19 JULY 1919, Page 14

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. [To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."]

SIR,—When so much consideration is being given to our National Anthem I wonder that no one has suggested putting in the beautiful verse written by Longfellow in 1880 for Queen Victoria

"Lord, let war's tempeste cease, Fold the whole world in peace Under Thy wings.

Make all the nations one, All hearts, beneath the sun, Till Thou shalt reign alone, Great King of kings."

It would seem to embody the hope of a perfect League of Nations, and to enlarge and elevate the Anthem into a uniVersal prayer.—I am, Sir, &c.,