New-York tribune., 1922-07-23
The National Anthem
Crisis in the Countrys History by Which, says Vida
Mlholland, 1t Should Be Inspired
re the Editor Of The Tribune.

TT the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: In Sundays Tribune appears an
admirably written letter by A. G. Rudd.
May ask for the courtesy Of some Of
your space in which to reply to your
correspondent, with whose point OF
view approving Of THE Star-Spsngled
Banner as a national anthem strong
ly disagree?
Mr.. Rudd says that a national an
them TO be effective must be
inspired by some great crises in a
country's history" agree with him,
and would even 20 farther and say
that the national anthem should be in
spired by the greatest crises Of
eountry's history.
And what are the crises which like
giant peaks strike our gaze as we scan
the horizon Of this nations grand de-
velopment1 Is II battle here or the
humiliation Of an enemy there; is II
the acquisition Of new territory or the
destruction Of a heeti No. IL is none
Of those things, although such vic
tories have taken place in abundance
and We give all honor TO those who
have shared in their accomplishment.
But because OF Americas advanced
state OF mind" her greatest victories
or crises are not those where she has
achieved material success. but when
she has triumphantly established prin-
circles. lmmsterisl beings rejoice IN the
gain Of material things and in per
sonAl triumphs. but men glory in the
birth and unfsiling permanenee Of an
ideal.
Glance over the history q this "Our
America" and what events do we find
70 justify our conclusion that Amer
iean crises are spiritual7 The history
books tell US that long ago. in the year
1000, young Viking pioneered his
way from the frozen north and. pene-
irAting ss far south as New Bedford.
discovered this continent. which he
called vinelsnd. To this same Massa-
ehusetts coast over 500 years later.
came the Pilgrims, 70 all appearances
the outeasts Of Europe but in reality
the very flower of the Old World.
This plant required a richer soil for
is sturdy growth and fragrant bios
soming than Europe could provide
Eesd Daniel Webster's description Of
the rran3eur of the Pilgrims and then
ask your correspondent II the crisis
which produced their bravery is not
tho tue inspiration which ne and all
tfv, lyvers q America seek 70 have
e-hoiied IN a national anthem. suf-
fcrinr terrified and unuitershiy lone
" mis- little pioneer group dehed the
wilderness; aagme with the divine
pa sion for "liberty and the right 70
Worship God according 70 the dictates
of conscience" they planted the seed
Of freed m. whose glorious hsrves, Is
only now beg nning 70 appear. Their
i6esl'sm should insniro an epic. and IN
anthem could not be national which did
not recognize their achievement
Seeking the next great "erisis" we
scan again the historical horizon. and
another peak. glowing like a Monte
eess in a golden sunset. holds our gaze.
Il is the birth Of this new nation which.
under Wsshington's direction. breaks
away from European control and pro-
claims her Declaration Of Independ-
enee." The war. fought with such hero
ism. endurance and sublime faith. won
the admiration Of the world, but the
principle Of Liberty and union. now
snd forever. one md i--~----'i,"