A Splendid Sight.

Manawatu Herald, 4 August 1898, Page 2

A Splendid Sight.

Sousa'd • Trooping of the Colors, the rattling musical war spectacle given at the Metropolitan Operahouse New York, on May 24, was a remarkable sight. At the back of the stage, on rising seats, was a chorus of 500, and in front of it Sousa's Band. Soldiers of various nationalities, in full uniform marched in in turn, each bearing their flag, while the chorus and band gave the National Anthem of their country. The detachments filed to the right or left and lined up at one side, until, ai the United States soldiers and siilors came on amid deafening cheers and the audience sprang to their feet, the whole stage was one mass of uniforms and waving flags, while • The Star-spangled Banner ' rang out from the chorus and band, the people in the auditorium joining in. • The Trooping of the Colors ' began with the striking of " thirteen bells," representing the thirteen fighting States of '76. Then the fife and drum was heard faintly in the distance, but coming nearer, until the •• Spirit of '76 " entered, typified by the famous historical group of the fifer the drummer, and the aged flag-bearer. They marched around the stage and took their places. Then came the red coats of Old England, the country that fought us twice, but is now reaohing out a friendly hand. Shall we grasp it ? The audience certainly did it, and cheered and hurrahed as the chorus struck up " God Save the Queen " ks ' Die Wacht Am Bhein ' swelled out, the German soldiers came on and were received in dead silence. There were slight applause mingled with hisses, as the French soldier? entered. A pretty girl in green, was the next arrival, and restored the audience to good humor.