Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-07-22
THE MACARONIANS.
A Social Gathering and a New
Flag.

There was a select gathering
last night Of Macaronians at
Post No. 9. 1t was not
full turnout such as goes on
excursions, yet was large enough to
surround a very long table and to dis
pose of several large dishes of the
Italian national delicacy. There was
also a bountiful supply of claret, as
we'll as ice cream, cake, fruit, etc., and
all enjoyed themselves in the most
rational and sociable way. ALI felt
that there was nothing more to be en-
joyed or that could add to the quiet
satisfaction Of the occasion; but they
were mistaken-there was a surprise
in store.
The ladies Of the post and vicinity
had treat in reserve. When the Chief
Corkonian had refilled the plates and
the COokonian passed around with the
pitcher of claret about the third or
fourth time, and conversation
was at a busy hum and the old
married men were doing their
utmost to be entertaining to the
nearest young ladies, a committee
Of ladies who had quietly slipped away,
suddenly appeared at the door with a
beautiful tri.colored banner, made
with their own fair hands. The word
MacaroniaaS was wrought out in the
center, and the edges appeared trim
med in gold lace. In dimensions it
seemed to be about 14x5 feet. One Of
the young ladies made very pretty
little speech, presenting the flag to
the Chief. She referred TO the origin
Of the organization, in the dark days
of 1879, when the city was cut off from
the world, and a few brave, genial
spirits were drawn togOther, stood by
each other, and had formed friend
ships that outlived the occasion.
Common necessity and social in
stincts united them at first,
and knit them together in ties that
we're not dissolved when the storm was
over and the sun shone out. The
society had been perpetuated, and its
members were linked together by as
soclations that would always be de-
lightful to remember. The banner
was presented as a reminder of the
past and beacon of hope and unity
for the future.
These sentiments, much better ex-
pressed than here, were heartily ap-
plauded, and there was a call for some
one to reply. But it was like calling
spirits from the vastly deep; none felt
able to do the subject justice, none
answered. Finally the Chief Cookonian
arose; there was an unemp
tied glass between his thumb
and forefnger and a slight
tremOr in his voice. Those nearest
him declared there was tear in his
eye. He said: Young ladies'. This
is unexpected, and far as / am con-
eerned, undeserved. You will never
know how my heart is touched, but
that flag touches it to the core. 1t
calls up cherished memories, bright
anticipatiOns of next Sunday, and
strengthens truest friendships. Every
thing else dear to the Macaronian
heart shall go down before that flag.
We will bear it aloft, we will follow
it to every post, we will handle it
tenderly and never furl it except In a
rain, and when the American eagle is
driven from his last msuntGin orag it
shall find a resting place on this
flag staff and repose beneath
the folds of this red, white
and green banner" Here the speaker
stopped to sip his claret, and the un-
controlled applause broke out In such
storm that he took his seat in hurry a
and blusked like a girl. 1t was i'm
possible to get him started again. An
hour later the happy party broke up.
The GAG will proudly float tomorrow
from the flagstaff Of the Rene Ma
cready, on her last Mac9roniap trip
for the season, '''-"' - y" I" ''