NATIONAL ANTHEM

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 75, 29 March 1930, Page 9

NATIONAL ANTHEM

AMERICA NOT SATISFIED

(From "The Post's" Representative.) NEW YOBK, sth March.

Uncle Sam wants a national anthem, and, according to the volume of criticism levelled against it, tho "Star-Span-gled Banner," recommended by the House Judiciary Committee for adoption, does not seem likely to be chosen. Francis Scott Key's famous song has been in almost universal use since 1916, when President Wilson endorsed a recommendation of the Joint Board of tho Army for its adoption. Constitution experts, however, claim that tho Wilson mandate applies only to the two services and not to the people generally. The objection to tho "Star-Spaiigled Banner" is that it is too warliko for these days of peace. It makes one want to go out and do or die, or rush into tho storm of battle where the bombs and shells aro bursting. It is said to give to children the idea that tho only real patriotism is warliko activity, rather than peace. Other objections aro that tho "StarSpangled Banner" used to be a drinking song and recalls a particular incident with a country with whom United States is now at peace. "Wo cannot," says the music professor at Columbia University, "bo belching forth war continually while wo are talking peaco and disarmament."

Tho alternative most favoured is Katharine Lee Bates's "America the Boautiful."

Tho International cable news appearing In this issuo Is published by arrangement with (lie Australian Press Association and tllo "Sun," "Herald," News Service, Limited.