The Delta independent., 1918-02-08
NATIONAL ANTHEM
KEYS FAMOUS SONG

A writer in our last Independent,
discussing our nations change from
America" TO the Star Spangied
Banner" wants to know when d,d
it happen. by what authority. ard
why"
The Rev Rcbt. F. Steele. who was
graduated organist and musician.
and was also chaplain in our navy
where the national song was con
stantly played, under date of June 30,
1904, writes as follows: The choice
of President Roosevelt Of the Star
Spangled Banner as our national an
them. las rendered the nation a dig
tinot serice. Tne tune. 'Ameri'
ca" already belongs TO three coun-
tries. Great Britain. Germany and Hol-
land, and when played in Europe is
never associated with the United
States. The selection OF The
Star Spangled Banner is a most gra-
tifying event. Our state de-
partment has notified all the powers
of the presidents decision" etc
To the miserable drivei or gross ig-
norance of many who flippantly in
sist that the tune cannot be sung, etc,
refer to this official. seven years a
music teacher and organist; myself
ten years a chorister. have to say that
found. Beginning in low notes. it rises
in soul-thrilling stages of explosive
patriotism, thus venting the patriotic
emotions in a volume of harmony emf
Vastly important withal is its com.
plete adaptation to marching and to
enthusiasm, while America" is
prayer throughout and a "hurrah" in
its connection would be as inappro-
pirate as joking at funeral.
A national song should be easily
played-not in opera. but by the
masses on land and sea II should
rehearse one or more great national
events-glories OF its very existence
and should appeal to Jehovah in
gratitude for the past and hope Tor
the future. Both in sentiment and
measure IT should make patriotism
cate hing" Now. having stood
under the roar of the very
guns which had kept the flag still
there" and having viewed in admira-
q, n at our natioaal museum. that
very flag. originally 40 feet long (fly)
which is still 80 feet fly and 81 feet
hoist. containing fif -scp stripes and
Is stars. ] cannot aba.c profound ad
miration for the conditions giving
birth to our antioaal song:
Fr. noes Scott Key, son OF veter.
an OF the revolution. district attorn.
ey OF Columbia" in the little Cartel
schooner Minden, seeks Admiral Cock
burn for the release of his friend.
then n British prisoner. Cockburn
planning on that very night TO attack
Fort McHenry. waived Key to a safe
anchorage to await the result. There
Key paced his little deck while, nour
after hour the contending cannons
roared. Only the morning light dis.
tlosed that the flag was still there
And mind you, that .h,s incident was
, r6 '.minarv to the bur~ing of our ma
TONS capitol. On the back of an en-
ve'cpe' Key hastily wrote the "Stnr
Banner"
How like the incident In which o.
iver Wendell tIolmes, q mere youth.
in an impromp:u poem saved from de.
struction our old frig ttc. "Corstitu.
tea AYE, tear h.r tattered ensign
11an?"
Our critic Tin ,subs.ancel says: Let
America and all other patriotic songs
receive standing honors." I must de.
mur to that. As we'll say. because the
flagship is salutcd. let all
other warships be similarly treated.
I Join our critic in veneration for
America" which will ever command
our nations love, but for "hurrah"
purposes ! should prefer the Battle
LYNN OF the Republic, or, hest of all,
'The Star Spangled Banner"
Capt. C. p. Bragg.