The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-02-13
OUR BATTLE HYMN.


A movement is in progress to make
Onward, Christian Soldiers the
American battle hymn. The question
is being put up to the fighting men
themselves for discussion. The sug-
gestion comes from a corporal in the
hes dquarters troop of the 101st United
States cavalry, and Trench and
Camp, the weekly published at the ma
tional camps and environments for the
solciers, has set out to collect the vote
The hymn has already been used as
a marching-song and its effect, says
the Literary Digest, is always cleo
trical.
When the last suffrage parade took
place in New York one section COM
prised the mothers and wives of en-
listed men. They carried an enormous
banner bearing the stars indicative of
their devotion, and when passing the
grandstand at the public library they
sang Onward, Christian Soldiers"
Perhaps it was their farewell message.
now taken up by the men themselves.
The corporal, in making his sug-
gestion, writes:
OOt STSdI president mas outlined
Americas policy and declared to the
Ieutonic powers that we seek nothing
but justice to the oppressed and an as
surance of everlasting peace with the
downfall of autocracy. Can those
words mean anything but that we
nave righteous cauSe-that we are
the inspiration of our aIlies-that We
are In war for world-freedom-that
we are the reserve forces of the AL
mighty. sent forth to struggle for
weary brothers-in-arms. who for over
three years have stayed the onrush of
the diabolical, God-forsaken foe? Can
those words means anything but that
we are the last, final, mighty blow.
called on by the very<God himself to
bring inspiration and new courage to
ness?
Do we not, therefore, need a bat
tie hymn that characterizes the cause
for which we fight and give our very
iives and fortunes for it's victory? Can
1t better be expressed than by that
old FAMILIAR marching hymn of
Onward, Christian Soldiers,
With the Cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Have you ever heard that wonder
full hymn blared forth by massed
bands? Have you ever listened to your
regrhental band play it on their way to
or from Sunday church service? Have
you ever felt the thrill-the cold chill
creep up your back until it came with
rush to the very roots of your hair
when you heard it as you marched on
parade in the old home town? Is there
anything more inspiring than it's
marching rhythm-its words and sim
pl1c1ty OF meaning? Has it not been
the old reliable of band LADDERS for
years to bring applause from an un-
responsive audience? Does it not ap-
peal to you as the battle hymn of the
hour-the very thing we need-that
extra something not expressed by bay
onets or bursting shells, but the hu-
man dynamic force back of them in
spired to an overwhelming victorious
strength?
We will not have time to sing it in
the trenches nor going over the top
but we can sing it and have our bands
play it as they march thru the streets
of America. England, France, Italy
and Russia on our way to the front
1t Will proclaim to nations everywhere
that America has a divine objective
Let US then sing it everywhere, on
the march, in the divine service-fn
our hearts. Let it grow and kindle
within us. Let US thoroly understand
our objective in that song, so that no
| matter what the experience or sacri-
flee may be we will stick to our task
with that tenacity which has ever
marked American victory. Therefore,
let the bands sound off-The Battle
| Hymn of America:
Onward. Christian Soldiers.
Marching as to war,
With the Cross of Jesus
Going on before:
! Christ, the Royal Master
| Leads against the foe;
| Forward into battle,
| See His banners go.
Commenting on the suggestion, the
Camp Hancock edition of Trench and
Camp, published at Augusta, Ca,
says:
His suggestion is an excellent one.
No hymn is more universally sung.
| No hymn rings with the martial spirit
as does Onward, Christian Soldiersi"
| There is a dignity, a sweep of majes-
| ty in the setting that enraptures and
ennobles any soul the least bit respon-
sive to emotion. We have heard it
sung by 10000 people and the effect
was tremendous. 1t has been sung in
our hearing by small gatherings, and
never does it fail to impart virility and
! challenge to .he hottest impulses.
| We heartily indorse the suggestion.
If the government take over the
railroads for Keeps will every con-
gresham be expected to see that
union stations are hrriIt in the towns