Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1895-01-10
Flags For The Public Schools.

The following letter from a Past
Department Commander voices the
sentiment Of the Grand Army men
as d unit. and We believe also Of a
great majority Of the people Of this
state. If there are few school
boards 30 out of accord with ii that q
compulsory law il necessary to bring
them intol line, such a law should be
enacted, with provision for its en-
forcement at once. Mr.. Welton's
letter Is submitted with special graft
itication:
MADISON, WIS, Jan. | 1895.
Dear Comrade Bcnnett:--I am in
receipt Of the TRIBUNE Of the 9th,
in which ! notice your editorial
I "Flag the Public Schools all sug-
gestions made ia the article are sound
and patriotic. aud worthy Of consid-
Grafton. II il to lfe hoped that every
loyal newspaper in the nation will
take this question up, and continue
its agitation until sold Glory'sn
bright colors adorn the inside Of
every school room continually, and
floats over every school house dur
inc school hours.
| look upon the question az some-
thing more than mere matter Of
sentiment II seems to me TO be n
practical and business like method
of providing Il means for the pro-
lection and promotion Of American
institution i'll the future by teaching
loyalty and love of country to the
rising generation and to our recently
adopted citizens, many of whom have
but little knowledge Or the real and
many blessings of "A free government.
The peculiar makeup of our people,
coming as they do from all nations,
ereeds, and religions, makes this ed
ucation IN patriotism serious and
important duty.
That there are many school boards
in che state which have, positively
refused 10 use any school funds to
procure flags for tire school houses,
IS Il fact 10 be deeply regretted
Many OF those now in use have been
purchased by subscription, usually
solicited by tile men who once offer
ed even thor lives for its protection.
While this method Is preferable to
being without the flag, il is not to
be relied upon,and gives permancy
or guarantee for the future. The
present law leaves it discretionary
with each school board rs towhether
or not flag shall be furnished the
school. That ii should BE- obligatory
would be in accordance with the
views of n great majority of tho loyal
people of our nation.
The n annual department encamp-
ment Of the Grand Army Of the Re-
public, held at Lacrosse, adopted a
resolution recommending an amend
ment 20 the statue making the law
obligatory The proposed ameD3-
nent Was introduced into the legis-
lature then IN session by Comrade
WOodnorth, hut at too late date for
action before adjournment. hope
that \ similar amendment may he
introduced at the coming session,
and IL ii Is il seems to me that it
should pass without II dissenting vote,
and this believe Is about the way
il strikes the old fellows who gave SO
much to- keep the whole number Of
stars in place, and who ever see in
the brightest color of the flag the
blood of many brave snd noble
comrade
Il is sincerely to he hoped that
every loyal citizen Of Wisconsin will
join IN this move, and that every eN-
soldier wli earn still deeper graf
itude of the people and this and FL
ture generations by devoting his few
remaining years ta convincing the
future American citizen that "Old
GLORY il not only artistically the
most beautiful flag that floats over
any nation, but that II represents the
freest and grandest Of all the nations
Of the earth.
Hoping NoI viii continue the good
work begun and wishing you "A
happy New Year, | remain,
Fraternally yours,
II ~