Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 153, August 8, 1917 by Various
page 18 of 61 (29%)
page 18 of 61 (29%)
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The Adjutant was of the opinion that "The Star-Spangled Banner" filled the bill, while the Quartermaster cast his vote for "My country, 'tis of thee." The _chef d'orchestre_ thrashed his bosom and rent his coiffure. "_Dieu!_" he wailed, "I can't play all of them--_figurez-vous_!" Without stopping to do any figuring they heartily agreed that he couldn't. "Tell you what," said the Commandant at length, "write to your music-merchant in Paris and leave it to him." The _chef d'orchestre_ said he would, and did so. Next Sunday evening, as the concert drew to a close, the band flung into the _Marseillaise_, and the subalterns of all nations kept to attention. They stood to attention through "God Save the King," through the national anthems of Russia, Italy, Portugal, Rumania, Serbia, Belgium, Montenegro and Monte Carlo, all our brave Allies. Then the _chef d'orchestre_ suddenly sprang upon a stool and waved above his head the stripes and stars of our newest brave Ally, while the band crashed into the opening strains of "When de midnight choo-choo starts for Alabam." It speaks volumes for the discipline of the allied armies that their young subalterns stood to attention even through that. PATLANDER. * * * * * |
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