee Doodle" footing
piece Of raiIlery, only adapted TO the drum
and fife, and the Star Spanglcd Banner,
written 10y the father of the late Phillip Bar
ton Key, with decided merit and highly spir-
tied, is not exactly what is wanted. Up to
this day, so practical bias been the spirit of
the age, and our people during long peace
have been so engrossed in matters arising out
of an immense material development, that the
lyrical bard has not been found to originate
that which shall cmbody religious sentiment
with a simplicity and grandeur Of movement,
AZ as to interpret, in all its fulness, that feel
ing which ought to throb in the breast Of ev-
cry American citi en-.
Notwithstanding the inducement Of such a
liberal reward as is now offered, and the great
numbers who will be drawn into the lists. we
have strong doubts of their success. Five
hundred dollars will not make the poet. al
though the poet would like to make five hun
dred dollars. II he is out at the elbows he
will be at least disposed to try. but no pre-
conceived design, and only happy inspira-
ton (which will at some time or other be
vouehsaied.) can accomplish what we wsh.-
Those who are recognized as among our stan
dard poets, might make a hundred attempts
without being able to hit the keynote. while
1t is just as likely that some one who has new
err been heard Of before WILL when the ama-
tus comes, but when the money is gone. in a
divine frenzy burst out in strain to thrill the
national heart. He who wrote "Marco Boz
zaris ought to be able to do this thing, but
he is the bird that can sing yet won't sing
lie who wrote "rhanatopsis" should be pre-
vailed on to attempt it, Prayers ought to be
offered up, however, for the committee, for
there is great deal Of light which they will
have to hide under bushel, mediocrity will
be in terrible state of excitement, aud Pop
Emmons feel sorry that he is dead.
But in sober earnest, we never felt the want
OF such a composition SO badly as at present
nor ever did the love Of country SO yearn for
expression in this identical form. The fire of
such a Coianbiad would tell upon the foe
We therefore hope that this excellent move
viii accomplish the desired end. and that
some one of established fame, or "to fame
unknown will be found worthy to receive
the prize. For if out of this crisis the gem
ius should be born thus effectively to strike
the Tyre, jeff. Davis might hang up his, and
secession would be as dead as door-nail.
WOODSTOCK Posr OFFlcE. The Wood
stock Age is very much offended a. the ap-
pointment of Mr. Green Of the Standard as
postmaster Bad taste bad taste We
fear the love of the craft is little too weak
IN the editor Of the Age. For our part,
whenever the Ages party are in power, we
are pleased to see the editors in the ranks
duly remembered-espec,ally when they are
honest, faithful and capable. as we believe
Mr. Green is BY the way, We learn that
Lester A, Miller is to be retained in the
Woodstock Office better man could not he
bad