Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-05-07
The National Flower.

To the Editor Of The Evening Star:
Among the standing committees announced
by Mrs. Potter Palmer. president of the board
of lady managers of the worlds fair. Is that on
national flower" 1t is understood that vote
Is to be taken during the progress of the fair
to determine the choice of the people for a
national representative flower
There has been considerable discussion of the
subject in some of the states and the vote of
the children of the public schools and certain
associations taken Tor the selection of state
representative, but in 10 instance has the SUBJ
ject reached the dignity of popular canvass,
Let the choice of the states be what thev may,
a national one is of far greater i'm Importance
than will appear on first thought, as the favor
prominence in the future decoration
of our public buildings and be employed
largely in decorative design. Any flower that
cannot be SO employed in the delineation of
art that it may readily be recognized by all
would serve to little purpose as national
representative. First, however, let us inquire
how decision OF the question is TO
be reached that will prove satisfactory
to the whole country. What restrictions
are to be made in regard to elisi-
determined only by those citizens of the coun-
try who visit the fair. or will the sentiment OF
nation be voiced by the formation of local as
sociations, each taking the name of their fav-
orite, as the daisy, clover. rose, lily, national
flower association of - town, county.
- state, empowered to register every eliei-
BILE applicant who is not a member of
any other like association and forward
the same, certified by the officers of their re-
spectlve societies to the committee at Chicago,
under such regulations and at such date as shall
be promulgated by said committee? vote
taken as suggested would go far toward econo-
MIXING the labors of the committee in deter
mining the total return. Another question OF
Importance should be promptly decided-the
limit Of age. Ii the children are to have
voice-and We believe they should-let the
limit be fixed, say, at twelve or sweet sixteen.
For the purpose of a widely extended and sue
cessful canvass 1t would seem important that
definite rules should be published at an early
day" E,,, .,., ,o,, -, ,,
lovers artists, architects, poets and patriots,
shall represent this great nation its national
flower? 1t remains for you to decide. But
in time OF peace you should prepare the soil
for the generous growth of your favorite. Or
ganize your Daisy Chains or kindred societies
at once in every city. town, village and ham,
let. These organizations, aside from the main
purp0se-the choice Of national Aower-will
add life aud spice to the social pleasures OF the
coming summer season. Remember, above all,
this question of the choice of a national flower
the pride of citizenship, fo- art,
love Of the beautiful and purity Of sentiment,
and the flower chosen to rank with our flag
eagle to form the great triumvir en-
blematic Of natlonality should possess charac-
teristlcs that will entitle it to distinguished
consideration both at homo and abroad. Its
form or outline should be such that il will be
recognised at glance IN the delineations of
art, yet differing as widely as possible from the
chosen Representatives of other nations. and OF
. type that will convey the largest expression
Of the national history aud sentiment Of our
believes country. r. c. D.