Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1862-11-22
A Confederate Flae-Its Effect.

An incident which gave rise to cOnsidrra-
BILE ill-teeing. and marred the pleasure Which
many had hoped to experience in the celebra-
ton Of the Prince of Wales majority. was
the raising of Confederate Flag over the
boot-black establishment of Gibbs & Co., on
Government street, Immediately opposite the
Chronicle Office. The boot blacks it is said.
received $40 for conserving to its erection.
The flag was hoistrd about o'clock, A. NJ,
and waved until o'clock P. NJ, causing con-
siderable excitement among the American
portion of the community, crowds Of whom
gathered in front Of the establishment over
which it waved, and eyed it with looks any
thing but favorable. At one time over 800
persons were gathered in front of the build
ing, gazing at the ensign. A riot was feared.
and policemen were detailed to protect it
should all attempt bs made to remove it /; but
we are happy to say no such demonstration
was made. When it becama generally known
that the obnoxious flag had been hoisted, the
American colors with but ons exception,
land those were displayed from the premises
American Consul did not raise the flag over
his Office until, r. NJ, when he was assured
that the Secession emblem had disappeared,
when he suffered the flag of his country to go
up. This example WAS pretty generally fol-
lowed by the American residents, who also
refused (most unwiscly We think) to join in the
procession or TO participate in the celebration
in any manner, because tho Secession flag
was rot ordered down by thu authorities.
The Fire Department turned out very slim
for the same reason-many Of its American
members refusing to parade. The hosting Of
the flag is to b. regretted, as it threw dam.
per over the whole demonstration, and pre-
vented many doing honor to our ilustrious
Prince who would otherwise have been only
too glad to have done 81. Were any good
object to be- attained by its erection, or were
the s. c.. a recognized nationality. no objrc-
ton could be urged. But under the circum.
stances, rs it was only calculated to arouse
the worst feelings Of certain classes in this
community, tho good sense of it's raiser should
have taught him better than to exhibit it.
However, being up. We are sorry that the
Americans paid any attention to it whatso-
ever; they should have passed it by silently,
raised their Aags-joined in the procession
gone to tho races and enjoyed themselves as
usual in rational manner. The Government
having always allowed the greatest latitude
to the exhibition of bunting, felt that it could
not consistently order down the offensive en-
sign, although attention was called to it by
the American Consul in polite note. The
flag was taken down at one o'clock by the
party who raised it At his own volition.
The following is . copy of the American
Consul's communication to His Excellency.
No answer had been returned up to noon to.
day:
CONSULATE OF THE U. s. or AMERICA. ! /.
Victoria, V. l., Nov. 10. 1869
To His Excellency. Governor Douglas:
SIR TN order to commemorate the day in
honor OF the Prince Of Wales arriving At his
Majority. it was to b. hoped nothing would &C.
cur to prevent to loyal ci.izens Of the United
States residing here from participating on the
occasion but the display Of flags represent.
ing States in rebellion against the constituted
authorities of the United States Of America,
will deter it's citizens from participating in
the ceremonies.
With great respect for the day you cele.
brats. and highest regards for your Excsilsn-
~. ! am, respectfully.
Your obed't servant,
ALLEN FRANCIS,
u. 8. Consul.