The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1918-05-07
NATIONAL HYMN
FOR j. 5. SOON
7 D Be REALITY
Resolution Pending In House
Of Representatives Names
Star Spangled Banner.

WASltlNGION, May o-Altcr Hcdi
ly century and half Of delay the
United States seems about to acquire
national anthem.
"Thc Star Spanglcd Banner" would
be adopted as the officially recognized
hymn of the republic under reso'u.
tion by Representative McFadden Of
Pennsylvania, now pending in the
House Little, if any, opposition is
expected
Army and navy regulations long
have designated "The Star Spanglcd
Banner as the official anthem and
provide that officers and men shall
stand at attention while it is being
played or sung. but the country at
large has been left to its own tastes
in the matter of selecting an appro.
pirate hymn for patriotic occasions
Thus THE Star Spangled Banner" has
been widely accepted by the American
public as the representative hymn of
the union and patriotic societies for
many years have been agitating for its
official adoption.
v. s. ALONE HAS NONE
Every land has national anthem
identified inseparably with its life.
The sonorous strains of the Marsail-
laise breathe the indomitable spirit,
the achievements and the aspirations
of France. While going down in yes
Save the King" or Rule Drittania," !"
and even the iron hand of Germany in
Belgium has been unable to silence
entirely the melody OF "Brabanconnc." d"
Italians sing Garibaldi's hymn. while
the Irish and Scotch have vcritable
treasure trove of stirring war songs.
Attempts to find suitable national
air for the United States have not
been few. Hundreds, perhaps thous-
ands, of melodies have been written
in an effort to meet the demand. Yet,
the inspired lines written by Francis
Scott Key, rs Willie prisoner on
board a British frigatc, he watched
the unsuccessful bombardment OF
! Fort MctTcnry, near Baltimore, in
1914, arc widely regarded as nearer
! than any other to meeting the appeal
America" has Il powerful hold OH
the people of this country, but IL is
considered by many unsuitable for of
fetal recognition because It's melody
Is identical with that of England's +
God Save the King" ~%"Yankce boo
die" although sung through all the
nations wars, is thought too light, and
In the South, at least, Is unfortunate
ly believed to carry "a note of section
alism.
OTHERS FALL SHORT
The majestic Battle Hymn of the
Republic musicians claim falls short
of the standard. while "Thc Red, Whit,
and Blue" 'Rally Round the Flag
and others also are said to be insult
able, Dixie although carrying q
powerful emotional appeal Is acknowl
edged to be peculiarly the song of the
South.
Tho music of the Star Spanglot
Banner" has been adversely criticized
because It's wide range makes It's sing
ing difficult for the average crowd
.Tct, its appeal has increased through
m,ccntury to the point where it would
be difficult to displacc 1t in the af
fections of the American people. Tn,
words, written under the stress o.
strong patriotic emotion. express sen
Ftimcnts that are the bulwurk of th,
nations pride.
Key Just before he wrote "Thc sta
j Spangled Banner" had been appoint
ed an emmissary from the town o
Marlborough in Maryland to the Brit
ish commander to procure the relcas,
OF captured Marlborough physician
His mission was successful, but Kc,
was detained Il few days until the enc
my could launch the attack ON Balti
more. From the deck of the British
vessel, he watched shot and shell rail
ON the ramparts of Fort McIlcnr,
through the day and night, and In tn,
poem he expresses his elatiou whc,
he saw the flag still waving at dawn
An effective musical vehicle Tor th
poem was found In the jovial old Brit
ish song. "Anacrcon in Heaven" tn,
authorship of which Is in controversy
DR. Samuel Arnold popularity is beliey
ed TO have composed "Anacreon." an,
the resolution now before Congress
provides that the music as written b.
him shall he used. Anacrcan. to whom
the song was inscribed, has been cha,
actorized AZ one of Grcece's most bri
liant, but bibulous Lyric poets. Iii
statue, erected In Athens after hi
death. represented him in II state q
} vinous hilarity.
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pa vitalize the savings habit, N
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