The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1890-06-28
MAGEIFYIEG THE FLAG,

Fervcnt devotion to the Star
Span2Ied Banner becomes matter
ol course with all loyal Americans
when war is on. But in the piping
times Of .sace love Of country is apt
to wax cold and the flag to be re-
garded with no more emotion than
the primrose inspired in the breast
Of the man OF whom Wordsworth
sang
J primrose ny the river brim,
A yellow primrose was to him,
Md i. Was nothing more.
Hence whatever in these tranquil
days tends % stimulate the patriotic
sentiment. to quicken affection for
tire flag, is deserving of the heartiest
encouragement. OF late, it is graft
tying to note, there has been mani
fest q disp1sition on the part OF our
people to tSnor the flag as it never
has been h0norcd before in time of
peace. a bill was passed at the last
session Of the last Legislature author
izing the purchase by the local au-
thorilies of the American colors to
the end hat they may be flung to
The brosze above the public school
buildings. Early in the spring one
Of the Grand Army poets at the cap
ital presented beautiful flag to the
high school, and there nave been
many similar presentations Of late in
the State and the country.
OF related significance is the bill
which was lately reported to Con-
gress from The Judiciary Committee.
having for its object to prevent the
de5ecration Of the national flag. 1t
provides that any person who shall
use the national flag either by print
ing, painting or affiXiug on said flag.
or otherwise attaching to the same
any advertisement for public display
or private gain, shall be guilty of
misdcmcanor, and, on conviction
thereof in the District Court of the
United States, shall be fined in any
sum not exceeding $50, or imprison-
mcut not less than thirty days, or
both at the discretion of the Court"
Doubtless some people viii object to
this measure, characterizing it senti-
mental But the majority of Ameri-
cans will heartily approve of it. A
people that allows its flag to be used
lor . display Of advertisements con-
nives at its degradation and does not
deserve to have country. General
Dix's famous Shoot him on the
spot order looking to the preserva-
-ton Of the honor Of the flag did as
mitch as anything in his long and il
'uslrio1s Career to commend him to
the REQ rd Of his countrymen. But
whv place so much stress on the mat
ter o. keeping the flag flying if it is
not something worthy of veneration?
And il tits something worthy of ven
er3uon tnen advertisement insults it.
The person who would advertise his
wares on th- flag OF our Union, If
opportunity offered, most likely
would tack one OF his handbllls on
au altar. There's a place for every
thing. The best place for an adver-
fisement is d newspaper.
I. IS the plain duty of all public.
spirited Americans TO do their best
il make the 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 admi-
ration for it in all that it i'm
plies, that they shall grow up
thorough going patriots, who, if
needs ye, will define it with their
lives. Let the revival of interest in
5le flag increase. 1t is good sign.
Il indicates that this age of great
material prosperity here il America
/, still an age when the virtue Of
patriotism is in vigorous condition.
--Ac51 York Ni6Hne, Nay 20.