Thawing Bandsmen Lead Irish Parade

Buried alive enroute to the St. Patrick's Day Parade a week ago, the Band was plowed up again this morning by a mobile unit from Omnibus, working in close liaison with Mayor Edward J. Sullivan's bank-baiting Finest.

The Crimson contingent, stopped by drifting snow in the middle of Scollay Square, took refuge inside the Big Drum and sent out squads of banjo players to buy coffee. The combined resources of band members met the price of only a single cup of brew, however, since tariff changes early this week sent coffee prices rocketing.

After thawing their lips with black-market coffee, doled out by the Salvation Army, the band members expressed determination to march on to the parade, rescheduled for this afternoon.

This time, however, the Drum will be stuffed with fur-lined sleeping bags and members of the Radcliffe Auxiliary. Reason: weatherman predicts more snow tonight.