Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1918-11-28
MUSIC AS A NATIONAL NEED
IN WAR TIME
BY Mary E. Hubbs.

In order to win our great war,
some people have thought it
would be a necessity to discon-
tinue certain so-called "non-essen-
tials;" frequently, the first name
is music.
In regard to music being a lux.
Jury at the present time is an opin.
ion held only by the unmusical
anybody with observation and
capable Of thought, understands
that the power of music at the
present time is more necessary in
every part of our life, than it has
been at any other time since the
Civil War, and anyone who takes
steps to diminish its usage takes
an unpatriotic step, though they
may do so in perfectly good faith
I-(ignorant9.
There could be no greater loss
to the patriotic impulses of the
people at this time than the ces-
sation of instructions of music.
Tie world has suddenly awakened
to the fact that even in the times
of greatest stress, we cannot do
without music.
Music in our homes, our schools,
our churches, in our civic centers,
is an essential to our national life
and should be encouraged and
promoted with special care during
the war.
Do away with music, flowers,
poetry, color design and we would
find ourselves living in a miser-
able prison from which only
death would give us a welcome
liberation. Music is one of the
things which makes life worth
while, so in this day when all
civilization is on the vortex of a
pit, blood, fire, steel and death,
music helps us in keeping our
soul equilibrium. 1t is the twin
sister of civilization. Without
music, civilization would be un-
bearable.
For those on the firing line, it
brings comfort and Inspiration
it helps the troops across the miles
and cheers them in camp. When
our American army moves gal
lantly up to the battle line, it is
a singing army-an army conf
dent and determined. That should
be the spirit of all Americans.
There is no place for the man
who falters and who looks down
when he should look up. No mat
ter how you fight, if you go at it
with song on your lips, you will
meet your adversary more conf
IDENTIFY than if you meet him with
heart filed with timidity, anx-
iety and fear.
Music is now being looked upon
by all the warning countries in
Europe as the torch of new and
higher liberty-freeing the souls
of men from the burden of the
greatest grief which has ever
come to the human race.
American musicians should
leave nothing undone to support
our government in it's avowed
aims. 1t is easy to feel patriotic
when the lads in khaki or blue
are marching by, to the music of
the band. Both the paraders and
the spectators feel their hearts
beating faster and they inwardly
resolve to do all they can to help
their country. 1t is music we
need most. We must have it in
unstinted measures, whether it be
the music or the Harmonica in
the trenches or the music of the
great symphony orchestra in the
concert hall.
In this war we are utilizing
more intelligently than ever be-
fore the need and power of music.
1t plays so great a power in the
"cheer up" and "carry on" poll
cies of the nation. 1t is inspiring
our troops, leaving for the battle
field. 1t is consoling those who
are waiting in anguish at home.
Music is helping to sell millionS of
dollars worth of Liberty Bonds,
War Savings Stamps, etc. Music
is helping the Red Cross, Y. M. G.
A., Knights of Columbus, Saliva
ton Army and the emergency aid.
1t is finding place everywhere
and it is helping the new world to
keep its head above the thunders
of war.