Norwich bulletin., 1921-08-02
oDD INCIDENTS IN AMERICAN
 HISTORY
Y HOPKINS WROTE "HA1l

CD41O | When republicanism ran rampant in America at the end of the 18th century, the ''Ca ira" or the "Marseillaise'' hymn of France, seemed to most nearly meet the popular demand for spirited martial music as the expression of the feelings of a great majority of the American people. In order to combat this, the federalists did everything possible to turn this wave of patriotism for the benefit of our own country. The theatre was generally the place where the demonstrations were most marked, and there began a bitter contest between the two parties as to which of their faverite musical numbers should be presented.
 The favorite musical number of the federalists was '9The Presidents March" and they insisted this spirited march should replace the Gallic murder-sheuts of Ca ira and the "carmagnoIe-" In the midst of this spirited wransle a fa- yoFite actors benefit drew near. No man knew better than he how to profit by the popular will. Politics ruled the hour. The city was full of excited federalistg who packed the theatre in Philadelphia night after~night- for no other purpose than to spout themselves hearse over 'eThe Presi- dents March,
 The actor determined to make use of this fact. He would take the march find someone to write a few stanzas to suit it, and, on the night of his benefit, sing them to the house.
 Some federalists were consulted, were pleased with the idea and named Joseph Hopkinson as the man best fitted to write the words. He consented and in few hours Hail Columbia" was produced.
 The night for the benefit was that of
  announced that the performance wouldd comprise a comedy called ''The Italian Monk" the comic opera of "Rosina,' and an entire new song, written by citizen of Philadelphia, to the tune of '@The Presidents March, which would be sung by MT. Fox, accompanied by the full band and grand chorus.
 Long before the cufta:n rose the house was too small to hosd the thousands who clamored to be let in. Those who got in were too excited to wait quietly for the song. At last the comedy was ended and MT. Fox appeared upon the stage. Every line was loudly applauded, the whole i house joined in the chorus, and when the verse Behold the chief, who now com mands, was reached. the audience rose to it's feet and che4red Four times the song was encored, was demanded again at the end of the pantamime, and again at the close of the play.
 The few in the audience who called for Ca ira" were quickly put down. The words of Hail Columbia" were printed in full in the newspapers of the following day. The Gazette had long article on the subject, and said 1t hoped that every lady in the city would practice the music learn the words, and sing them at the next repetition then perhaps the tive or three French-Americans who remained might feel the charm of patriotism and join in the chorus of the song"
 There was, however. one French. American" in the city whom no fedora song could charm. The editor of the Au rora treated the scene in the theatr, with bitter contempt. On Wednesday 1 following the introduction of Hail Go lumbia,'' he assured the readers. the ad mirers of British tyranny assembled a the New theatre. He said: ''The mana gers had announced on the play bills e the day that new patriotic song weulv be sung to the tune of The Presidenti March, All the British merchants, al the British agents. and many of our con gressionaI Tories attended to do honor t, the event.
 When .the wished-for song came which contained, amidst the most ridicu lous bombast, the yilest adulation of tn Anglo -monarchial party and the tw presidents. the ecstasy of the factiel knew no bounds. They eneored, the, shouted, they became mad as the priest ess of the Doric God"
 Hail Columbia had met the desire result, it had turned the table upon tn
 republicans, and there was now n longer any question as to what tune should be heard in the theatre, and tn federalists, highly elated brought ou new. songs and turned the playhouse int political engine of great power.
 (Tomorrow: A Cenfederzey within Confederacy.)