There probably is no harm, however, in hoping
for a better national anthem. "The Star-Spangled
Banner” is faulty musically and psychologically. Very
few people know the words, because it is so difficult
to sing. Very few people realize, also, that it has
been the national anthem for only four years. Per
haps. some day. someone will write a song embodying
the spirit and the ideals of our great nation in a
form more inspiring to those who have to sing it, and
more satisfactory to those who are concerned with
the ideology of our patriotism. But anything as tra
ditional in nature as a national anthem is not to be
changed merely because some pensive gentleman
has found a pedagogical objection to the prevailing
anthem.
Practical Politicians.
(New York World-Telegram.)
Dr. Frank E. Townsend, author of the Townse td
Plan, complains that unscruplous persons and poli
ticians are trying to confiscate his movement for
selfish ends.
The good doctor doubtless is sincere in believing
that his $200-a-month pension for all of the eleven
million Americans past 60, financed by a sales tax
on every transaction, is socially, legally and econ
| omically sound. Certainly the old folks who form his
| ardent army believe this.
But what can be said of a California reactionary
Governor who sets out to win the Presidential nom
ination with the Townsend Plan as his issue? Or of
Senator Borah, who flirts with this same idea? Or
scores of other politicians who raise the fantastic
banner of a doctrine they know is unworkable simply
I to win the votes of trusting oldsters?
Perilous Husiness.
