The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1909-09-16
STATES
MARINE BAND
One of the Leading Features of
Mitch II Corn Palace

3, 1898. One year later, March 3,
1859, an act of Congress was ap-
proved by President Mckinley which
improved the status of the band
considerably. Col. Charles Hay
wood, commandment of the United
States Marine Corps, recommended
that on account of its Importance in
connection with national and inter-
natational affairs as a representative
band, his organization be increased
from thirty to sixty men. Accord
ingly the band now consists Of a
leader, with the pay and allow
ances of a first lieutenant of the
Marine Corps; a second leader,
thirty i~rst-class musicians, thirty
second class musicians, ten priyates
and a drum major-a total of seven
ty-three members.
"The members of the band enlist
for a term of four years and are
under military discipline. They are
required to report for duty at $50
O'Clock each morning except Satur-
day and Sunday at the marine bar
racks for guard mounting and
parade. At 10 o'clock there is a re-
hearsaI until II o'clock.
For a long time there was con-
siderable agitation between the
labor unions and the members of
the band because of the fact that
the band members were paid salar-
les by the United States govern
ment and at the same time received
pay for playing for private parties.
Through a decision of the At
torney General. rendered in Novem-
Der of last year, he held that in the
Interpretation of the law of navy
hands, not being allowed to receive
compensation for playing for pri-
vate individuals, the Marine Band
is not included in the act, and there
fore its members can play and re-
ceive compensation from individuals.
This question was fought for
some time by the labor unions and
it was not decided until Secretary
Bonaparte had rendered his decis-
ion that the union men finally gave
up the fight.
William Henry Santelmann,
leader Of the Marine Band, was
born September "A. 1863, in Offen-
sen Hanover, Germany. He re-
ceived his final education in prac-
teal and theoretical music in
Leipzig. where he also served in the
military band of the 4th Regiment
of Infantry. He came to the United
States in 1887. and after complete
ing a four-months engagement in
Philadelphia, Pa, enlisted in the
Marine Band. In September, 1895,
he severed his connection with that
organization and formed an orches-
ira of his own.
"The following year he was APP
pointed leader of the Columbia The
alter orchestra in this city, and after
several years in that capacity he
was appointed to his present posi-
ton.
Although Mr. Santelmann re-
ceives the pay of a first lieutenant
in the Marine corps, he has never
been commissioned a lieutenant. In
recognition of his efficient work as
a leader of the Marine Band he re-
ceived the degree of doctor of music
from the George Washington Uni
yersity-the first of the many lead
ers of the band to be so honored.
He is a Mason of high degree, a
member of the order Of 3. p. o.
Elks, Admiral Porter. Garrison, No.
6, Army and Navy Union, and other
fraternal and social organizations.
Walter f. Smith, the second
leader of the band. was born in
Vernon county, Md. He removed
with his parents to Michigan when
he was three years of age. He en-
listed in the United States Marine
Corps Band November 5, 1885, and
when a vacancy occurred was appoint
ed second leader. For over seven
years Mr. Smith PLAYED the solo cor
net in the band under John Philip
Sousa. Upon the appointment of
Fanclulli to the leadership Smith