National Affairs: Hats On

J. P. Blair of Manhattan is a person who wrote a letter, from which the following is extracted, to Mrs. Augusta E. Stetson†:

For years I have been aware of the subtle, un-Christian influence of this song, The Star-Spangled Banner, and of the very evident use which is made of it to stir up sentiments inimical and hurtful to every ideal which Americans cherish. The fact is, that each time a bill has been introduced in Congress, seeking to .legalize ‘The Star-Spangled Banner as our national athem, Congress has refused to give its sanction.

Allow me to relate two incidents which occurred in my experience recently. At a large public gathering, held near New York City early last month, The Star-Spangled Banner was played by the band as a prelude to the addresses and exercises of the evening. I was seated in my car, but I did not remove my hat, as this would have been equivalent to my acquiescence in the vicious sentiments and ribald music of this song, which I repudiate, as well as an acknowledgment of its legality, contrary to Congress’ attitude.

A man came running toward me, excitedly waving his arms, and demanding that I remove my hat, but I paid no attention to him, and the music ceased before he reached my car.

On a similar occasion, a few days later, the band again played The Star-Spangled Banner. This time I was one of the throng about the platform, which was brilliantly lighted; but I again kept my hat upon my head. A lady, a member of a group standing near, said: “Take off your hat to our national anthem ” replied: “Madam, The Star-Spangled Banner is not the national anthem of America, for it has never been authorized by Congress.” She expressed surprise. At that moment a gentleman approached me from behind, tapped me on the shoulder, and said-‘Excuse me, sir, you have forgotten your hat.” I said: “No, sir, I have not forgotten my hat. This song is not our national anthem.” He requested Mrs. Stetson to republish her famed attack upon The Star-Spangled Banner. Again as before, paid for as columns of advertising, appeared the attack in the newspapers of Washington, Manhattan, Boston, Albany. Again blazoned forth the devastating headline (supported by appropriate text) :

“THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER”

with its words breathing hatred of our Anglo-Saxon brother, Britain, and its music borrowed from a foul, English drinking song, To Anacreon in Heaven,

CAN NEVER BECOME OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM

Never has Congress, and never will Congress, legalize Francis Scott Key’s ballad, which voices “bombs bursting in air,” “blood,” “the terror of flight and the gloom of the grave,” “foul footsteps’ pollution,” and refers to our Anglo-Saxon brother, Britain, as “the foe’s haughty host.”

† Mrs. Augusta F. Stetson, Christian Science Teacher and practitioner, was sent to Manhattan by Mrs. Eddy in 1886 to help organize the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in that city. She was for 17 years pastor and first reader of the church; differences with certain of the authorities caused her resignation in 1909.