The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-08-06
Free Speech and a Free Flag.
EDITORS CHI At.

HURRAH FOR OLD GLohh'
II ouiy by contrast that one can sufhclent-
lv estimate the privileges We enjoy as citizens
Of the great Republic, where protected oy oiu
Glory, we may give utterance TO our sympathy
with the down-troddeu and the oppressed, with
no fear of the dagger of the Government oe-
tective or being bagged and thrown into the
river.
Edna Jackson writes a spirited sketch in this
line. for current periodical. of a young Amer
;con GIRL who while on a visit to Turkey,
learned new love and reverence for the stars
spd Stripcs The story follows:
In q bazaar in Constantnnple she loltered IN
friendly conversation with the proprietor, &
fne-looking Turk, who spoke fairly good Eng
lish.
lyon have a beautiful store" said the young
visitor. referring rather to the SILKS anu Gil
broideries than to the cell-iike depository.
81 had bazaar; it is now Madom s, eel she
,ccept."
The girl accepted the homage, not the oazaar
In the shirt of Oriental lightness In which IL
was given. aud led the conversation to the SUBJ
feet that is stirring all Christendom.
WHY does not the more intelligent Glass;
like YOU. for instance, arise in defense of those
poor. unhappy Armenisns?" she demanded,
with a true American girls enthusiasm. ~
is barbarous''
The merchant sprang up from his cross
legged case, and gyrated before his indiscreet
caller with imploring gestures and furtise,
frightened glances around.
"Madom Madom 2" he cried, softly, bowling
in a way that suggested writhe of agony, we
Go not spik! we do not spik
+" But you should speak" persisted the rash
young person; the stones should cry out. Why
In America the very women would take arms
sgainst such a brutal Government We would
lot endure il. We
"Oh Madomt" The distress of the poor
merchant WIS pitiable. We do not spik !"
He cast another terrified glance over his shout
der. 1--WE dare not spiki !"
Later in the day the same young tourist met
voung American artist resident in Constanti-
nople. and related this incident, with much
laughter; she was surprised to see her country
man cast that same furtive glance around, as
II looking for hidden spies, and make gesture
eBtreating silence.
All is right" be said quietly; eve do not
'spik'"
But why not? ?" cried the girl, Indignantly !;
~snrely, you know the United States would
take care of you"
i" Perhaps" replied the artist significantly !;
" but one may disappear mysteriousiy. III no
one knows how or why, what can any Govern
ment do? Let us talk of other things"
That evening when the American girl was
again on board the excursion steamer, sne
raised her eyes to where the Stars and Stripes
futtered gayly at the mast. Something OBJ
secured her sight moment; then, taking of
her little tourist cap. she waved it around her
curly head aud shouted with all the strength
of her girlish voice, Hurrah for dear Old
Gloryl"
The other passengers, who had come aboard
from the city with that same unwonted choked
feeling as if gag had been forced into their
mouths, saw the point Immediately; and. TAX
ing of their hats TO the flag that had never be-
fore seemed SO fair. they swung them around
their heads, and with one accord over the
waters Of the ripping sea rang the refrain
.sThe Star S:,angled Banner. long may it wave
Ger Ilse laud Of the free and the home of the
brave
The band crashed in with grand accom-
paniment; the beautiful flag futtered and
waved proudly; the waters whispered around
Its reflection in their bosom if prophesying
OF the time when the freedom it symbolizes
shall be proclaimed to all the nations; and q
party of Americans turned their faces home
ward with new love for their own happy
land they would never have known in all its
hight and depth but for seeing the sad con trast.