The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-06-16
OF NATIONAL SENTIMENT.

One Of the most interesting and in
structive articles in the June Forum is
that OF Gen. Francis A. Walker. tracing
the development OF the national senti-
ment in the United States. There has
always been local sentiment hostile to
or jealous OF the power of the federal
government and influence II appeared
at the outset 10 combat the adoption of
the Constitution, and had in Jefferson
its leading champion. State rights or
State supremacy was its rallying cry.
lists. were the most conspicuous leaders
OF nationalism. Strange enough. when
Jefferson became President his first
great act. the making of the Louisiana
purchase, was the most ultra exercise
of the national authority. He so ad-
mitted, and from that time until his
death he had little to say about State
rights. All the great contentious be-
tween parties and sections have been
based upon the differences of opinion
concerning nationalism in the United
States. That was the underlying issue
OF the late war, when nationalism won
over State supremacy, as ii has in all
contentious over the question, whether
on the battlefield or in Congress. One
of the most protracted struggles be-
tween the two forces was over the
building of the national road. Long ago,
however. 1t has generally been conceded
that the federal government, that is,
the Nation, can improve rivers. and even
construct canals and railroads. In 1860
it Is probable that the Supreme' Court
Of the United States would have de-
clared that the federal government
could have control over railroads in
States, built under State charters and
running through one State into another.
Now that tribunal, regardless OF old
views and doctrines. inspired by the
broader sentiment of nationality, has
declared that while the powers OF the
government Of the United States are linn
over every foot of soil and every indi-
vldual within its boundaries.
More important than the recognition
OF the supremacy of the government Of
the United States is the growth OF the
national sentiment. While people are
attached to the State in which they
were born, the sentiment Of nationality
is growing broader and deeper as the
years pass. There was a time when
State flags were displayed. but so uni
versally has the flag Of the Nation come
into use that few would know State
flags if they should see them, and most
would regard their display as unneces-
sary. Perhaps the most marked indi--
cation of the growth of the sentiment
of nationality is the fact that in many
cities last Friday was observed as the
anniversary of the adoption of the ma
tional flag by the Continental Congress.
Many anniversaries of June IA have
passed since the year 1177. That the
Continental Congress did ordain June
Ia. 1777, that 1.-The flag Of the thirteen
United States. be thirteen stripes. alter
nate red and white, and that the union
be thirteen stars. white in a blue field.
representing new constellation" is
matter of history. but that after SO
many years the fact has been recalled
and the anniversary celebrated in sew
eral cities is due to the growing spirit
of nationalism, which thousand or
ganizations are teaching and inspiring