Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-04-09

This brings me to "a thought which Is
pertinent TO the occasion, aud IN iine
with the sentiments OF the hour, and 10
which I desire 10 call the special atten-
tiun Of the teachers and parents OF 'he
scholars, subject OF patr'ot's'n'
LOYALTY 10 country, and military instrue-
ton. as special studies and exercises ID
our public schools.
In these latter days, when transport
alton across the ocean Is 80 abundant
and 40 cheap, the nations of other LANDS
are pouring into our country great
herds of foreigners; very many OF them
ignorant OF our language, OF our laws
and customs. and so bigotcd and imbued
with their own nationality and haoits
that IL Is a difficult matter for the state
10 make of them good citizens. You OF
the small country towns do not see OF
know so much OF this difficulty as we
experience In the large cities and manu-
featuring districts.
IL Ia really n serious matter, menace
TO our republic, and the burning ques-
tiop of the hour IL, to know how to ANAL
gsma,e this great mase Of bigotry and
IGNORANCE into our body polite, and
make OF Il an enlightened citizenship, u
safe aud useful people in any commu-
njty. In the early days OF the republic
our rulers and statesmen did not have
this problem TO solve, but since the
late civil war, IL has come TO be mat
ter Of momentous Importance.
Pardon me for saying that there are
no class Of people In our land, who real
ize the i'm portance OF this question. al
the present day, more than the organiza-
tion 10 which | have the honor TO be-
long and which here represent--a body
of 100. 600 citizens and voters, who know
by wears OF toll and privation, aud
danger, and the greatest sacrifices OF
mankind, the value Of our country, our
government and our national institu-
tions. -,
The Grand Army of the Republic has
long observed the threatening danger,
and in its supreme conventions, ana WIN
It's ablest minds and talent, has taken
means to avert It, that have been CON-
mended and adopted by the powers ana
authorities of our land, so that to-day,
in our large cities and towns more espe,
cialiy, has the teaching of patriotism and
military drill and tactics, been intro
duced with the most favorable results
into the curriculum Of very many OF our
public schools not only OF the higher
grades, but In the elementary and inter-
mediate classes; by this means instiiling
into the Young minds of the scholars,
many of them foreign born, and many
more of foreign parentage, ideas anu
lessons of patriotism and loyalty 10 our
country and its institutions that VIII
not only make good citizens OF the
scholars, but spread wholesome ieaven
of good citizenship among their parents
and families.
To this kind of work the Grand Army
are now largely devOting themselves
and we deem it AS important, that even
our native-born children OF American
parentage, should also be so taught and
instructed, even 10 these far-back coun-
trv towns and districts; for the reason
that iu later years their good influence
NAV be felt, and their original and ac-
auired spirit Of love and devotion to
country and, flag be made efiective 10
example and precept, among those les,
favored with schools and educational
privileges.
Time will not permit me to here advise
Won of all the methods employed u
bring about the desired results on this
question, but am glad to be able 70
inform YOU that as result of this work
not only does our flag float over aimos'
every public school and college In tht
land. but by such ceremonies and exer'
cises AS you witness here to-day are al
the scholars, even to the youngest
taught 10 understand the Significance
and importance Of the sentiment and the
principles which the flag represents.
IL is hoped that erery school, no matte'
how small, how humble, or now remo''
In the country, will have and display ou'
national ensign, and the schoiars Dr.
taught, not only how to respect II, ou
to raise 1t, and salute It, and, II need De
TO defend it, on all occasions.
In most of our city schools, reguia'
"color guards" are detailed from tn'
classes TO raise and lower the flag eacf
day. and the boys, aud girls as well, ar
nroud of the assignment to this duty
The salute to the flag Is also included II
the daily exercise. quote from New
York paper, the Brooklyn Eagle. o
BROOKLYN; and this Is only an example
of the many: '.In Grammar School NO
*. a thousand children rise each day U
salute the American flag. pledglng 20
sether their allegiance to the republic
one and indivisible. With liberty an'
Justice to all, snd then unite 10 singing
lsMy Country, 'tis OF thee. IL was oo
,, served as touching and instructive cere
, mouy, valuable to all who participaIe'
,, in II. and one that would be OF gres,
,. beneft to our city, state and nation,
introduced In ell our schools"