The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-05-26
The Flag Problem.

Governor Flower. of New York, in
vetoing a bill to prohibit the display of
foreign flags on public buildings, has
again braved public criticism. 1t is
probable that this bill had its origin in
a prejudice which many good Ameri-
cant do not share, The mere act Of
extending courtesies to other lands on
particular days is harmless in itself,
and at times even c~ommendable. II
the president of France, for instance.
should honor this country with a visit,
it would be a churlish feeling which
would object to the flying Of the
French emblem alongside Old Glory
in recognition of a sister republic with
which our own nation has always bsen
upon friendly terms. This illustration
applies equally to England, Germany,
Ireland or any other friendly European,
Asian or South American power. To
enact into law a sweeping prohibition
which should initiate against the COM
mon amenities Of occasions like the
supposititious n in point would be
an extreme position fully as undesira-
BILE in its way as Is the present tend
ency In some quarters to abuse the
privilege and turn 1t into an accessory
Of partisan demagogism.
1t would be proper to insist under all
circumstances that no foreign flag shall
fly In an official relation from an Am
erican flagstaff without the compan-
ionship Of the Stars and Stripes. Our
own honored emblem ought. indeed,
to be first. with any other flags that
occasion might require to be displayed
occupying a subordinate place. Such
IL requirement would fulfill the necessi-
ties of symbolized patriotism and work
no indignity or give no real offence to
fair minded representatives Of foreign
nations. The spirit which at this
time is firm In demanding q larger REG
ognition Of the typifed principles of
Yankee citizenship is wise and whole
some In its general purpose, IL not In.
variably prudent in its occasional ex-
pressions. This is the land Of our alleg.
lance, and no other. The good citizen,
whether native or naturalized. will not
ptrsistently do that which could reason
ably be construed as a slight to the
United States government: If there be
those among us who would do this they
should be taught better to appreciate
the privileges they enjoy. and II not
amenable after due effort to patient
teaching aud wise advice, should be in.
formed that the hospitality which they
abuse is not q natural right but rather
a voluntary courtesy, subject to with
drawal when made the basis Of dis
loyalty.
But that would seem to be a good
place to draw the line. The sentiment
In behalf Of this reasonable reform
ought not to be itself abused through
narrowed distortions and embittersd
sectional, racial or religious antipath-
les, The trend Of public opinion ON
this subject Is in the right direction.
The citizenship Of America, native and
adopted, is growing yearly more in
telligent, loyal and patriotic. Dema-
Rogism. although rampant in spots. is
slowly becoming less effective with the
thinking masses, The men who make
demagogiSm their political stock In
trade are being found out. What is
known as the Independent voter. mean
ing thereby the voter who is governed
in his civic relations by intelligence,
principle and common sense. Is a grow
ing aud benefieent factor in the clari-
foation Of American politics.
This conscientious force is not to