The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-06-11
FLAG DAY.

Tue SuuilSul Ol to-uay any WHeIe ALI lu'
whole world.
Elsewhere we give an admirable
article on the history of the Flag from
the pen of the gifted Isabel Worrel
Ball, which shows an unusual research
and brings to light many important
historical facts never before published.
Some years ago several patriotic men
and women began to make efforts to
have Flag Day made pleasant ami
versary, and they have succeeded be.
yond their hopes. The popular mind
takes to it with unexpected eagerness
and Flag Day will be an event in many
more Cities, Towns and other places
this year than ever before. Owing to
its coming on Sunday, it will be gener-
ally celebrated on Friday or Saturday.
Everywhere the teachers In the schools
are taking deep interest in the matter,
and bringing in readings and exercises
which will arouse their pupils minds,
and awaken admiration and affection for
the banner of their country.
All this is pleasant to record. There
can not be too much of it. The more
there is of it the better it will be for our
country.
We have the most stainless Flag in
the whole world. 1t is not smirched
with single act Of injustice, oppression,
cruelty or selfish greed. 1t has ever
been the spotless emblem of great, free,
lofty-aiming people, and is hallowed by
all that they have aspired to and
achieved.
Our Flag isreally the emblem of many
millions more than any other in the
world. While England rules over about
800, 100000 people, much the greater
part Of these are only tributary, and
they have their own flags and banners,
and give the English flag merely the
respect and obedience that their posi-
ton compels. 1t is really the flag of
only the 100000 people in the Three
Kingdoms, and the 100000 in the
English-speaking colonies, or but little
over half as many people as hold our
Flag in supreme reverence.
Russia has more than 100000
people, but much more than half of
them are partially-ciyilized tribes and
peoples who see in the Russian flag only
the emblem of their conquerors and
rulers.
France has 100000 people, but
her flag has changed so often in the
present century that only a majority of
them recognize the tri-color as really
their flag.
Germany has 100000 people, but
her flag and nationality are only 26
years old, and each of the % States of
the Empire has its own flag, to which it
is more attached than to the imperial
banner.
The same is true of the 100000 |
people of Italy. Their Kingdom is but
26 years old, and is made up of 50 |
Provinces, which for centuries had been |
petty, squabbling, intriguing Kingdoms,
Dukedoms, Principalities, States, and
Free Cities, and they are but slowly |
coming to feel that the white-and-
red banner Of Piedmont is the standard |
Of their whole country.
The somber flag of Spain floats over
but 100000 people at home, and
100000 in her colonies.
In the Austro-H ungarian Empire
there are 100000 people, but they
are divided into two Kingdoms, hostile
to one another in many things, and into
a number of jealous, jarring races
and nationalities which give but cold
and reluctant obedience to the flag of
the Empire. The Hungarians have
their own flag, to which they are devot- |
edly attached. The Bohemians have
theirs, the Croatians theirs, the Austrians
theirs, and SO on.
The Star-Spangled Banner floats over
nearly one-tenth of the earth's dry land. |
One-twentieth of the whole number of |
the people in the world give it proud
and loving allegiance. Inconceivably |
mora man bara fo,,oI. r. :. A. r.