The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1877-12-11
THE MARINE BAND,
ROBBERY or Il KINGS 1yC-
SICLIN,S.
How the Celebrated Institution was
orglnated--A Tale Of Eighty Years
AFRO.
From the 81. Louis Republican.


Republic was in it's earliest infancy,
and the navy consisted of a fow
wooden hulls, ono Of them, during
cruise on the Mediterranean, was
boarded by n band of musician S,
claiming that they wore tho sRoyal
Band of Italy, and had deserted
With tho idea of rcaching America
and making their fortune in the
New World.
| The American captain realized
the situation and hcsitatcd, although
ne had just received orders for the
ship to return. 1t seemed almost
impossible to smugglc the band to
America without detection, and if
exposed he would incur tho dis
pleasure of the italian government,
and i'll tho end be dismissed by our
own.
Tho band-lcadcr watched his
countenance, and read that u de
clslon was about to be declared
against the band. The poor fellow
pleaded his cause, and, with accents
OF pity and distress, begged for a
voyage to the Gland OF tho free"
AT last, when nearly every ray of
hope had deserted him, happy
thought occurred. He was n good
lcnder--also fine Judge of human
nature--and he discovered that this
American officer was lover of
good music, and while the officers
were called aft to discuss the oues-
tion of carrying off tho band, the
leader sounded the call, tho instru-
mcnts were brought out, shoe ts of
music placed in position, and the
consultation Of the officers inter
rupted by such delicious strains of
music That silence prevailed "fore
and aft
1t was the "last hope" and every
member of this since famous band
felt that his life and liberty depend
ed on tho effect Of their music on
tho Americans.
Arguments, pleading and words
mad failed, but music, heavenly and
divine, was successful, and rs tho
last strain died away on the soft air
OF that sunny cline, the brave old
veteran captain said to his officers,
"Gcntlemen, that band shall 90
with us to the United States, and
tho consequences, whatever may
come, will rest on my shoulders
alone" The voyage was q long
one, and, before reaching this coun~
try, tho band adopted suggestion
OF tue captain, and, on being landed,
scattered to different cities, adopt
ing for tho while other trados and
occupations.
AS expected, the italian Minister
received notice from homo to
watch for the runaways.
Some diplomatic correspondence
followed He was ccrt,lin tho band
had never reached America, and
soon after the Count was recalled,
and the band, who had friendly ad-
vlsers, were assured that all danger
was over. They mot in Washing
ton and favored Congress, then
assembled, with concert such as
was never heard before in America.
The effect was electrical on our
worthy lawmakers. An oct incor>
porating the MARINE Band" was
passed and became law, md the
Marine Band from that date has
been one of tho special objects of
interest to all Washington visitors.
AS years rolled by it was kept
strictly private affair, Sons wero
trained to succeed fathers and only
few Outsiders allowed to enroll
their names. When I first knew
tho organization it had two mem
bers who had performed with the
band for Harr son, Taylor, and
lhncoJn's funerals. Several Of it's
members worc in tho orchestra at
Fords Theatre on tho night of
Lincoln's assassination.
A book of Incidents could be
easily written, but space forbids.
But before closing, wish to enter
protest against the reduction or
disbanding of this old timc~honored
organization. I cannot use tho
oratory Of "Our Carter" from
Chicago, or else I would appeal to
the gallant Thompson, who has
been reared amid the dangers and
perils of tho Wabash, and plead