The Washington times., 1903-04-26
"reminiscences of the Man
Who Played at White
House When Tyler Was
President and for Many
Years After.
Was at Mount Vernon at
Time of Visit Of Prince OF
Wales - Contradicts the
Story of the Tree Plant
ing by the Prince.

sweet requiems, in a grave fresh made,
q dTeaTy little brown hilIOCk rises above
the brilliant gTeensWaTd- Though none
marks this. in broad array around
cleaning marble shafts guard the
homes of the other dead. Yet the man
sleeping in the new grave was known
throughout the breadth of the land, and
he sttu lives in millions OF hearts He
probably did more than any other man
TO develop the official band music in the
United States, and he composed works
which are stiu sung and played TO the
faTthest corners of the country.
H came 10 America OF the old cruis-
er Brandywine from his native city.
Naples, the beautiful metropolis of
Italy on the turquoise Mediterranean.
He had been leader of the United States
Marine Band thirty years He was ia
nous when John Philip Sousa laborei
as an apprentice. His name was Francis
Scala He died Monday, and his funeral
took place Wednesday.
The usual coIdly brief mention of the
ceremonies were published Wednesday,
but in the hurry of newsgathering small
mention was made of the romance and
the many thrilling incidents which con-
nectea him with the history of a ma
jority Of the greatest men and women
The country has produced.
Impressive Obsequies.
Composer Scala was eighty-four years
old, and the strains OF his music ming
led all through official life during the
most critical periods through which the
United States has passed, including the
Mexican and civil wars. And in keep
ing with the position of man so full
of years and honors, his funeral was
impressive. Services were held in the
old musicians home, at S19 South Caro-
iina Avenue, and later At ST. Peters
Catholic Church, at Second and c
Streets. The inteTment was in the Con-
gressionaI Cemetery The band, of
which he was so long a leader. took
part at both places.
While the body was removed from
the house the band played Nearer, Ny
God, TO Thee, a favorite hymn Of the
composer. AT the church mass was
sung By the Rev. Father Gallan, and
a sermon vas delivered by the Rev
Father Krug. OF st. Pau1's Church The
pallbeareTs were Prof. Haley, who is
the leader of Ike band bearing his name,
and who, as a boy. served in the Ma
rIne Band under Leader Scala; August
Schroeder, another we'll known band
leader; Andrea Coda. Henry Shopsack.
Of the Marine Band A Samuels. who
Is at the head OF q local music school,
OF the Marine Band. The famous dirge
composed by Scala, which was played
a the tomb Of Washington at Mount
Vernon. when the Prince of Wales, now
King CT England, visited that place, and
which pleased the latter so much that
he sent It TO Queen Victoria. was the
music played at the church. It brought
tears to the eyes OF all present among
whom were the composer widow and
his children. Scala was married twice,
and vas the father Of thirteen child
re8, two by his first wife, and
eleven by her who survives him. All
are living. and though several have
much musical talent, none has followed
his father in the musical profession.
Coming to the United States.
Despite his great age. the composer
retained all OF his faculties 10 the last
His death was sudden, and up TO the
time he took to his bed. he never tired
OF telling OF the many historically in
teresting episodes in his career. He
was personally acquainted with all OF
the Presidents from Tyler TO Roosevelt,
and was full Of anecdotes concerning
President Lincoln.
Composer Scala especially delighted
IN telling Of his early struggles. Just
before his death he related the details
OF how he came TO this country.
II was about twenty years Old" said
he, when the old cruiser Brandywiue
entered the harbor OF Naples. I was
told they were seeking musicians Ny
family had not been musical, but had
talent. and had studied hard. I went
aboard. This was in 1871. I enlisted
aad was rated as a third class musi-
clan. I spoke no English at the time,
but the executive officer could talk Itai-
ian Ike a native, and I was sooE play
ing the clarinet On the quarterback
I had been only one month on the yes
sci when the executive officer informed
me he had placed NE in charge of the
band. and he concluded if there was an
Improvement IN the playing at the end
OF the voyage he would see that be-
came the leader. We cruised about the
Mediterranean for several months, FINAL
y sailing from Pert Mahan. Africa. for
Norfolk which port We reached in the
spring Of the year"
The composer told Of how be had suf-
fered from seasickness, and the deter
mination he had reached never to serve
on another ship. He vas offered the
bandmastership IN the army at Fort
Monroe, but the sight Of the salt water
around TIE forufcatiens made him sick.
and ne journeyed up The Chesapeake to
Baltimore, whence ne came 10 this
city. He remained here ever since. He
haa not much money. hfs monthly pay
neving been only s. month. Congress
bad made no appropriation Tor a band.