Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: THE POWER OF MUSIC HILE the-allied forces of the eight foreign nations were still in Peking, General Chaffee invited the American Minister, his family, his staff members and their families, with others, to witness the raising of our flag at the American camp headquarters in the Temple of Agriculture. In an open field of this Temple was a very large, elevated, open, white marble altar platform, with a marble balustrade encircling it. The guests occupied this beautiful place with nothing obstructing their view. The infantry stood in review at the east of this marble platform; the mounted cavalry on the south; the artillery on the west; and the band on the north, with the officers who were conducting the ceremonies. At twelve o'clock the band began toplay "The Star-spangled Banner." Every one was on his feet, heads were uncovered, and the flag began to rise. Up it steadily went — up — up, and when the last note sounded it was at the top of that high pole. Thrilling cheers greeted it in its triumphant waving. At home we dearly love our flag, but in foreign lands we almost worship at its shrine. In those dark days of resentment after the siege, the foreigner showed little respect or consideration for the Chinese or their effects. One day, two Russian soldiers entered the home of a well-to-do Chinaman, searching through everything, looting, and insulting the women and children. The husband and father protested, but to no effect. Finally, he began to play the Russian national air upon a piccolo. The two men at once dropped their loot, stopped their bad behavior, and became men of honor. They stood erect and silent before the musician and listened to his sweet music. At its finish they saluted and passed out into the street empty-handed. THE POWER OF MUSIC 25 Every nation a...