Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-05-10
A WORTHY INAUGURATION.


In England, at the dose of all public,
entertainments in theaters, halls and parks.
and at the conclusion of all public meet
ings where an orchestra or band is en-
ployed, God Save the Queen the
English national anthem, is invariably
played. The strains of that melody are
the last concerted sounds to reach the ears
OF the auditor as he leaves the place. This
has been the custom III England for CEN
fury or more, and is as much part of the
English assembly as the constituents Of
the gathering. The English have another
beautiful custom-whenever the national
anthem is sung, the audience rises. In
America we sit stolidly throughout the
singing of American hymns. The English
custom is in every sense commemorate. 1t
is on par with the spirit that is now
manifest to have the American flag foated
over all buildings of public character,
The custom of the English stimulates
patriotism, softens political antagonists
and cultivates praiseworthy pride. Ia
this country we have not, strictly speak
ing, national anthem. america" is but
an imitation. "Hail Columbia" IS too
martial, lacks rich melodies, and is i'll
adapted to be sung by the multitude. The
nearest thing that we have to what is de-
sired is the "Star-Spangled Banner
That has most of the elements of ma
tional anthem. Unfortunately it requires
too much vocal effort, as it involves too
high register r'the voices of a mixed
assembly. But as an orchestral or band
piece it is level with the "Marseillaise.
and infinitely superior in inspirating
quality to "God Save the Queen" We
may say, therefore, that the "Star-Span-
gled Banner" is the American national
anthem.
On the 5th instant, in the City OF New
York, movement was inaugurated that
We trust will continue, and never be de-
parted from. The managers of all the
leading theaters and halls in the city
agreed that on and after that date, at the
conclusion of all performances in their
attendance, the "Star-Spangled Banner
shall be played without indifference
on the part of the players and without
omission of any portion of the hymn, as
the audience retire. On the evening
referred to the new order went into effect
with entire success, and the audiences all
applauded.
We hope to see similar order adopted
in California communities. 1t can result
only in good. 1t is not merely matter of
sentiment, but one of as strong reason as
the movement to have the Stars and
Stripes loated over all school-houses. We
believe in the material effect OF music as a
means to education, and that by national
anthems, airs, marches and glees the love
of country is cultivated greatly. We
hear all too little Of national airs, but the
people can be educated to demand for
them at public gatherings, as tribute to
the unity of the American nation, and
they can be brought to that love for the
observance of the exercise that the Eu-
glish manifest.
In the name of patriotism we ask,
therefore, that the managers OF public
entertainments in this State give Little
Annie Rooney" a rest, as curtain selec-
ton; that they permit even Home,
Sweet Home" to enjoy the sweets of
privacy for which it is best adapted, and
that "Boulanger's March" be relegated to
the obscurity of the fated man from whom
it takes its title, in order that at theatrical
performances. balls and all public
meetings hereafter the strains of the "Star-
Spangled Banner" may be the musical
hapadicfinp NJ tho avap.po