Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 November 1901 — "'ONLY TWELVE KNEW IT. [ARTICLE]

"'ONLY TWELVE KNEW IT.

Only twelve out of the 400 enlisted force on the receiving ship Richmond at the League island navy yard ordered to learn the words of “The Star Spangled Banner” gave evidence recently that they knew the song. Captain Leary of the Richmond 6ent forth the order a few weeks ago that no leaves of absence ashore would be granted unless the men showed that they knew the words of the national anthem. To ascertain how many of the sailors and landsmen really had memorized the song Captain Leary decided to hold a test examination. In the morning after the men had been lined up at roll eall Chaplain Morrison requested all those who knew the words to step forward. To the surprise and dismay of the officers only twelve stepped out from the ranks. To relieve the nervous tension and merriment the lieutenant in charge immediately gave the order to “air beds.” Some of the sailors say that while the captain has authority to compel them to learn rules of ordnance he has no right to order them to learn “The Star Spangled Banner.” As a large majority of the men who crave leave of absence declare they will not learn the situation promises interesting developments.