Legislation by Rep. Andrew Jacobs, D-Ind., to replace the national anthem with “America the Beautiful” has virtually no chance in Congress. Jacobs says numerous constituents are disenchanted with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” He cited some complaints that have been around for decades – basically that Francis Scott Key’s lyrics written during the War of 1812 are too martial and the octave-plus musical range is too difficult for many untrained singers. Why isn’t Congress likely to buy the Jacobs bill? First, there’s the long tradition behind “The Star-Spangled Banner,” extending back to within 25 years of the Republic’s founding. And even critics must agree the anthem breathes patriotism and love of flag from beginning to end. Second, Congress didn’t show much enthusiasm for national anthem bills in the first place. It would not relish a renewal of the controversial issue. During nearly two decades, beginning in 1913, a number of anthem bills were introduced. It took an intense campaign in the late 20’s to finally get the lawmakers to clear the bill in March, 1931, making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the national anthem. The drive had been mounted by a strong Baltimore-based committee and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, with 80 national organizations assisting, Five million signatures were obtained on petitions. In a more recent case of lawmaker wariness on national anthem legislation, Rep. Joel Broyhill, R-Va., filed a bill in the 50s to have a “single standard version” of “The StarSpangled Banner” legally established. The National Music Committee representing 46 organizations made recommendations on exact wording, punctuation, melody, rhythm and harmony. The result was to be completely singable and readable. The House Judiciary Committee held hearings in 1958 – but the bill never came to a vote. One account said confusion was so great that a congressman wailed, “Might as well try to rewrite the Ten Commandments.” Some favor restraint in tinkering with the anthem. while others believe the third stanza should be deleted as being too “combative.” The British were our enemies when the song was written but the two countries have been good friends for a long time now. Other old complaints with varying degrees of justification include high notes that strain vocal chords…flaws in the “poetic f1ow”…the melody borrowed from an old English drinking song. .. To laments that the song spotlights a single incident in an early war, that isn’t entirely a minus. Maybe we should be reminded occasionally of the crisis of our young nation faced at that juncture. The British had burned the White House and Capitol in Washington, D.C. Fortunately they were repulsed at Baltimore in a crucial U.S. victory. Francis Scott Key preserved the drama of their unsuccessful bombardment of Fort Mcl-lenry. In dwelling on complaints, we should not forget eloquent words of praise applied from time to time to “The StarSpangled Banner.” The anthem has been called, “dignified, grand and inspiring.” Band king John Philip Sousa once said: “!t’s a splendid march and no true American can fail to be stirred when it is played.” Now a word about “America the Beautiful.” It is a lovely patriotic song with a comfortable musical range. However, even that classic is not irmnune from criticism. Just recently Joel Sheveloff of Boston University’s music faculty was quoted as calling it “sing-s0ngy” and “wishy-washy.” “America the Beautiful,” by the way, received much attention in congressional debate when the national anthem was first selected. If a new drive ever does take place, “national hymn” status might be a more appropriate goal this time. A parting suggestion: Enjoy ALL of the patriotic songs. And those which are hard to sing, ‘ put more gusto into the effort. j