White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1872-07-04

HISTORY OF "MAuL COLUMBIA,

The following history of the row famous song
Z" Hail Columbia (Which We publish to-day, from
the pen of the author, Judge John Hopkinson
will be read with interest by those of readers
who are unacIuairted with its history. The an
thor says:
The song was written in the summer of 119S
when war with France thought to be inev-
i!able-Congress being then in session at Pha-
delpha, celebrating upon that important subject,
and acts of hostility having actually occurred.
The contest between Englan and France was rag
ing. and the people were divided into parties for
one side or the other-sOme thinking that policy
and duty required us to take part with Republican
France rs she was called others were for our con-
Meeting ourselves with England, under the belief
that she was the great preventative power of good
principles and safe government. The violation of
rights by both belligerents was forcing FROM
the Just and wise policy of President Washington
part with neither, but to keep strict and honest
neutrality between them. The prospect of q rup-
fure with France was exceedingly offensive to the
portion of the people which esponsed her cause,
and the violence Of the spirit of party has never
risen higher-I think not SO high-as it did at
that time on that question. The theatre was
then open in, our city. young man belong
ing it, whose talent was singer, was about
take his benefit. had known him when he was
at school. On this acquaintance he called on me
in the afternoon, his benefit being announced for
the following day. He said he had no boxes
taken, and the prospect was that he should suffer
~ loss VI receiving Utntnt from the Der
formance; but that if he could get patriotic
song adapted to the tune of the "President's
March," then the popular air, he did not doubt of
n full house; that the poets of the theatrical
corps had been trying to accomplish it. but were
satisfied that words could bs composed to suit the
music Of that march, told him would try for him.
He came the next afternoon. and the song, such as
it is, ready for him. 1t was announced on
Monday morning. and the theatre was crowded to
excess, and SO continued night after night for the
of the season, the song being encored and re-
peated many times during each night, the whole
audience joining. in the chorus. 1t was sung at
night in the streets by large assemblies of citizens
including members Of Congress. The enthusiasm
was general, and the song was heard. may saw
in every part of the United States. The object Of
the author was to get mp an american spirit which
should he independent Of and above the interests,
passions, and policy Of beth beigerents, and look
and feel for own honor and rights Not nj,
alluson is made either to France or England or
the quarrel between them, or to which was the
most in fault in their treatment of us. Of course
the song found favor with both parties; at least,
neither of them could disOwn the sentiments it
inculcated. 1t was truly Imeyican, and nothing
else. and the patriotic feelings of every American
heart responded to it. Snch is the history of this
song, which has endured infinitely beyond any ex-
pectatOn Of the author, and beyond any merit it
can boast Of except that of being truly and exclu-
sively patriotic in its sentiments and spirit