New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-05
REGINENTAL BANDS.
THE SERVICE RENDERED BY A CLASS OF
SOLDIERS POPULARITY SUPPOSED TO
BE ORNAMENTAL ONLY.

Tampa. Fla. May 81 (5pecaD -Every Nttle while
the rumor gets afoat among laymen here that the
regimental bands are to be left behind In the In
vaslon Of Cuba. This is supposed TO Indicate that
tho campaign Will be arduous that all possible
superfuies will be stricken Off Army officers get
indignant denying the report. To them the must
clans are as integral a part Of the regiment the
adjutant or color sergeant. and the suggestion or
leaving them behind is considered a slight
valuable branch of the service. For thing. the
band Is expected TO fight in Of need. Part OF
It's duty is regular rife practice. so the men can
handle Krag-Jorgensen well clarinet.
They know less about marching and drill
Ing from constant observation OF the other SOL
ders and would be able to hold up their end In
the field Of battle Cavalry bands are armed with
revolvers instead Of rifles
Until the organization OF hospital corps for each
regiment. musicians were ordered to report TO the
surgeons when battle began, to act as litterbear-
ers and hospital assistants. Now. however they
Will be less needed for this each infantry regi-
ment has Red Cross corps which may consist OF
ten men. and each cavalry regiment one OF a maxi
mum strength OF fifteen men, 1t is conceivable.
however. in a hot engagement. that the help OF mu-
sicians will also be needed
A regimental band comprises twenty-five men
Besides. there are twenty-four buglers. two to a
company The composition Of the band varies
Its master has certain discretion. but Is lin
lied b. having to accep; the men who may happen
10 be available. Thus IL a musicians time expires
ne may be replaced by man who plays a diff
iefent instrument. and the bandmaster must regu-
'a'e himself accordingly. There IL also wide
range in the quality OF the music. II the colonel
ana his adjutant care about music they can force
Inc band to practise constantly and achieve good
results. Some regiments. however. are wofuly
uenclent In this regard
an the Regular Army the drum Is back num-
~ except as Ii appears In concerted music All
.ae caiis are by bugle. this has been found 10
nave many points OF superiority. One is It's com
paSt iorm another Its lesser liability TO get out OF
0 0n n urun may easily have It's head broken
Sban - a,'ieu' 70 mend In the field II Is useless
"nen ~et. A Duge gives a far. clearer sound, and
rs cans can be heard longer distance. Be-
~ certain limited range II is impossible 10 az
s''iS ui5H inc signals drum, when us
.oIse Is duolDe. The number OF calls Is large
'nst perfect distnctncss IS all-important.
sbuSieIs nave their traditions as well SOL
oeIsi ne famous Instance Is Of Major Glenn,
a. sn. SIMON, then private, who sounded forward
arrsteao OF retreat and turned the tide OF battle
s here is now coored farrer In Troop G. Of the
stn naNalfy: John Rogers, who official
eeI,icatc OF merit while a ouger in his present
oesment IL was IN 1851 in New Mexico. and he
carried dispatches through beiea guering force OF
M ssci Indians. who fred him repeatedly. The
musicians are as warlike their fellows, and just
as anxious for q go at the spaniards.