New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-05

n Proposition to Deprive the Army
Of 1t on the Score of Expense.
Paris. September %

Paris September -
The question of abolishing military bands in
the French Army is being actively discussed in
military circles and a bill for the suppression of
the most inspriting feature of military life in
France has been introduced in the Chamber
of Deputies and referred to a technical COM
mittee The Deputy who has taken the initia-
tive in the matter is " Messimy. a Radical
leader who has great influence with his party.
and who enjoys the reputation of being a per-
sonal friend of General Andre. Minister Of War.
The reason for the proposed abolition Of the
regimental bands is their great expense.
NJ. Messimy has submitted a report showing
that in the year 1918 only twelve musicians
were allowed to each band. This number was
increased 10 thirty-eight during the Second En-
pre- and now the avera &c number of musicians
in each regiment is sixty. AS there are alto
gether two hundred military bands in the army
establishment in time of peace, it will be seen
that 1900 men are thus withdrawn from the
fighting line NJ. Messimy estimates that the
average yearly cost Of each military band is
$1,000 francs or $1,000, which sums up to the
startling figure of 3.O00,000 francs, or S6OO.OoO-
The Parliamentary Committee on Military Al
fairs considers that the figures OF the nom
musical Deputy are substantially correct, and
now that the proposed measure OF suppressinS
the regimental bands seems TO have good
chance of being put into force the inhabitants
of all the garrison towns throughout France are
holding meetings ant passing resolutions in
favor Of maintaining them. The mayors of the
garrison towns nave sent vigorous protests to
the Minister Of War. The mayors of Brest,
Cherbourg. Montelimar, Evereux, Lyons, Mar
settles, Versailles Reims and Chalons declare
that the abolition of military music would be so
unpopular with the inhabitants that rioting
would probably ensue. The Mayor of Mont de
Marsan makes a stirring appeal for military
music in behalf of the children and nurses. The
reginental bands the life and gayety Of town
festivities, and the open air concerts given by
them IN the public squares or gardens have be-
come a recognized feature Of French daily life.
Saint-Saens, the French composer, is taking
active part in the popular movement in favor
Of maintaining the military bands. The author
OF Samson and Dalila" states that the proposed
measure would create such outburst Of pub
lie indignation that no government would care
to put such a law into execution. why" ex
claimed Saint-Sa6ns. all the women and chill
dren of France would be up in arms. Military
open air concerts are the means Of bringing
good music to the masses Of the people. The
regimental bands have most exhiarating
effect upon the spirits, courage and patriotism
OF the soldiers in war and in peace their moral
influence, not only upon the soldiers, but upon
the women and children of the country is enor-
nous 1t would be little short of criminal to do
away with themr' AIassenet the composer.
takes the same view; so does Paul Vidal, the
professor of muse at the Conservative; so does
Edouard Colonne. director Of the COlonne con-
certs; so does Camille Chevillard. manager Of
the Lamoureux concerts.
Among the military who have spoken in
behalf Of the regimental bands are General de
CT 10 Z,v,.-
linden. The popular feeling has already been so
aroused by the idea of abolishing military
music that indignation meetings have been held
in Paris and in the departments. 1t is reported
that NJ. Combes supports the bill introduced by
NJ. Messmy. that lively times may be
pected should the measure be put into execu-
ton. c. l. 3.