Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-09-17
The Flag of Our Country.

At his reception in ST. Johnsbury, Vt,
President Harrison made a speech on the
nag OF our country, which is worthy of be-
ing reproduced in every newspaper in the
land:
II gives me great pleasure to see that the
nag is everywhere. | journeyed across
this continent, and, except when darkness
shut in the landscape, | was scarcely out
OF sight of the American flag. On the
wide plains of the West-ouce called the
Great American Desert-now and again in
the abodes of adventurous settlers, the
flag appeared, and was waved in greeting
as our train sped on its way. rejoice TO
see 1t everywhere in the hands of the
school children In that great demonstra-
ton IN New York, in observance of the cen
tennial OF the Inauguration of Washing
ton, as | moved from the Battery up
through those streets dedicated to com
merce, and saw every front covered with
flags. hiding for the time those invitations
to trade which covered their walls. the
thought occurred to me, what Will be done
with these flags when this celebration is
over? And suggested at the centennial
banquet that the flags should be taken in
to our schOol-houses.
| rejoice to know that everyw here
throughout the land. in sll our patriotic
towns and villages, movements have been
inaugurated to display the American flag
over our Institutions of learning.
When Hood was investing Nashville, and
when that gallant, transformations, but al
ways faithful and victorious leader, Gen.
George II. Thomas, was gatherin. the
remnants OF an army. that he might con-
front his adversary in battle, ii was as
slU mad N ma 70 oh J..
beautiful grounds Of a suburban residence
of Nashville The proprietor was a Ten
nessee Unon'st.
While | was tearing up the sod of his
beautiful lawn, he was removing his libra
ry and other yaluables from his mansion,
as the house was within range of the rebel
fire, Happening into his library, while he
was thus engaged, he opened the closet be-
| low the bookshelf, and, taking out hand
some bunting flag. asked me if | had a
garrison flag told him NO" well.
he said, take this, sir. have never been
without the American hag in my house
| would be glad If that could be said of
every one Of our homes.
There is inspiration in it, Il has a story
wrought into its folds, until every thread
has some lesson SO tell of sacrifice and he
rol>m. 1t is to il and about it that We
must gather and hold the affections of our
people, if these institutions are TO be pre-
served
have il in my mind As saw it one
night in Newport harhoI Going out of
that harbor upon a government vessel about
midnight, when the heavens were dark
entd with clouds, | saw sight that Will
always live in nv memory.
The officers Of the torpedo station had
run mp the starry banner. and turned upon
it, as We moved ont of the harbor two
great electric search lights 1t revealed
the banner. while below II the staff and
buildings We're hidden in hlackntss 1t
seemed To be gloriiied as il had been out
of the hattlcments Of heaven, lifting its
iold~ N u" darkness OF night, as an en-
blCm OF the hopes OF free people.
lie: Us keep il thus in our hearts let it
always bc borne in oul marching process
sons. We have no place here for the red
: flag of anarchy.
our national emblem stand. for a free
! people who have voluntarily placed III, m
selves under the restraints of law. who
/ have consented that individual liberty shall
cease when it infrjnges upon the rights or
| property of another; this is our compact ;
| this is the liberty which We utter to those
! who cast in their lots with us, not liber-
/ " 70 destroy. but a liberty to conserve
! and perpctuate
| am most happy tp witnes in this pros
/ porous New England town so many cyi-
/ ucnce> that your people are intelligent, in
! du>triouS and enterpri>ing, and lovers of
/ home and order. You have here some
/ great manufacturing establishments.
whose name and products have spread
( throughout the world, You have here a