The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-12-15

the United States can
give an intelligent de-
scription or make a fairly correct drawing OF
the United States flag. If this is true, and the
writer has repeatedly proved it for himself, it
will he granted ut once that the subject is not
only deserving of, but justly requires, large
attention.
Beyond doubt the flag should not only be in
every school room of the Republic but should
be made subject of study and instruction.
How many people know that the blue field
with the stars is the union" and that the
balance OF the flag is the fly? that there
are seven red and six white stripes that the
union occupies space perpendicularly cev-
erlng the seven upper stripes, and, horizon
tally. about one-tenth more? that the present,
although not much observed. arrangement OF
the stars is ia six horizontal lines-the upper
and lower lines having eight each aud the
other lines seven each? that the parade or
marching flag is nearly square, and for liberty
poles or elevated positions as much longer IN
proportion rs viii unfurl and float gracefully
In moderate breeze? and that the stars
should all point upward These are the things
that everyoae may see, but that very few peo-
pie dc see.
This is all superficial, easy to teach and learn
and remember, but not less proper and even
important 10 the most meager knowledge of the
flag.
Beyond aud above this is the meaning of it
ali and its history, which is the history of the
Republic. There is quite prevalent impress
sion that the present flag is the old flag" and
that the old flag is as old as the Union.
This mistaken conception is not so far wrong
as to be of Il seriously erroneous character, nor
is it so easy to correct might appear,
simply because the people of the United States
are busy people, and it takes time to get rub
lie attention TO any subject not thought to be
pressing.
q'bare have haen nunnrops and ou;tn nstn.
rial changes in the flag since the halfhistorical,
half-traditional flag OF Bunker Hill, with its
blue fy and white upper canton with red cross
and evcl green tree; aud note as briefly as pos
sibe the more marked changes to date.
Our naval flags of I775, 76, presented the de-
sign OF rattiesnake, either coiled in the center
or unda ating across the flag. Commodore
Hopkias's Gag of the earliest period was yell
low flag with the snake coiled, and the motto,
"Don't tread on me most appropriate de-
sign and motto for the time and the service.
later design was the IL alternate red and
white stripes, with the snake undulating
across them.
Our array flag unfurled little later by Gen.
Washington at Cambridge had the l3 stripes
with the union " OF the British flag of that
time which was the union crosses of ST.
George aud St. Andrew.
The flag Of 1777 had the same l3 stripes and
In place of the British union 13 stars set in
circle his IS the Oldest Stars ana STRIPES.
The flag of 1855 had - stripes and 10 stars
set in three horizontal lines of FIVE each.
In 1878 there were 13 stripes again and 20
stars set in the form of large star. except in
the Navy which, by order of the President
set their stars in four horizontal lines of five
each.
In 1917 there were in the navy FIVE lines OF
six each, and ROW, by order Of Secretary Tracy,
there are six lines, as noted.
Here are seven notable changes since Bunker
Hill and in the regular order of change and
progress. may look for other changes. aud.
indeed, it is with view 10 proposed change
that this article is written.
1t is the spirit of conservatism that says,
Let well enough alone 1t is the spirit OF
America and of all progress that says Moth
ing IS well enough that be made better"
II Is 10 this spirit of conservatism. this con-
seiously tender and patriotic sentiment that
clBgs to the precious things it has and fears
al change as possible loss that the writer
directly appeals.
II is not proposed to subtract the least touch
OF glory from Old Glory" hut rather TO re-
new the old glory that has been lost and. at
the same time, add newer glory, making it
dOubiY glorious.
II is proposed by the Psnsy Society of Amer
lea and most ftiiBgly, that the United States
shall adopt a National floral emblem in time
% make il feature Of our Worlds Columbian 1
Exposition.
TIE cbildrcn's candidate for this National
flower IS tie Pansy. with the motto Union, 4
culture and peace"
The argument for the pansy, and the motto. 4
have been repeatedly shown IN print.