The Washington times., 1917-03-22
NATIONAL ANTHEM
ALMOST COSTS LIFE
Egyptian Bandsmen Lose
Music Sadly Needed In
Greeting U. S. Consul.

LONDON, March 22.-The pomp and
ceremony, which surrounds the pres
entation OF diplomatic credentials to
potentates OF Eastern countries by
Representatives of the United States,
or of any other country, have deveI-
oped many delicate and embarrassing
situations. The eastern mind at
taches great Importance to ceremon-
ials, and to make a favorable impress
/ sion all diplomats must conduct them
selves in strict accordance with prece-
dents.
A story regarding the arrival OF
Peter Augustus Jay, American consul
and diplomatic agent In Cairo. Egypt.
has reached London through English
men who have made Jays acquaint-
ance.
1t seems that the ceremony coinci-
dent to the presentation of creden.
tials to the Khedive requires q vast
amount OF preparation. Instead OF
the diplomat stepping to the street
and hailing a hack to convey him to
the royal palace, the Khedive sends a
procession Of lancers, lackeys,
buglers, and torchbearers to conduct
the stranger to his presence. When
the procession reaches the palace
gate the imperial band strikes up the
national anthem OF the country which
the visitor represents, and he Is ush-
cred In to its martial strains.
The Music Il Lost.
About a week before the Khedive
was to receive Consul Jay the master
of ceremonies dashed up to the con-
sulate and asked to see the new dip
1aw wIrNN
treme nervousness. 1t Is customary
for the master Of ceremonies to open
a conversation by inquiring into the
state OF being OF the consul and his
family. with protestations Of respect
for his progenitors and immediate
friends But on this occasion the
nervous messenger got right down to
business.
your excelIency." he said. "the
loathsome and unspeakably vile dog
who Is leader of the imperial band has
had the effrontery but this very morn
ing to crawl before me on his belly
and with loud lamentations to tell me
that he has mislaid or lost the music
OF The Star-Spangled Banner The
punishment for his crime will be
terrible. but in the meantime II the
son of a dog and q thousand dogs
cannot find the music for The Star
SpangIed Banner would IL suit your
excellency IL the band plays March
ing Through Georgia when your ex-
cellSncy arrives at the palace CATER
Being a true diplomat Consul Jay
rose to the occasion II might also
be stated that Jay was born north of
the Mason and on Dixon's hne, other
wise complications might have
ensued.
1T would please me greatly" said
Jay, eff the imperial band should
play Marching Through Georgia upon
my arrival"
"Oh, Say, Can Yeu See,
Thereupon the master of eere-
monies backed himself out of the
room with many assurances OF his
and protesting between
thanks that regardless OF whether
the dog OF a band master found the
music or not he and all of his play
ers would have the skin removed
from their backs by public fiogging;
they would be boiled in oil, drawn \
and quartered.
On the morning of the presentation |
Consul. Jay stepped into an OPEN
faced "punkin" carriage. drawn by
prancing chargers. Two lackies stood
behind. The others walked ahead
and behind The carriage was pre-
ceded by a troop of lancers ana
buglers.
As the carriage entered the postern