Birmingham state herald., 1895-11-28
And FIoated to the Freezes Yes
 terday at Noon
PRETTY CUSTOM OBSERVED
The Public School Children Taught to Give Interesting Exercises at the Flag
 Presentations.

yet it is a privilege they should not fall to embrace. - With each recurring Thanksgiving the bright boys and girls who attend the va rious public schools contribute liberally to charity, and they do it with cheer fulness that reflects the pure sentiments of a noble nature. The gratitude Of children who are less fortunately situ- ated than themselves is ample compensa- tion for all the troubles the pupils nave had in collecting the articles for dls- tribution. On this day of thanks they feel grateful that they are able to les sen the burden of some unfortunate be- ing
 Thanksgiving Day being national holiday, the public schools are not in session, and for that reason the exercises are held the day before.
 Yesterdays exercises, however, were unusually interesting, made so by the fact that the national colors for the first time were to float from the buildings. The generosity of several public spirited gentlemen prompted them to present to the city schools United States flags, and yesterday was tbe time agreed upon for the presentation to take place. Flag for the City Hall. Imbued with the same patriotic senti- ment, the Trades Council of Birmingham embracing nearly all the labor organi- cations in the city-requested the privi- lege of giving the city United States flag to float from the masthead Of the city hall. Mayor VanHoose, in behalt or the city, accepted the offer, and accord ingly the presentation occurred at lO o'clock yesterday.
 At that hour the fire bell rang thirteen times, once for each of the original states. and immediately thereafter MT. w. H. Stanley of the Plasterers union, in behalf of the Trades Council. mounted an improvisedl stand, and in few well selected and patriotic words presented the flag to the city. He was followed bSs Mr. J. R. McMullen of the American Railway union, and Mayor VanHoose, in behalf of the city, accepted the colors. The flag is regulation siZe-9x15 feet. At given signal the colors were hoisted by Mr. George deWhting of Camp liar dee. United Confederate Veterans, and MT Stone of Post Custer Grand Army of the Republic, assisted by Chief Mullen of the fire department, who had accom- panied them to the tower of the city hall. Thirteen salutes were fired to the flag of our country, and three hearty cheers given.
 Delegations were present from Camp Hardee and Post Custer.
 The High School.
 A number of visitors attended the ex- ercises at the high school yesterday noon.
 After the singing of the doxology by the pupils of the school President Cleve- lands and Governor Oates proclama- lions were read by Col J. J. Altman i Fitting and appropriate addresses were made by Mayor VanHoose, Gen. Fred S. Ferguson of Camp Hardee, United Con- federate Veterans; Maj. W. H. Hunter on behalf of the Grand Army of the Re- public and Superintendent Harris of the Mississippi public schools.
 One of the pleasant features of the programme was the admirable selection read by Miss Mollie Smith. The flag was presented by General Ferguson.
 The following original verses were read by Prof. s. L. Rob ertson: God grant this act be understood And reverence done, result in good:
 May He propitiouS breeZeS send
 To float this banner towards the skies: Grant stalwart bosoms to defend
 The principles it typfes When anarchy or misrule lowers God bless this flag of our's May He who still sustains the cause Of those obedient to his laws
 Grant that the arm which this flag holds
 Up in the name of freedom given. May strenuous S wave its starry folds Defyng all despotic powers God bless this flag of ours.
 
 Who was against the tyrants yoke
 Still nerve the hero's arm and hand
 Which upward points its staff, to bear It through each shock that shocks the
 land.
 And in the name of right declare The righteous purpose it empowers God bless this flag Of ours. May He who helps the brave, the just Who in Him faithful put their trust. Grant that this people of the west,
 'Twxt southern cross and polar star, Shall In behalf of the nDnreSSnd This banner hoist in peace and war Der bTistlng ranks or city towers God bless this flag of ours. May He who talketh in the breeze
 if Give sshD this our SE nag, inspiring speech
 To ev'ry nation meath the skies
 Our legend. peace. good will to teach From northern lakes to southern bowers God bless this flag of ours. May He who holds us in his hand, Help us to see and understand
 The vault heath which. this banner floats
 Expresses perfect unity;
 And could those stars speak, from their
 Like inspiration sent. 'twould be Uttered in perfect silvery showers God bless this flag of ours.
 Grant while it's azure field we view. Spangled with stars like wonder blue.
 Our people free may apprehend
 And to each other bright smiles send
 As do, methinks, the stars of heaven. In shine and storm, through all the hours. God bless this flag of ours.
 May He who binds and looses grant This flag OCT all the west to Haunt, Let 1t float free as heavens breath
 Which lifts it on triumphant wings
 Long may it be our shibboleth,
 Spoken defiant to all kings. To God alone this banner lowers God bless this flag of ours.
 Powell School. The exercises at Powell school began at 10:30. The programme, as published in ranged with care, and the pupils carried it out in a splendid manner At the con- * Birthday Gifts. x