Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1874-07-09
AN ATTAMPT TO PULL DOWN
THE UNITED STATES FLAG.
G.. WHEELER.

AN ATTAMPT TO PULL DOWN
THE UNITED STATES FLAG.
There was q time in the history Of
East Tennessee, when to display the
American flag or even to have it in pos
session was considered by q certain
class as o crime fraught with danger
to the guilty persons. But that time
passed and the old flag was exhumed
from its many hiding places and thrown
to the breeze, and from the Carolinas
to the Western extremities of the Ma
ion the National Emblem 6oated free,
and all parties acknowledged its SUI
premacy. 1t was hoped that the spirit
of treason and rebellion was forever
dead, and that the monster Secession
would never again raise its buried
head and disclose its hideous features
to the popular gaze. But an incident
occurred at Limestone, in this county,
on the 4th Of July, the anniversary of
the Nations birth, that day Of all 9th
crs when the National flag should be,
and always has been, the most promi-
nent feature Of the days doings, that
shocked the sensibilities of every
Union loving man and woman in the
community, and aroused a feeling of
indignation that it will be difficult for
the guilty parties to explain away.
The circumstances as they have been
given to us, are about as follows:
There was a called meeting of the
Grange on that day and members of the
Order from all parts of the county with
their families, as well as many specta-
tors, were present. Previous to the
meeting Mr.. Alexander Kirk, the IA
Their Of Col. George w. Kirk, having a
large United States flag in his posses
sion, proposed to raise it on that day,
and was invited to do so. Some dis.
satisfaction having been expressed
however by certain parties, the Com.
mittee Of Arrangements, consisting Of
the following gentlemen George W.
Williams, Prof. w. A. Nelson, Aser
Miller, John Keebler and Ez. S. Mathes,
addressed the following note to Mr..
Kirk:
"MR. ALEXANDER KIRK:
1t is the wish of the committee that
you do not put up your flag at this
place to-day.
(Signed) W. A, NELSON.
Limestone, July 4th, 1874"
This note it seems was written by
Ez. S. Mathes who signed Mr.. Nelson's
name to it, and afterwards presented
the same to Mr.. Nelson who informed
i. him that it was "all right and the nott
was transmitted to Mr.. Kirk. Mr.
AKirk had furnished five ons to tn,
Federal army and some of these hat
distinguished themselves on the ficl(
N defence Of their country one losing
q leg in that service. The flag in hi
8ssession was the old battle flag o
; the Sd North Carolina Mounted Infan
s.try commanded by his son, Col. Georg,
~. Kirk.
. 1t was natural that such q motto
as the above should be received in
spirit of indignation. Nothing shor
OF this could be expected from q ma
who had made so many sacrifices 70
the American Union. Acting unde
this impulse Mr.. Xix determined t
plant his flag on the grounds regart
less of consequences. He done so
and soon after certain parties undo
the influence Of liquor, rs We are il
formed, made an attempt 70 remcvc !
This move was promptly frustrated b
several Federal soldiers who happene
/. to be present, some Of them member
of the Grange. One gentleman layin
aside his Grange regalia was heard
. say: that as between that and the fc
of his country he ~proposcdto stand b
the latter"
These arc the facts as they ha,
been given to us by parties who we
l present on that occasion. Now let
look at the case in ali its aspects, wit
OFT prejudice or malice and sec VIII
1t arseemts to.
On the first place We would say til: