The San Francisco call., 1897-08-18
MELODY FOR A
NICKEL A SHOT
One More Scheme of the
School Department to
Beguile Taxpayers.
A Private Musical Venture In
corporated in the Course
Of Study.
This Time 1t Is Patriotic Song That
Bobs Up in the General
Scramble.

The new course of study adopted by the
present School Board appears to be loaded
in more ways than one to beguile money
from the pockets of the scholars. In the
indl nation that ensued over the intro
duction OF number of new textbooks
some of the smaller matters, such as the
''blue pad blotter" and the "bank stock
notebooks, were overlooked. But the
latest scheme to extract the wary nickel
from the people comes in the way OF
song, VIII ch is supposed to form portion
OF the course in m uslc.
The musical side of the course of study
was tucked away so nicely that for the
first two weeks of the present term neither
the teachers nor the pupils discovered Its
place in the curriculum. Now it has come
forth coyly from its hiding place and asks
for a place in the general grab. The
title of the song which the School Dl-
rectors think the children should be
drilled in is Hail California" and the
author of the words and music is Mrs.
Josephine Gro. The title page reveals
the information that it Is put up In any
shape that may be desired, either instru-
mental or vocal, and that it is dedicated
to she People OF the Golden State" 1t
is printed in Los Angeles and special
rates are quoted. according to the ad mira
tion of the general music lover Tor Its
merits.
How it found lis way into the course of
study is mystery that no one seems
ready to throw any light upon. 1t does
not appear in the regular list OF textbooks
or charts, but under the head OF instruc-
tions teachers are informed that they
Twill procure copies OF Hail California
lnty
ago this clause had not been discovered
by the teachers and then .he matter was
made the subject of inquiry. Superin-
tendent Webster admitted that the song
was intended as portion of the course OF
study, but said that no arrangements had
been made for supplying the schools with
it yet by the School Board. Mrs. Gro is
making a personal canvass among the
Directors. The song is printed in the
cheapest possible manner and its author
offers to supply it to the School Depart
ment at the rate of $40 per thousand
copies. Superintendent Webster has
suggested that the board purchase the
requisite number to supply the scholars
about 90, 600 copies-and in order that the
tion each pupil will be asked to buy one
copy from the teacher at the uniform
price of 5 cents.
Singular to say the mem bers of the
''solid nine' are beginning to be very
sorry ''Ail Han'' has place in the course
of study. Even Directors Waller and
Ragan have thrown up both hands and
declare that they "will not stand for the
scheme" Mis-. Gro's demands call for
contribution of from $1,000 10 $2500 for the
general distribution OF her musical wares
among the City schools. In lots of 1000,
local printing houses say. the song can be
printed for half a cent copy.
Mrs. Gro will not allow the music to be
reprinted. Herewith are the trst two of
the five stanzas:
dedicated TO the people OF the Golden STATED
HAIL CALIFORNIA.
Estate song)
California-haiI to thee,
And to the day that gave thee birth.
With countless mines and fruitful vines,
Thou art a land of wondrous worth;
Thy native sons give homage true
nd glory in thy golden fame;
Thy foster children bless thee, TOO,
And sound thy praise with loud acclaim.
CHORUS.
He'll All hail to California!
Shout from her SierraS TO her Golden Gate;
Richest gem in fair Columb bias crown
Hail to California the Go.den State!
Where once thy deserts lay in waste,
Now scent of os SONS fills the air
And fertile plains Il go den grains
And groves or vas; extent arS there.
Since first thy rugged border-and
Gave entrance 10 the pioneer,
With stea ~ stride and triumph grand
Hast thou marched on tiny proud career.
1t is probable that the author will have
considerable difficulty in inducing the
children TO contribute a nickel apiece for
the effuson. Superin tendent Webster is
now of the opinion that a supply for the
teachers use will be sufficient for present
needs.