The Plymouth Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1878-1901, 1879-01-16
Educational Column.
J. +. LANGENBAUGH.
THE NATIONAL FLAG.

One hundred and one years ago it
was resolved by Congress that the
flag OF the thirteen United States be
thirteen stripes, alternate red and
white, and that the Union be thirteen
white stare on r blue field" Twenty
five new stars have since been added
to the constellation OF 1777, and the
blue field is now spangled with thirty
eight shining symbols OF liberty and
union. The progress OF the Repub-
lie during the period that has since
elapsed since the stars and stripes
were adopted as The national ensign,
has been little short OF miraculous.
Its population OF scant three millions
at the commencement OF the war OF
Independence, has increased to more
than fifty millions, and altogether yet
in its infancy, as we reckon the ages
Of nations, il ranks in political impOr-
tance, in commercial power and in
fluence, ia material resources, and in
all the elements of national glory,
with the mightiest empires OF the old
worlds. Never was there such a
bound from comparative insignifi-
canoe to substantial greatness since
time began. Our story is the very
romance OF his history.
The tree whose dropping branches one by one take
root,
Until forest hides the parent stem,
symbols the rise OF empires-yct for ours,
Affords parallel Its bursting seeds
We're scattered broadcast by the hand OF God
Behold the increase where, on every side,
From the blue mountains TO the bounding main,
Nesting IN valleys, do,iing fertile plains.
And on the hiil-sides shining, crowned with spires,
Our cities rise; while down hundred streams,
Our inland fleets sweep laden to the sea.
Behold the lakes. where once the trail canoe
Trailing their smoky pennons through the sky,
The mighty sreamers snrgingl
That belts the earth our star lit banner shines,
And every gale sen 3 10 every shore,
Our home returns, our freghted sigoses
The flag under which we have at
tanned to such a pitch Of prosperity
and glory. was first displayed in bat
tie on the 7th OF October, 1777, at
the memorable battle OF Saratoga,
which resulted In the surrender, few
days afterward, OF more than six
thousand British troops TO American
arms. This was a glorious beginning
and the banner thus auspiciously
launched upon its career, was borne
on from victory TO victory. until it
floated over the nights OF Yorktown,
and the veterans OF CORVALLIS
grounlel their arms undor its tri-
umphant folds. Thirty four years
later British valor again succumbed
before it at the decisive battle OF
New Orleans. Then Algiers and
Tripoli aud Tunis were compelled to
do ii homage, and later still, after
series of the most brilliant successes,
uninterrupted by single reverse, it
was planted. an emblem OF conquest,
in the capital OF Mexico. And still
m ore recently il trlumphed over re-
belliOn within our own land aud ma
ton. Through four wars it has pass
ed without stain. For "a century it
has fiuttered over the only free cOun-
try on the face OF the globe. II has
been respected in every land aud on
every sea. 1t has been borne farther
into the region OF eternal ice than
any other flag in christendom. The
greatest statesmen and orators OF
modern times-aye, or OF any times
have fourished iu its shadow.
Genius has welded it to immortal
song. 1t was the battle standard and
the pail OF Washington. 1t is the
only legitimate emblem OF true civil
liberty that floats this day between
earth and heaven. The despot- rid
den people OF Europe look up to it
with eyes as full Of trust and hope,
as IL the motto OF the sacred ban
ner OF Constantine, in hoe signo
Ctscco Onuci tuiS eiSu SNAIL you
conquer-was written in letters OF
light across its stripes and stars. 1t
Is the flag not merely OF this Union.
but OF Freedom-she has 20 other!
To a. andon or dishonor it would be
base ingratitude to heaven, and foul
treason to mankind! Long may 1t
wave.
The Worlds Gold.