The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-10-06
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.

eoN
70 the Editor OF the Indianapolis Journals
The other day l noticed in the window OF {.
Democratic newspaper Office the American flag.
and written under 1t a notice to the effect that
the assertion that the American flag is the en-
blsm Of the Republican party is SANDER on
the American people. As 1 stood looking at the
notice and thinking Of the change which has sv-
identity come over the Democracy, Uncle James
came along and stopped, with the remark:
81 am glad the Lafayette Journal has taken
the oath Of allegiance and hung out the nag;
although" said he, Il don't quite agree with the
assertion that the American flag is the emblem OF
any party. think 1t should be the emblem OF
all political parties.
Don't you remember in 81 how We carried
the old flag across the Potomac at Long
Bridge, up the heights Of Arlington. past
the forts, ont through shady lanes and across the
green fields OF old virginia. How the enemys
skirmishsrs fed az our approach; the very sight
OF the ola flag seemed to cause those Southrons
to fee before Us.
"Whsn We camped that night on the glorious
hills of old Virginia and filed our canteens az
the hmpid spring in the meadow, our hearts
were filled with high hopes for the morrow and
with pity for our schoolmatss who were too ten
der-hearted to enlist How we envieG the
colonel his mustache, and hoped the war would
last sll ours grew to equal length with his. How
gayly We went in next morning, declaring the
old flag should be the emblem of all Americans.
How before that fatal day was over the old flag
was dragged in the dust How our regiment
that marched to the front q thousand strong
came ont-well. every boy who got back 10
Washington declared he was the only one left.
The men who won the field that fatal day
were Americans. The men who won the field
that fatal day did not fight under the glorious
folds of the American flag. After that ignoble
flight. We met them 10 many a bloody fight, in
shady lane, or cypress swamp. or mountain-side.
We carried the stripes and stars. They fought
uuder the stars and bars. They were Americans.
We were Americans.
"Peace, blessed peace, came at last. We all
marched homo, the old flag floating above Us.
But not all We buried the bravest. and truest.
by bush, and brake, and cotton-feld. We have
ever since cherished the flag along with the
memories of those dark, bloody, glorious days.
We have allowed no stranger to take charge OF
the emblem OF the government We fought for
and the government We love.
when we hold q political meeting, we con-
slider that politics meaos government. and gov
eminent to rs means o free American govern
ment, and the emblem OF that government is
the glorious ole American flag. Any party that
IS not good enough TO carry the flag as Its en-
blem is not good enough for US.
Our government Il now temporarily Ia the
hands OF the men who carried and fought for the
etafo anu UaIS. uctueO Dy y man VINO was TOO
cowardly TO swing a saber for and in defense of
the cause We loved. and too base TO eight for the
old flag. But beware" said Uncle Jim to tho
editor, who came out to protest against exhibit
ing a bloody garment so near the postoffice-
"bewsre how you touch that old flag. We have
allowed You TO approach, even TO take charge, of
the house OF our common father. We have
killed the fatted calf aud you have filled your
bellies from the good thing on our fathers
table; but from your actions, from your looks,
f.0Dr h 1901 H. G1. - eli 4-1
is beginning 20 pervade the higher courts, wecon-
clude you are notyet At to touch the fiae-no, yet
Mt To handle and arrange the sacred folds After
November you must 90 purge yourselves. Wash
and be clean. Throw away tina cloak Of treason.
Put away all the other garments OF secession.
Take q thorough bath IN Salt river. Get rid en-.
tirely Of the idea that the old flag 10 not good
enough for the Democratic party. and after
that. perhaps, you will be permitted to approach
the house of our common father. TO eat st his
table. and 70 handle the sacred emblems OF
state.' KIMoN.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. Oct 5.