August 15, 1901

DURING THE COURSE OF THE WEEK
Recognizing Fellow KK
Members by WhistlingDURING THE COURSE OF THE WEEK
Recognizing Fellow KK Members by Whistling

[FIRST PART NOT TRANSLATED]

As I have recalled past journeys and sufferings I have often thought that the KK-members should come up with a sign, from which we could recognize one another wherever we went. Up until now I haven’t been able to figure out a sign I would’ve been satisfied with. Now I finally think I have something.

Since we are spiritual nobility, our signs have to be spiritual as well. I am sure we all agree that among us, music represents the highest form of spiritual work. We will have to recognize each other through a tune. But in what way? There is rude whistling, but there is beautiful one as well.

The piano music that Kaapro Jaaskelainen [Alias for. McKela. Translator‘s note.] has suggested, would drive 2/3 of the KK-members away from Sointula. But 2/3 of the Sointula people miss real, artistic piano music.

My suggestion is, that every KK-member should learn to whistle the first verses of the Workers’ March (the lyrics of the KK-march have been arranged for the same tune). Let’s say that one of us ends up in a restaurant car of a train, or wherever, and would like to ask, if there was a KK-member around. He can simply start whistling away, carelessly like an American millionaire, the first verses of the march. If he then hears someone continuing the same tune, he will know that a comrade is nearby.

Until there is a better suggestion, I say we use this one. In the future, when we shall have our own composers, we can write a new sign-tune that will only be taught to the KK-members.

Maaton Matti [Landless Matti]

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