Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1897-07-24
PASSING OF THE DRUM.
II Will eoon Disappear In Connection
with Army Life.

~ Will eoOn Ufeoppcof IN NOnuecSaOu
with Army Life.
Lie itenant Con Marrast Perkins Of
the United States Marine Corps writes
an article entitled '1he Last Of the
Drums" for St. Nicholas. Lieut.. Per.
kins sa:s:
think few know that Of nll the time.
a,onored equipments OF war which these
days OF military pros, ess have left us,
the drum II the oldest: but, like the
fast disappearing. LIS companion, the
fife. hallowcd by traditions Of valor
even In our own history. from Lex
ingten TO Gettysburg. Is already gone,
and another decade win still forever
the 'nsplriting martial music Of the
druu.
What boy has not felt his pulses
thrill ard his heart swell with patriotic
pride and martial ardor while gazing
upon the well.knOwn picture OF the
Hevs'utlon, the Minute Men OF '1O'
forsaKi.g the ploughshare and flying
20 take down the old fiintlock at the
t0cs!n Of war-the throbblng OF the
drum aud the shrili screaming OF the
fife. sounded by two SCARED veterans,
lnre-hcadeti, white-ha!red, and In
their sh!rt.slccves. marching through
tields and along the roads, calling the
patriots to arms!
Every New England schoolboy has
read the story Of Abigail and Eliza.
beth, the sisters OF Ncwburyport, who
sluriig tho Revolution repelled alone
IN attack OF the British by beating
furious.y an old drum aud blowing q
tife. The British troops. who We're
about to land, hurried back to their
ships. tlllnkirg a whole army lay In
ambus', to repulse item!
Thus did q fife anC drum drive on
the enemy, and save town from
pillage and ruin.
The military drum. Is supposed to
have been introduced In Europe by the
MOOvs ard SaTacens, during the middle
ages, and was quickl. adopted by arm.
ies. Tie Grum Of to-lay differs little.
Gnd In appearance only, from the earl
lest form. 1t consists, as every boy
knows. Of two pieces of parchment. or
Dattcr.heads. stretched over the ends
Of a hollow cylinder, and struck with
sticks. For ages this instrument has
been known among savage tribes and
barbar!c nations, who Use It's weird
music 10 accompany their religious
rites, as well as for war purposes.
The tom-tOm of the Sioux Indian IL
a gooi example Of primitive drum.
In civilized warfare the drum has
ever been connected with deeds OF
al la, nj Ia, lnor N
;he heart Of the soldier who has fol-
low its pulsing into the deadly fire OF
battle. or even IN reviews and military
parades. when rank upon rank sweep
up street keeping perfect alignment
and step to the drums inspiring heat.
II has found place in history
through the daring bravery Of more
than one hcardless boy who has sound
I'd q: the critical moment the pas dc
charge or rally" JUST in time 10 turn
the tide Of battle.
Johnny Glen, the "drummer-bOy of
Shiloh" who beat the rally without
orders when his regiment had broken,
IAnic-str!cEen and thus helped 10 save
the day. was made an officer for his
herOism. and Is now q major In the
Cnited States army.
In fable, song, anG story the drum
has ever kept pace with the most val
ian. deeds OF men. Rudpard Kipling's
pathetic little story OF ''The Drums Of
the Fore and Aft" two courageous
drummer-boys who. at the cost OF their
avn lives, led the charge and saved
the honor OF their regiment when
routed by the .'fghaas. tells OF deed
auch as IL 10 be found In history as
well a. In fiction. More than once has
the drum claimed place In the front
ranks OF storming battalons, or led des-