The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-09-16

This banner which floats 50 proudly over this
country from Maine to Texas. and from the Allan
tic TO the Pacific. and which we all so eheerfully
and cordially recognize as the flag of our country,
has been properly named the "Slar-spangled Ban
ner" by Francis Scott Key. whose name is ever dear
to the people OF his country. Inspired as he was
whilst imprisoned on the British ship Oh Fort Nc
Henry, which he had visited under flag OF truce,
and being detained there as prisoner for q hours,
he watched the onslaught upon Maryland's breast
works, and amidst the smoke aud din of battle did
he anxiously await the dawn of day TO il the
flag we all reverence still hoated from the ramparts
of the old fort (MeHenry) And by the dawn's ear
ly light" as he proclaims, he penned the lines
which have been adopted as the nations song.
Hence say, we are here not only as Marylanders
To celebrate Maryland Day. but we are here to do
honor to that fsg, THE flag of our country
And know of no better way in which can de
scribe our reverence for this flag than by quoting
the remarks of a distinguished Maryland officer OF
the American navy: THAT flag, conceived in vir-
tuous love born amidst adversely and trials Graded
in the breasts of determined patriots, and injured
through the struggles and din of battles has van
pushed ever foe. And now in triumph II grace
fully hoated upon the breezes from heaven, en-
blematic of the might majesty and honor of our
native land. From the cradle TO the grave there
exists not loyal American citizen. be he such by
adoption or BIRTH who does not gaze with holy rev.
erence upon that beautiful emblem OF liberty and
freedom, aud in his heart thank God that he be-
came or was born American. Whenever and
from whercsoever under the broad canopy of
heaven the cries of distress through pestilence or
famine have reached our hospimble shores. that
flag has invariably led the van, fastening with re-
lief and aid 10 suffering humanity. Well may we
look with unqualified pride upon that starry BAN
ner The flag which through the early struggles
for national independence; through the later
issues of lsl2-l4 and the Mexican and other con-
ficts was borne successfully through the perils of
war. and now rests firmly implanted upon the ram
parts of constitutional liberty, and commands re-
spect from every land and in every navigabie pOr-
ton of the globe"
The reverence and regard for this flag by the poo
pie of Maryland has inspired them TO annually eel
citrate by appropriate ceremonies the period during
which the "star-spangled Banner" penned !;
and being upon the soil of sister state aud Ia the
presence of our foreign brothers, ask that we may
be pardoned for following custom by the recta-
ton Of the nations song which is so dear TO the
hearts of all American citizens
l, therefore, have the pleasure of introducing to
you one of Ma yiand's women-a brilliant aspirant
for histrionic fame. who has kindly consent ted TO
serve the commission and the people other state on
this occasion-Miss Martha Ford.
The novel feature of the exercises was the recita
ton by Miss Martha Ford daughter of John T. Ford
the Ncslor Of Baltimores the atical managers
Her effort was triumph She felt deeply, If one
could judge from her pretty bushes the high com
plmcnt paid her by the hundreds who rose to their
feet and cheerred Justify the last words of the
IMMORTAL ''Star->panged Banner" fell from her
lips. As she turned toward her scat both the Cardi
nal and Governor Brown grasped her hands and
shook them warmly.