New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-04-04
TESTIMONIAL TO DIR. s. F. SMITH,
BOSTON HoNoRs THE AUTHOR OF my COUNTRY
IT'S or THEE"

BOSTON HONORS THE AUTHOR OF my COUNTRY!
IT'S or THEE"
Boston. April S.-The widespread interest taken
in the great testimonial to the Rev. DR.. :. +.
Smith. the venerable author Of the hymn Amer
lea" was shown by the large crowd that besicgel
the doors Of Music Hall long before they We're
opened to the public this afternoon. The decorations
of the han were in excellent taste. While The great
maSsing Of color was over the PLATFORM every
part of the hall was shroudod in National and
State embems. ON the wall back of the stage was
a large picture Of Dr. Smith with the word Amer
lea" over it, and on either side the shields of the
State and United States. the whole surrounded
with the flags of the Union. At the rear, IN words
of gold on black background was the first Inc
of his immortal poem.
The exercises this afternoon after the invocation
began with patriotic music by Baldwins CADET
Band. Curtis Guild, the chairman of the Executive
Committee and the presiding officer. then made
an appropriate speech. Young America was then
sung by choir of 200 voices from the boston pun
After an arpreciative address by. pr. Smith the
honorei guest OF the occasion. 'Ainerica vi" as
the venerable John w. Hutchinson. Of Lynn OF the
famous Hutchinson family Ihe KY r nf S s'cGiEe
then delivered the principal address OF t3e atier
noon. Mrs Jennie Patrick Walker sang the star
Spangled Banner" the school choir and audience
another big audience gathered in Music Hall Gurus
Guild. jr called the meeting 10 order ana , Mro
QuCCd Governor tircenhaISe 10 picrlle' nv ild'''
luiah chorus sung by 10 voices from
the Handel and Haydn Society. conduGtci
by Carl Zerrahn after which me Key.
Or smith told the story Of America
He said that In 1881 Commissioner Woodbridse' OF
public schools there. lie brought home several
music books. placin, them in the hands OF Love!
Mason. As Mr. Mason had no knowledge OF Ger
man he asked Dr Smith to translate som" ol IN"
songs he To write new words for some OF the
music as he wished To prepare a Choirhook inr
childron's voices. Dr Smith was looking over TINS
book one day in February, 1882 when his attention
was drawn to a tune which he Thought pdrucu,
larlv approDriate because Of its simple ndturdI
movement The German words were patrouc
and he was seized with the thought: Il VIII write
a patriotic hymn OF my own. Then ana there
america" was composed. written on "A scrap or
naner II was composed in less than half an hour
and rcposed in the folds OF portfolio Tor a long
time before being sent TO Mr.. Mason. who brought
il oui on .hc Fourth Of July NJ a chlldrch : c'le-
bration in Park Street Church. Boston.
IN address was made 10y Ex-Governor Long ana
Henry O'Nlrara read an ode
Chicago April 3.-The ringing OF the Columbian
Liberty Bell made famous in connection with the
Worlds Fair constituted the local celebration in
honor of the Roy. Samuel Francis Smith. author
of America" Mayor Hopkins and Superln'"de
Lane of the Chicago public schools. were IN chalt"
Of the ceremony. The historic bell was rung 10y a
ALLEGATION OF pupils from the schools. one Tor cdrh
state and Territory of the Union. After the ring
ing the gathering Joined in the singing 81 NE
famous hymn and telegram Appropriate To the
ocra sion was sent to Music Hall. Boston, where
the main celebration was in progress.