Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-09
PATRIOTIC SONGS
Some Written in the Early Part Of
the Century.
THE AMERICAN STARS POPULARITY
Its Author Was an Exile From
Ireland.
H s OIL ER WORK S

Though the American people have a num-
Der of songs. used to a more or less extent
as national airs. there is not one which
the many millions Of the country consider
the national hymn in both air and words,
and the field for the poet and composer to
furnish such hymn or song is yet open.
Probably there has been no more literary
and musical work done than has been be-
slowed on this subject, and yet there is,
up TO this time. no standard hymn song
of this character in general use. During
our national life there have been perhaps
thousands of hymns presented for public
favor.
Critics say our Yankee Doodle" is too
simple for it to serve as a national air. and
though the words may be suitable the air
is borrowed one. and therefore, not what
the people desire. Hail Columbia is more
appropriate but the music. originally writ
ten for march. detracts from it as a ma
tional song. THE Star Spangled Banner,
written by Francis Scott Key. when Fort
McHenry. Baltimore. was being bombarded
by the British fleet, in 1914, is the most pop
ular, but the tune "Anacreon in Heaven
to which it Is adapted. is a foreign one. and
American cannot call it an entirely home
production. Doubtless these will survive
to the end of time. at least reminding the
people of the republic of the events in the
revolution, the second of difficulties
with France. and the third of the war of
1S12-there will be others appearing as ma
tie2al songs, and there is a remote posi-
b.lity of securing standard national hymn
which will be accepted by the nation as
SUCH
Thousands of Songs.
OF patriotic songs the nation has had
thousands, and if patriotic sentiments alone
We're needed, the want would have been
filled years ago: but a large percentage re-
ceived little or no appreciation from the
public and have long since been forgotten
Hundreds of these possessed merit, but
there were but few with original airs. and
they were mostly based on specific events
on land and sea, many rema rkably strong
in fact. Indeed. from glance al the col
lectionS of old song books used in the days
of the grandfathers, it can be seen that
war. grim visaged war, was the general
prompter to authors, and some specifically
exploit their texts. Not few of these
We're written on Washington ana other
leading men
After the appearance of Hail, Column
bia, about the beginning of the century
the next most popular national song to ap-
pear was The American Star, just prior
to the war of 1872, which was adapted to
a popular Irish tune Of the times, The
Humors of Glen" 1t had a great run for
some years. In fact, 1t was the song for
that period and for many years the rival
after. As will be seen. the words were en-
ceedingly appropriate in the days Of war
reading as follows:
Come; strike the bold anthem tie war dogs are
bowling
Already they eagerly snuff up their prey
The red cloud Of DER forests is scowling:
Soft peace spreads her wings, and flies weeping
The infants arrlghted cling close TO their mothers
The Youths grasp their swords. for the combat
While beauty weeps. fathers and lovers and broth
Who rush to display the American Star.
Come blow the thrill bugle. The loud drum awaken
The dread rife seize; let the cannon deep roar;
No heart with pale fear faint doubtings he
No slaves hostile foot leave print on our shore
Shall Iu"thers. wives, daughters and sisters left
weeping.
Insulted by runians he dragged to despair?
on no: from the Hills the proud eagle comes
sweeping
and waves to the brave the American Star.
The spirits Of Washington Warren Montgomery
Look down from the clouds with bright aspect
serene;
Come soldiers. tear and a toast to their memory:
Rejoicing. they'll they have been.
To us Tie high boon by the gods has been granted,
To spread the glad tidings Of liberty far.
Let millions invade us. well meet them undauntel
And conquer or de by the American Star.
Your hands then, dear comrades, round lberty's
altar
United swear by the sonls Of the brave,
Not one from the strong resolution shall falter,
To live independent sink in the grave.
Then, freemen, fill up-to the striped banners fly
The high birds Of liberty scream through the air:
Beneath her. oppression and tyranny dying
Success to the beamlng American Star.