Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-04-07
THE GREEN FLAG BoGEY.

grave manner IN which a number OF
leading American dailies, edited by
learned, talented and, as a general
proposition, sensible men, have been
discussing Mayor Hewitt of New
York and the Green Flag episode
which has given that Anticipated
character some additional aotoriety.
1t is not necessary for American
editors to tell the Irish and their de-
scendants settled in the United
States that this is America We
are perfectly conscious of that fact,
and are devoutly thankful that it is
a fact. If the Irish in this country
had the power to substitute the
Green Flag for the Stars and Stripes
they would not do it. They want
the Green Flag to wave as free
symbol in Ireland, aud if they love
to see it float beside the American
flag, in New York or elsewhere, it is
from a feeling of affection and not
from a motive of disloyalty. The
Citizen does not know who establish.
ed the New York custom of flying
the Green Flag on the City Hall, in
company with the National, State,
and municipal flags, ON st. Patrick's
Day, but, no doubt, it originated
from desire on the part of liberal
Americans to compliment a nation
ahty whose love for and devotion to
the Stars and Stripes have never
been questioned. 1t has not been
the custom in any other city, and the
Irish-Americans of Chicago, St.
Louis, Boston, Philadelphia, and
other large cities, have never trou-
bled their heads about it, nor do
they intend to. The Irish, in spite
of their emotional nature, are, in a
m ass, a steady and sensible people.
They are growing more so day by
day, and they are perfectly well
aware that it is not the real Ameri.
cans, except in few instances, who
dislike them in this country, but the
sham Americans. If we trace Know
nothingism to its source we will find
that it is either of British or Irish
Orange (which amounts to the same
thing growth. 1t is an unreason-
ing hatred of the Irish, not so much
because they are Irish as that ma
jority of them profess the old
faith. Not all the British-Americans
are bigots either, but there is suf-
ficient leaven of them in the coun.
try to arouse the devil OF race and
religious bigotry IN seasons of politi-
cal excitement. American common
sense generally relegates Knownoth-
ingism to the background. 1t will
relegate Mayor Hewitt, who is a
genuine Knownothing crank, and
who is also a toady to British $50.
ciety" and sentiment, to the back
ground also.
Mayor Hewitt's conduct will have
at least, one good effect. 1t will
teach the Irish Democracy of New
York a lesson, badly needed, in poll
tical liberality. 1t will show them
that the label democrat I" very
frequently hides the black heart OF
an insulting bigot, and that the des.
ignation Republican" does not
necessarily mean an enemy of the
Irish.American element. No Repub-
lican mayor, specially invited, re-
fused to review parade, or at
tend banquet, on st. Patrick's an
niversary, and no Democratic may
or, whatever he may have lnwardly
felt, wrote himself down an idiot
and a malignant, as the present
Democratic mayor of New York did
OH that day. True, he attended a
dinner of the Knights of st. Patrick
on st. Patrick's night, but he did it
more out of bravado than from any
worthy motive, and his speech,
which was all through acovert sheer
at Irish American patriotism, added
insult to injury. If the Irish.Ameri-
cans of New York ever forgive
Hewitt they should never again COM
plain if the envenomed creature
should kick them as well as walk
over them. They ought, in any
case, teach the Democratic party in
New York a lesson in ciyility, and
We have no doubt they will next
Fall, especially if the Republicans
are wise enough to nominate a GER
tain gentleman tor the presidency.
Hewitt has undoubtedly raised a
storm that will not speedily subside,
and it is a healthy sign OF the times
to find such ultra Democratic papers
as the Irish american scoring Abe
the Little in most vigorous fashion.
By the way, we can recall no
great American objection-except
on the Rebel side-to the Green
Flag of Ireland during the Civil
War. No colors blend so beautiful
ly with the radiant Stars and Stripes
as Ireland's Green and Gold.