Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1890-04-25

II
citize ms of Rock Island, DR.. ]. w Stew
art, standing on the terrace before the
pupils, presented the flag to the school.
Principal Bishop received it with some
happy remarks after which vote of
thanks from teachers and pupils was ten
dere6 to the donors. The schools sang
America" Star Spangled Banner" and
Flag of the Free" while the flag was
being raised from the staff on the top of
the building. As it swung off to the
breeze. three hearty cheers were given by
all present.
ATNO. 6.
The exercises at building No. were
well attended and were very entertaining,
and opened with the singing of Amer.
lea" by the pupils. The flag was presented
by Robert Bennett, who said:
The citizens of this district have in,
trusted to me the pleasant duty of pre-
senti1g to this school building the flag of
our country. Some of you may inquire,
what has this school to do with a fag5
OF what use can it be?' In answer l will
say that our public schools are part Of
the political Institutions of our nation,
and are justly entitled to the flag as much
so as any department of our government,
and 10 my opinion it is prominently the
first in Importance TO the welfare. peace
and happines of our people. A republic
is government of the people. by and
for the people" and its founders were
wise in providing for our public school
isystem so as TO give the nation virtu-
Gus and educated citizen, capable of pre-
serving and perpetuating the same. Our
schools are established BY law, controlled
by law, and maintained by tax on prop.
Ierty, and every child of pros
per age may receive an education.
Every child also has the right To
attend our schools and prepare himself
for the duties of citizenship, TO aid him in
the battle of life. whether mechan-
icsl, mercantile or professional. 1t is the
duty of the state to compel all children of
sound mind to receive primary educs-
ton for his own and society's sake.
The flag. There is vast difference in
the principles of government of which
varions flags represent. Some people are
L
the few to rnle, and the great mass of the
people must obey. Under such gov
eminent education is not of such impor.
lance. 10 republic the people are SOW
erign and should receive the highest edu-
cation. 1t is well that We compare the
priv leges and blessings that we enjoy in
our country with those of monarchial in
slitutions, with illustrations. Our flag
means to us that we can worship God &C
cording to our conscience, gives US
free schools for all our children,
| free speech free press and free libraries.
SO that when you are through with
school and still DESTROYS of more learning
you can go to the library and obtain
books that will assist you In the problems
of life. Our public schools are the foun>
tains of learning. and every child receiv>
ing a common education will be capable
of cherishing and perpetusting the bless
ings of good government. Our flags mean
all Of this and much more. As you read
and investigate the history of our coun-
try you will learn to love and venerste
this starry emblem. Miss Kirkpatrick,
this flag is typical of that which is good
and noble; it is the emblem of authority
and liberty; the cost of human life and
money TO maintain the same am unable
: to state. | now place it in your keeping
May its presence be blessing to you and
those in your charge.
Miss Kirkpatrick received the banner
gracefully and acknowledged the teach
ers' and the pupils appreciation of it il
a very fitting manner. Short addresses
|, followed by Rev. ]. H. Kerr. of the Cen
trail Presbyterian church. Mayor McCon'
ochie, MIR. WIN. Jackson, Postmaster
Howard Wells, Mr.. w. A. Guthrie ant
Director Carter, of the board of educa
ton, all of whom paid Miss Kirkpstri
deserved tributes for her efficiency. The
pupils Joined in the singing OF ''Colum
bis, " and as the flag was raised the chill
dren cheered it Justify. while the motto
on The Rock Island s. Milan road sent VI
chr eks of JOY.
NOT.
The exercises at No. z were opened i
the school yard by the pupils singing
"My Country Ills of Thee" The fla
presentation to Miss Wilson, the princi
pal, was made by s. w. McMaster. VIII
said:
The pleasant duty of presenting to 20
as principal of the Seventh ward schot
this beautiful American flag. devolvt
upon me. The means for the purchai
of the flag has been contributed by
nu nber of our patriotic citizens, mainl
through the exertions of my publ
spi rited neighbor. Mr.. John Reimers, ,
well as for every other public scho'
building in our city. This flag is left
Nh, care and CHARGE of rnurself and sue