Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-02

In discussing national songs it is con- tended by many that the great American anthem remains yet to be written; that the ones we have, embalmed as they are in the tears and blood of nation, are not equal to the demands of the American people. Be that as it may, there are a number which will never lose their hold upon the hearts of the nation. Among those which have made the great est impression is Maryland, My Mary land," concerning which a recent ex- change has this to say:
 Maryland, My Maryland.' the fiery poem bysJames R. Randall that inspired David Belasco to write The Heart of Maryland, now at the Herald Square theater was one of the most popular ef- fusions excited by the civil war. In- deed, Oliver Wendell Holmes says it was the best poem on either side of the con- flct. In time the song crossed the ocean. Mr. John R. Thompson of the Southern Literary Messenger happened to be abroad about this time On his return he said to MT. Randall
 "'When I was in London 1 met in drawing room one of the most beautiful and charming women who asked me if would not like to hear a song of my southern country. and upon my reply" ing in the affirmative she went to a piano and sang Maryland, My Maryland" After she had finished, she turned to me and said:
 "'When you see the friend who wrote that, tell him you heard it sung by Russian girl who lived in Archangel, north of Siberia, and learned to sing it there
 MT and Mrs. Henry l.. Underwood ~l~y< last evening at their home on the South Highlands.
 Mrs. Gertrude Duncan Pope is now liv- ing in New York city 3iIa Washington square.
 Mrs. Chappelf Cory and children have returned from London. They arrived Tuesday night, and are receiving the warmest welcome from relatives and friends.
 The following petition will be pre- sented to congress by the Daughters of the American Revolution:
 '.To the honorable. the Congress of the
 United States
 "The Daughters of the American Revo- 1ution most respectfully memorialize your honorable body and show that the granddaughter of Francis Scott Key. Miss Elizabeth Key and her mother, Mrs. Key, are in Washington and are now ob- jects of charity, the mother being blind and almost helpless; neither physically able to earn their bread
 'If great service to ones country en- titles the actor to it's love and bounty, then the name of the author of The Star Spangled Banner should be coupled and defended with the flag he loved so we'll. and live as long as 1t shall wave over free and brave people: and as long as 1,.ox, of hi uuI, the veins of man or woman 1t should be cared for and protected.
 Every line of that immortal song is an inspiration of patriotism, and it has glinted our flag with a halo of glory all it's own that will hover over 1t as long as it floats OCT the land of the free and the home of the brave.'
 We therefore respectfully ask that you take some measures for their im- mediate and permanent relief, that our records as nation shall show some tes- timony of the love and affection in which of any nation"
 The sun shone all day yesterday with the glory of springtime, notwithstanding the icy breath of the north wind. and surely if the old adage Blessed Is the bride the sun shines on" has any sig nificance. any suggestions of the future, thrice blessed will be the lovely bride, Miss Fannie Arnold. who plighted her troth yesterday afternoon to Mir Ferdi- hand DeI3ardeleben at the First Meth odist church. All nature seemed to league with her, for more perfect day rarely slips through the gates of Heaven" than yesterday was. The mag nificent church was splendidly decor ated by Lindsay with stately palms, ferns and other potted plants. The great building was crowded to it's utmost ca- pacity with the friends of the bride and groom. who were eager to witness the beautiful wedding. While the congrega-