The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-05-09
sEvENTY-sTX FLAGS.


DEAR TRIBUNE: Mention has been made OF
the presentation of flags to Saginaw schools by
Penoyer Corps and Colonel and Mrs. Bliss.
The presentation to the East Side schools,
under the auspices of Gordon Granger Corps,
took place at Masonic Temple. About 800
children occupied front seats, and long before
the hour for the opening exercises there was
not standing room to be had.
After an invocation and singing of the "Star
Spangled Banner" by the children. the flags
20 in number, were presented by Commander
M. Z. Keller, of Gordon Granger Post; re-
sponses by Superintendent Whitney and men,
bers of the Board of Education.
Comrade Keller explained that the object in
view was to perpetuate spirit of patriotism.
Superintendent Whitney, on behalf of School
Board, teachers, and pupils, accepted the gifts
and said they would do all in their power to
cultivate q deeper feeling of reverence for the
flag Of q united country.
The children then sang 1.-THE Schoolhouse
That Stands by the Flag" after which Rev. j.
B. Whitford evoked great enthusiasm when he
said that it was plain to be seen that the Star
Spangled Banner was yet q potent influence
in this country. 1t was gratifying to see the
movement which was spreading all over this
country which had for its object the placing of
flags upon every schoolhouse and in every
room, and the reviving of the spirit of patri-
otism among old and young alike. He referred
to the Napoleon craze. which he said was the
most reprehensiblc, and tended to implant false
ideals in the minds of the youth. What we
want most in this country is q revival of Wash
ingtonism.
A tableau, The Birth of Liberty" was next
represented by about 40 young ladies and one
infant, who lay wrapped up in flag all IN
conscious of the important part he was play
ing The flag salute was then given by the
school children. end Nellie Prince Quinby re-
sponded by telling about the origin OF the
movement for placing flag in every school
room. She is President of Gordon Granger
WR.C.
Past Department President Bliss spoke along
the lines. describing the meetings of
womeDs organizations which met recently. and
at which the W.R.C. was well represented.
She told of the enthusiasm which pervaded the
gathering, and closed by urging the young peo-
pie to keep the love of their country fresh in
their minds and hearts
second tableau "The Goddess of Liberty.o
was loudly applauded. The Goddess was repre-
sented by a young lady who held aloft the
escutcheon of the United States, and who was
surrounded by "A young ladies, each of whom
represented one of the States.
Past Department Commander Washington
Gardner was the principal speaker of the even
ing, and told the story of the flag with his
usual fervid eloquenee. Referring to re-
mark of the Commander of Gordon Granger
Post he said that if the school Comrade Keller
attended. with no flag but piece of faded
cloth, and no music but tin pan. had pro-
duced such soldiers and patriots, surely those
of the present generation ought to do much
better with their superior advantages. He
dwolt upon tho fact that veterans Of the
war were gradually being called to the ether
side and that the task of upholding the lag
was devolving upon the younger generation.
" My Country 'Tis of Thee" was sung in clos.
ing.
Mary A. Keller. Department Corresponding
Secretary.