The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1895-12-27
STAMPED ON THE FLAG.
Great Sensation In BellvilIe, n. d.
High school.
New York journal.

Pretty Polly Biller's action in tearing up
an American flag and taking England's side
in the Venezuelan question before the
scholars of the high school al Beilvillc, y. J.,
continues to be the talk Of the town. The
fact that she stamped the Stars and Stripes
under her feet is lost sight of in the ad-
miration of the pluck Of tue girl i'll defying
the entire school when she thought she WIS
right. Since the incident occurred PoIly's
name has been placed upon the pedestal or
local fame as 4 heroine.
The Biller family Bible says Miss Poliy's
Christian name is Mary. but sue is uni
versally called Polly" She is the bright
sixteen-year old daughter of Lawyer George.
Biller, of Newark, and is as pretty as shc
is bright. They teach patriotism in the
Belleville High School, and Miss Mabel
Dodge. the teacher OF the class Of which
Polly is scholar, some time ago inaueu-
rated plan of discussing the news of the
day. 1t served TO keep the pupils informed
of the principal events Transporting in the
world outside of Belleville.
The day before the close for the Christ
mas holidays the news Of the week was
discussed. as usual. The Presidents mes
sage TO Congress on the Venezuelan ques-
ton came in for the greatest share OF at
tention. The American boys and girls
pulled the tail of the British lion so hard
that Polly's blood fairly boiled. She was
born under the British flag and had Eng
lish blood in her veins While she loved
America, she loved England better, ard
she wanted to express her feelings. but
could not because she had not been called
upon.
When sweet Kitty Grieves. with a fas-
cnating lisp got up and said that England
must take care or the Belleville high school
would rise in its might and wipe the British
island off themapit was more than shecould
hear. She bottled her Indignation, though
when the teacher announced that Miss Polly
was chosen to deliver the recitation of the
day. which would close the afternoon ses-
sion.
Miss Jolly did not takeluncheon during the
recess hour. She was busily occupied III her
room. i'll her fathers comfortable home in
Holmes street. When she came do wnstaIrs
her appearance was made more attractive
by theoutlines of wo flags einbroidered upon
the bosom of her dress.
ON one side was the American Stars and
Stripes and upon the other the British
flag. Her appearance in the school room
caused something more than cCmnotion.
The girls sneered at her and criticised
the Workmanship of the embroidery. Final
~, Miss Polly was called to the platform
for the recitation, and then the excite
ment became intense. She became eIo-
quent over the fight for her country, and
this, considered with her personal at
tract ions and general popularity, won over
one-half the scholars. IL was the section
to which the boys belonged.
one of the girls waved an American
flag in her face. Some say it was little
Reletta Simms, but it makes no difference
who it was. In an instant Miss Polly had
charged upon the flag bearer and returned
to the platform tearing the flag into
shreds, and then she stamped them under
her feet, and pandcfnonium broke loose
The boys stood with pretty Polly and
said that even if she was fighting on the
wrong side they would uphold her. "Oh,
how horrid." chorused the girls, and then
school was dismissed.
Il am sorry Polly Is not at home" Mrs.
Biller said yesterday, "for The papers have
got the wrong version of the incident
Then Miss Kate, Pony's sister. told Just
how ii happened. Several of the boys who
espoused the cause of the plucky English
girl were seen, and subs;antiate,l the state
ment. They describe her as the belle of the
younger element OF the town. She is tall
and willowy. with handsome dark eyes
and black hair, and is one of the stars of
ST. Johns Episcopal Church Sunday school
OF woodside.
Mr.. Billcr aud family live in 4 conifort-
able residence on Holmes 5: rect, near WASH
ingion. and move in excellent society. Mr..
Billcr regards the incident rs huge joke,
ani the majority of the grown folks look
upon it in the same light, but the younger
ones. aud especially The high school girls.
say it may become n serious International
subject. and that when war does come it
will find the Belleville girls In line to
fight and die, IL needs be, for their coun.