Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-07-28
Tho South and "Old Glory e"

The strike has had at least two
good effects. 1t has forced from
the northern press an unreserved
acknowledgment of the south's 10y
atty to the Union and from republi-
cans everywhere ungrudging tribute
to the democratic administrations
fidelity to our institutions and to its
ability to protect them.
The republican press is still sing
ing the praises of Senator Gordon's
speech. in which he so truthfullv
said:
The day is not distant. it is upon
us now, and / stand here not as a
southern man, but as an American
citizen. to proclaim, and l would
that my voice could ring through the
heart and conscience of every law
breaker on this continent. that the
men who wore the gray from 1861 to
1865 and confronted the stars and
stripes in battle under great convic-
tions will be found side by side with
the men who wore the other uniform,
following that same flag in uphold
ing the dignity of the republic over
which it floats and of every law upon
the statute books"
And even more generally and
warmly are they lauding the manner
in which president Cleveland holds
up the stars and stripes" Indeed.
the very journals which few
months ago were bitterest in de-
nouncing the president as an enemy
of the flag because he had ordered it
down from the government building
ut Honolulu are today loudest in
their proclamations Of his LOYALTY to
the national ensign.
This is rs it should be. and as it
ever must be as long as the hearts of
our people are true to the principles
which have given them the greatest
OF free governments and as long
rs their chosen representative
in the administration of that govern
mcnt are faithful to their trusts. 1t
only needs note of peril to the COM
mon good to call like trumpet
every worthy citizen of this country
from craftsmanship to patriotism. At
such times we are neither democrats
nor republicans, but, first and last.
Americans, responsive to one inspir-
alton. devoted to one purpose, glory
ing in one flag.
What pessimist is there among us,
skeptical as he may be, who can
doubt. in view Of the experiences of
the past two weeks, that the millions
who make up the conglomerate pop
ulation of the United States are at
heart one people, loyal to democra-
cy, sensitive to every assault upon
it, and quick. powerful and irresisti-
BILE in its defense and vindication?
For the time being men of both
political parties understand one an
other better. respect one another
more. honor one another in honoring
their common flag. But u little
while ago we were all calling one an
other ugly names, arrogating to our
party all the good and dumping
upon the other party all the bad.
But little while to come. and in the
midst of a national campaign, we
shall all doubtless be down in the
mire again flinging it passionately ut
one another, and forgetful of every
thing except that there are few Of
fees ut Washington to fill and that
we have worked up ourselves into
believing that there is only one par
ty with decency and honesty enough
in it to fill them. We shall not pick
ourselves out Of the mire again until
somebody agaiu threatens 'Old
Glory"
The pity OF it is that we cannot he
politicians without forgetting that
even in political battle each side
fights under the same flag.