Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1890-06-07
LET Us HONOR, NOT DEBAsE OUR
FLAG.


Fervent devotion to the Star
Spangled Banner becomes a matter
of course with all loyal Americans
when war is on. But in the piping
times of peace love of country is apt
to wax cold and the flag to be regard
ed with no more emotion than the
primrose inspired in the breast ofthe
man of whom Wordsworth sang
A primrose by the river brim,
A yellow primrose was 10 him,
Aud it was nothing more.
Hence whatever in these tranquil
days tends to stimulate the patriotic
sentiment to quicken affection for
our flag, is deserving of the beartiest
encoura cement. OF late, it is graf
flying TO note, there has been mani.
fest a disposition on the part OF our
people to honor the flag rs it never
has been honored before IN time of
peace. A bill was passed at the
last session OF the Legislature an-
thorizing the purchase by the local
authorities OF the American colors
to the end that they may de flung to
the breeze above the public school
buildings. E;llly in the spring one
of the Grand Army Posts at the
Capital presented q beautiful flag to
the high school. and there have been
many similar presentations oflate in
various parts OF the State and the
country.
OF relative significance is the bill
which was lately reported to Con.
gress from the Judiciary Committee,
having for its object to prevent the
dissertation OF the National flag. 1t
provides that "any person who shall
use the National flag either by print
ing, painting or aflixing on said flag,
or otherwise attaching to the same
any advertisement for public display
or private gaia, shall be guilty Of a
misdemeanor, and on conviction
thereof in the District Court of the
United States shall be fined in any
sum not exceeding fifty dollars or
Imprisonment not less than thirty
days, or both at the discretion of the
court" Doubtless some people will
object to this measure, characteriz.
ing it as sentimental. But the MAORI
ty of Americans will heartily approve
of it. A people that allows its flag
to be used for Il display of advertise.
ments cOnniyes at its degradation
and does not deserve TO have q
country, General Dix's famous
"ShoOt HIM OH the spot =" order
looking to the preservation of the
honor of the flag did as much as any
thing in his long and illustrious ca.
reer to commend him to the regard
of his countrymen. Bot why place
so much stress OH the matter of
keeping the flag flying if it is not
something worthy of veDeration 7
And if it is something worthy of
veneratiOn then an advertisement
insults it. The person who would
advertise his wares on the flag of
our Union If opportunity offered
most likely would take one of his
handbills on an altar. There's a
place for everything. The best
place for an advertisement is a news.
paper.
1t is the plain duty of all public.
spirited Americans to do their best
to make tho rising generation feel
an enthusiasm for the flag, to inspire
in the hearts of the boys and girls
of to day so deep an affection and
admiration for it in all that it implies
that they shall grow up thorough.
going patriots, who, if need be, wilde
fend it with their lives. Let the re.
vival Of interest in the flag increase.
1t is good sign. 1t indicates that
this age of great material prosperity
here in America is still an ago when
the virtue of patriotism is in n Wig.
orous condition. Tribune.