The Indianapolis journal., 1901-12-03
HE PLAYED FOR ROYALTY
sOUsA's ACCOUNT OF HIS VISIT TO
sANDRINfHAM PALACE.
King Edward Twice Asked for ''The
star-spnngIed Banner'-Hymns
Liked by Alexandra.

LONDON, Dec. 2-Sousa brought to
London from Sandringham, where his band
played last night: by royal command be-
fore their Majesties, and the royal family,
the royal Victoria medal. with which King
Edward presented the baDdmaster in ap-
probation of his services TO music. The
Prince of Wales personally affixed the
decoration TO Sousa's breast. In describ-
ing the visit. Sou4a said: 1T was among
the most gratifying experiences of my
life. The royal command was received sew
eral days prior to the visit. but was kept
a strict secret, the King desiring TO give
the Queen a birthday surprise. Consider
able duplicity was necessary to complete
the arrangements without divulging our
destination. We took Alfred De Roths-
child into our confidence and gave out
that we were goirg 10 play at his country
seat on Sunday. It was only when we en-
trained that the band was informed
whittier we were bent. The Kings motor
car took myself and wife from the station.
We marched into the ballroom at 1890.
'Some twenty persons were present, in
cluding the King and Queen. the Prince
and Princess Of Wales, the Duke of Cam
bridge, the Duchess Of Manchester and
Lady De Grey. We first played God Save
the King and then his Majesty sent word
that he wanted The Star-spangled Ban
ner,' during the playing Of which they all.
including King Edward, stood up. The
programme consisted of plantation Songs
March, The Stars and Stripes a from
bone solo by Arthur Pryer and the Reese
Davies collection OF American hymn tunes,
including Nearer. My God, TO Thee
which seemed to deeply affect the distin-
guished listeners.
''The King especially requested us to play
Hands Across the Sea- and then sent
word that he wanted Eel CAPTAIN He
next requested King Cotton, and the
Coon Band
AT the conclusion the King again sent
word 10 play The Star-spangled Banner.
and again all present stood up. The King
stepped forward, shood hands with me,
chatted In the most cordial manner and
asked me TO congratulate the band on its
excellent technique. The Queen came up.
thanked me and, turning 20 the King, told
him how much she had enjoyed her birth
day surprise, especially the hymn tunes,
OF which she requested copies. The Prince
Of Wales Joined In. referred pleasantly 10
his trip and expressed regret that ne did
not have time TO visit the United States.
Then the King handed me this medal.
which the Prince OF Wales pinned on TO
my breast. The Queen accorded me per-
mission TO dedicate a march 90 her.
''It was nearly 1 O'Clock when We drove
off 10 the station. j have never played 10
a more appreciative audience, nor have l
been more kindly treated. The King looked
| 10 be in excellent health. He certainly was
| in the best OF spirits. he had nothing
| but kind words for America. and certainly
| knows more than most people about Aneri-
can music.
:'The little princes had 20 go 20 bed be-
| fore the performance. but they remarked.
| previous 10 leaving the room, Never mind.
we are going 10 have SOusa In our bed
| rooms on the talking machines.
The Prince and Princess OF Wales at
| tended the Lyceum Theater tonight in
| cognito At the end OF the hrst act William
| Gillette was summoned 10 the royal box
| and complimented upon his artistic realiza-
| tion Of Conan DOyle'S famous character ol
Sherlock Holmes.