Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-11-24
ABOUT THE FLAG.

A notable incident occurred a few
evenings ago in Salt Lake City, and one
that cannot fail to make a lasting impress
sion upon the Mormon people. 1t was
the public presentation of a stand of ma
tional colors, the Stars and Stripes, to a
local Liberal organization known as the
Marching Club, the presentation being
public and accompanied with appropri-
ate ceremonies. The significance of the
incident as to the Mormons is found in
the fact that this is the first time the flag
has been brought to their attention in a
civil way as the emblem of the authority
and supremacy of the government, there
as elsewhere throughout the domain.
Heretofore the sight of the flag to the
priesthood of Utah, especially while they
essayed to lord it over that part of crea-
ton, had the same effect as to faunt
red cloth in the face of a vicious bull,
but sborn of their assumed authority
would now be worse than vain, and they
will consult their own best in
terests by accepting the situation
and conforming their lives to the rules
of common decency and justice, and
in teaching their people, who are. in the
main, but blind, ignorant followers, the
same important and valuable lessons.
AS to the flag, it were well not only for
the Mormons but for all citizens of this
free republic to familiarize themselves
with its history and origin. A few points
may not be amiss In this connection.
The stars and stripes were first I'M
furled at Saratoga, upon the surrender
of Burgoyne.
The battle of Bunker Hill was fought
under an old flag bearing the motto,
Come if you dare" On June IA, 1777,
congress resolved "That the flag of the
United States be thirteen stars white, on
a blue field, representing new constel-
lation." Our banner had previously
been combination of the crosses of st.
Andrew and st. George, with thirteen
stripes alternate red and white The
idea of stars to constellation of states,
was taken from Lyra, which means
harmony. The blue was taken from the
edges of the coyenanters' banner of Scot
covenant OF the colonies against oppres-
sion. The stars in circle means the
of the union. The thirteen
stars and stripes denote the dependence
of the states upon the union and equal
itv among themselves; the red color is
signal of daring, the white of purity.
Thus our flag speaks an eloquent lam
guage.
On April 4, 1913, CONGRESS directed
that the flag should~aiways consist of
thirteen stripes in memory of the thir-
teen original states, and that it might
not become unwieldy as it would by ad-
ditions. Also that the nnion be twenty
white stars upon blue field, star to
be added upon the admission of each
new state, which would always show
the existing state of the union. At the |
close of the civil war the flag bore thirty !
stars. Congress enacted that the stars !
should always be added on the fourth of |
July succeeding the admission of state. |
so that the addition of four more on |
next fourth will add zeal and enthusiasm !
TO the celebration of our natal dsy. The |
of states all join in the wish |
that the star of Utah, where the emblem |
Of freedom has SO recently been I'M
furled with so much significance and |
effect. may soon be found worthy and |
fully qualified for place among the |
forty-two as the flag will appear after
the fourth of next July.