The Washington herald., 1908-07-01

Residents Of Washington have no voice
in the shaping OF the city and public
improvements. They are not represented
In Congress. where they might lift up
their voices either in approval OF or
protest against a certain measure. But
they have the advantage and benefit of
the many government educational institu-
tions scattered throughout the city and
open TO the public.
There is no other city In the United
States, or IN the world, which has as
many trees and parks Offering refreshing
shelter in their cool green shades and
shadows against the fierce rays Of the
sun.
Another advantage which the United
States government offers the residents OF
Washington is that OF concerts every
night during the summer months by the
best military bands IN the world. These
concerts, like the parks and the public
buildings, are free 10 the public and are
not confined 20 one part OF the city. but
are given at certain parks In various
parts OF the city designated by the War
and Navy Departments. They take place
every afternoon or evening, and are given
by the United States Marine Band, the
United States Engiseer Band, the Fort
Myer Cavalry Band, and the Naval Gun
Factory Band.
Concerts Are Appreciated.
These open-air popular concerts by
Uncle Sans musicians are duly sppre-
ciated by the residents Of this city, VINO
iock 70 them "a great numbers. enjoying
every portion OF the programmes. be
they classical or otherwise. The people
of Washington are in this manner afford
ed an opportunity TO cultivate taste for
standard music. as only the best Is rem
dered
The audiences at these concerts are
composed Of old and young. white and
black. rich and poor. the ignorant and
the cultivated man and woman. Every
phase II musical sentiment is catered 70,
and there IS always applause at the end
OF each number. because there is always
some one who recognizes IN the selection
something which appeals 20 his musical
perception.
Disregard National Hymn.
But there are also drawbacks which.
however. are not beyond the possibility
Of being removed. The leaders OF the
various bands. ever since hey appeared
before Washington open-air audiences.
noticed that but little respect is paid 20
the national hymn, The Star Spangled
Banner" which usually occupied the last
place on the programme. Instead Of re-
naming, and standing UP with heads un-
covered, while the inspiring chorus OF the
national hymn re-echoes through the air,
most Of the people prepare 10 leave the
concert place at the first notes Of the
hymn, while others remain seated or
covered.
"The American public should rever-
ence their national hymn" said the lead
er OF one OF Uncle Sans bands. 'as for
eign peoples do their national hymn.
Everywhere abroad. no matter In what
country. so soon as the first sounds Of
their countrys song are heard the peo-
pie rise and uncover their heads. Amer
leans. although imbued with their fun
share OF patriotism, neglect TO pay due
homage 10 the song OF their country"
Too Much Noise Made.
Another great drawback at the public
concerts is the noise Of children and
some Of the grown people during the
progress Of the music. This naturally.
proves highly annoying TO those people
who have come 10 hear and enjoy the
music. The noise at times proves very
annoying 70 the musicians who are dis
tracted from their tasks. The police
seem 20 be powerless, or II they have au-
thOrity 10 insist upon reasonable quiet.
they don't make use Of IL.
Complaints have often been heard that
the Marine Band concerts at the White
House on Saturday afternoons and on
the Capitol plaza on Wednesday after.
moons are al such an unreasonable and
!nconvenient hour as 10 prevent many
people from attending who are deslrous
OF hearing this world-famed band The
hour Of these concerts Is ct about 8
O'Clock, or a little later. which interferes
with the evening meal in many homes
Why Concerts Are Early.
This is explained on the part OF the
Marine Band by the statement that II
the concert were 10 begin at a later hour
It's members would be prevented from
giving concerts at pleasure resorts later
in the evening. Against this contention
tho argument has been advanced that the
Marine Band should cater to the wishes
Of the people. and not defer 10 the con-
VeDienCe of its uer1bers who are IN rba