The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-09-15
FLAG RAISING.

FLAG RAISING.
There h food Tor thought in the recently
reported nsg-hoisting incidents q Montreal
and Toronto. In the one case II Vas .
government buiIding-a custOm house
and in the other case . building in which
IN industrial exhibition was being held.
thst The American dag vas boosted to the
position Of highest honor. II vas bot
natural that tails should be exaspersting 70
Canadians who are loyal to the govern
msnt under which they are living. To
appreciate this, patriotic Americans have
but 70 consider what their feelings would
b II the performances were reversed on
this side Of the line.
II has not been infimated and IL not
probable that this thing was done BY
Americans. II It Wa done by Canadians,
and they meant thereby to manifest their
attachment 70 the United states or their
desire for annexation, IL was iil-cOnsidered.
II was calculated 70 embitter against this
country and against the idea Of annexa-
ton not only those who are intensely in
favor Of maintaining the connection with
the mother country, but also that
numerous class Who are indifferent or
slightly leaning toward annexation or
Independence.
But On the general principle that 1t Is
better for nations, no less than individuals.
to have friends rather than enemies, and
70 cuifivate amicabie rather than hostile
relations with their immediate nsighoors,
TIE incidents can receive no favor among
intelligent men In this country. Until
they are ready to tear down the British
and hoist the American nag in earnest and
for good. the better plan ID TO abstain from
such demonstration.
And there Is room and occasion for the
application Of this idea in the United
staisa For al who have identified them
selves With this country. and Who profess
attachment and devotion to it, institutions,
the ''stars and stTipes- should Be good
enough dag and the only one to march
under or display when engaged in public
demonstrations. when psrading or cele-
brating ~ citizens of the United States. II
q heart and in truth they recognize this -
their country. which has given them .
lasger liberty and . condition improved in
evsry respect. while these conditions con-
tinue they should recognize this country's
Gag Is their dag and their only flag.
But 80 far is this from being the case that
IN uniformed stranger. happening to be
present at many OF the demonstrations
that are common In our chief cities, would
b puzzled to determine what is the flag of
our country. It is fast becoming the case
that in American cities. and by those
claiming TO be American citizens, and at
tached to American institutions, celebra-
tons Of great events In our own national
history are less frequent than the celebra-
ton Of similar events in the history of for
eign countries, with the flags and insignia
of those countries the conspicuous features
Of such celebrations.
1t Is not necessary to be specific, but 1t is
notorious that in many instances these
celebrations-especially the attendant dis
play Of insignia-by one class of adopted
citizens are calculated land not infrequent-
ly designed) to outrage and incense another
class. Adopted citizens who are natives of
one country will celebrate an event which
involved the humiliation of another, many
of whose natives are also adopted citizens
of this country, who will respond by a
counter celebration; the devosees of one re-
iigion will celebrate an event which in q for
eign land. centuries ago. involved
the downfall or persecution Of another sect
having representatives among our people,
and flags aggrayatingly remindful of the
events will be Haunted through the streets
of American cities.
In many cases riots and bloodshed result;
in every instance animosit:es are engen-
dered or famed which have no rational
cause to exist between American citizens.
1t may not be practicable to forbid ceIebra.
ton Of the events-though that should be
discouraged-but 1t is practicable to forbid
on such occasions such display Of foreign
fags and insignia as is calculated 10 incite
breaches Of the peace or TO fomeht discord.
1t is not apparent that it would be too Sc
we're q restriction to prohibit the display of
any other than the American flag in
parades by American citizens through the
streets of American cities; or at least to re-
quire that on such occasions 1t be more
conspicuous than any other.