The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-05-31

of purpose among men. through the flag
all nations have implanted devotional
spirit of loyalty or fealty to their creeds,
institutions and governments, deep in the
hearts Of their youth.
Surrounded today by those who have
lived when our flag fioated only over thirty
three states and forty millions of people
and witnessed the most determined efforts
to disrupt and tear asunder the union, and
trail our emblem in the dust, we can draw
inspiration from the story of the heroes
here assem- bled, and when we contemplate
the great achievements OF our people since
the war closed, we but truly measure the
greatness of their services and all that this
flag represents. Fifteen millions and more
of people including the new generation
have become part OF Us, since their serv-
ices were required to maintain the life of
the nation, and those who have no personal
knowledge of the civil war, owe
debt of gratitude 10 the men
who faced death on hundred battle
tilds, which they can never fully pay.
But few more years and the last of this
mighty host of warriors shall lay down
their arms, and no bugle call shall disturb
their SAUNDERS. until the God of peace on
celestial fields shall bid them arise and join
the angelic hosts Then the children
assembled here today living under a re-
united country OF 200 millions of people
and fifty stars emblaZOned on the field of
blue, shall sacredly keep alive the fires of
patriotism. the deeds of valOr, and sacri-
fees of their ancestors, who have Joined
the great army whose ceaseless tramp be-
gan in the Garden of Eden, delayed not at
Appomattox and will continue until time
shall be no more.
In behalf of the school board, in behalf
of our teachers, in behalfOf our bright and
happy children. and in behalf of future
I heroes Of C,or
field Post of the Grand Army OF the Re
public for these flags How appropriate
that the men who grasped the sacred en-
sign OF a free government waving it in the
face of treason. offering their lives in its
defense, should now transmit that flag to
our children 10 adOrn the school room.
May the soldiers of the union live with
Riches and honor in his right hand
length of days in his left, and his ways be
the ways of pleasure and all his path be
peace"
Prof. Young led the children in singing
Columbia, Gem of the Ocean," and while
it was intended to allow the children to
render the music it was noticed that many
others joined in the singing.
DR.. Stevenson in accepting the flags in
behalf of the children said
In behalf of the teachers and pupils of
the public schools | accept this splendid
gift Of the Grand Army of the Republic
with profound gratitude.
Brave and noble veterans! These flags
will ever be reminders TO teachers and
children of your patriotism, yalor and
heroic deeds. They will tell in silent eIo-
9 tlT7 to them and those who follow them
The Story Of Liberty" As years roll
away reverence, admiration and affection
for these flags and the patriotism and
herOism they represent will grow in the
hearts and minds of all future genera
lions.
Take these flags, children, diligently
study them, bravely defend them and
sacredly preserve them, for when the war
fare of the last veteran of the Grand Army
of the Republic is over, they will be most
precious and above all things else loved
and cherished. Take them, and ever honor
the old soldiers whose patriotism inspired
this magnificent gift"
AT the close of his speech DR.. Stevenson
called for one pupil from each school room
to come forward and accept flag and bear
it to the superintendent office in the
block. AS soon as this work had
been completed Comrade Lewis announced
as evidence of the civilization of the nine
tenth century the photographer was pres
ent and wanted an opportunity to get a
couple of views of the immense crowd
The announcement was received with
cheers, and the flags were elevated and
within a moment Rogers, the pho
tographer, had secured the negatives and
waved thanks for the accommodation. He
was located on a building just back of the
stand and had an opportunity for clever
views.
Rally Round the Flag closed the exer-
cises and the children formed in
parade and marched to the Sedgwick
block, where the flags were deposited for
safe keeping and where they will remain
until the beginning of the next school
year, when they will be placed in the va
riOuS school rooms.