The weekly union record., 1864-03-26
Letter from Evansville.

Editor Union Record:-Some of the citizens
Of Evansville wish me to send you an account
of some outrageous proceedings that has re-
Gently transpired in their vicinity. From the
information which they furnish me, the follow,
ing are the particulars.
1t seems that some boys attending a school
near the Miller Ranch, two miles below Evans
vile, erected flagstaff and hoisted an Amer
lean flag, which was torn down and DESTROYED
This angered some of the Union men, who
subscribed money enough to procure a larger
flag than the one destroyed. Some of the pa
rents of the children attending the school OBJ
jected 10 having the flag hoisted on the ground
that their children might call it Black Re
publican Flag, and then they might be called
Secessionists. Others are represented TO have
used expressions Of harsh and threatening
nature. 1t is unnecessary for me to repeat
them here. In consequence of these facts, the
flag was taken to some dwelling house every
evening, and some individuals were appointed
every night to watch and protect the flag staff
The people of that school district phaml
sent word to the people of Bangor that they
might require their assistance. Accordingly
fifteen men went from there one night when
violence was expected Everything remained
quiet as long as the flag staff and school house
were thus protected, however the vigilance of
those interested seems to have relaxed, be-
cause on certain night some evil minded per
son or persons cut down the flag staff, forced
open the school house, broke the school mas
ters desk, and perpetrated other acts of such a
disgusting nature that am reluctant to write
them down for the purpose of appearing in
public print. The Union men living in the
neighborhood have procured and erected ano-
ther pole, and it remains to be seen whether il
will be destroyed also
Now sir. it seems singular TO me how any
man can regard the National American Flag
as being emblematic Of anything either sec
tional or partisan, certainly they must allow
their partisan or vindictive feelings to predom-
mate over their reason. Some Of those who
opposed the raising Of the flag may be just
enough in the walks of private life, OF where
their peculiar sentiments are not involved. 10
fact, man living in that neighborhood and
who is an open aud avowed Secessionist, but
of candid disposition, told me to day that
whoever cut the flag staff ought to be punish
ed. Notwithstanding all this do not assert
too much when say that if any man should
have predicted FIVE years ago that any Ameri
can citizen would in short time desecrate the
Star Spangled Banner, be would have been
pronounced visionary of the widest kind.
1t is not my intention to fan the flames of
political excitement created by this affair. The
sacred cause of education ought to be above
partizau prejudice. This may involve the
question what constitutes education. In my
opinion then the Public Schools should not
confne themselves merely to teach how TO read
and write and cipher. They have a nobler
mission. Education means mental discipline,
q repression OF bad tendencies as well as the
culture of good ones. The school besides
should train to habits of obedience and subor-
diuation should inculcate love OF liberty and
country. should impart some knowledge of
State and National Government and the du-
ties and privileges of an American citizen.
The Jesuts know the Importance of edu.
eating youth in carrying out their particular
objects They act on the principle that just
as the twig is bent the tree is inclined" The
Germans have maxim that whatever YOU
have in nations life you must put into its
schools l presume it was motives of this
kind that induced the legislature OF this State
to enact law requiring every teacher in the
public schools to take The following oath l
will bear true faith, allegiance and loyalty to
the Constitution and Government of the Uni
ted States, and that will to the best of nv
ability teach those under. my charge to love,
reverence and uphold the same. Ii is difficult
for teachers 10 carry out their oatbs when their
scholars parents give them examples Of dis
loyalty. Therefore l would suggest that the
legislature pass law making it incumbent on
school teachers and trustees as requisite before
drawing any public money to have the Ame,i-
can flag kept flying at each school house du-
ring school hours. Let them be taught that
it is not merely piece of cotton or silk. but
the emblem of liberty. peace and protection,
and when they arrive at the years of manhood,
instead of speaking of it in spirit of derision,
they will be willing to exclaim
Forever float that standard sheet,
Where lives the foe but falls before Us,
With freedoms soil beneath our feet
And freedom banner streaming DER US.
j. II.