The National tribune., 1896-01-09


State without further effort.
circular letter issued to the Corps by tho
committee and approved by the Department
President reads as follows:
"The National Woman's Relief Corps, having
decreed the Starry Flag of our Union, this
matchless emblem of security and peace, should
float from every schoolhouse in our fair land
that the colors, signifying so much that is noble
viz, loyalty, purity and steadfastness Of pur-
pose-should receive greater recognition from
both tho foreign and American element in our
schools; and, believing that with principles so
ennobling pinned to their armor, breathed into
each soul and daily life, heroes would come to
us ready to champion the cause of the weak
and defenseless as the brave soldiers of '6l, and
swear the proud colors should never be trailed
in the dust.
81 For each Stripe of ruby hue.
For encl Star in field Of blue.
Ten thousand of our brave and true
Have laid them down aud died
"Therefore, we the Committee Patriotic
Teaching appointed by Mrs. Salena Springsteen,
Department President of Ohio with her kind
permission, ask that each Corps President ap-
point a committee of three influential members
to secure the cooperation of superintendent
and teachers, and visit the schools in every dis
trict throughout the State. in the cultivation OF
those principles great a bulwark against
treason, by introducing the American or some
other patriotic form of salute in their opening
exercises; Also encourage the use of patriotic
songs and rectatioDs on all occasions admis-
sble; also, cause to be placed upon the walls OF
every school, with suitable ceremonies, por-
trait of the immortal Lincoln, who under God
preserved our National flag"
wR.c. IN LOCAL COUNCILS.
Vocing the dissatisfaction that has arisen
through the action of 12th National Conven-
ton in egislatng against Relief Corps repre-
sentaton in Local CouncilsO of Women, Depart
ment President Flo Jamison Miller, who voted
with the majority, writes as follows in her
editorial department Of the National Picket:
AT that time believed this was right;
but we must admit that, Mt the present time,
we believe made mistake. The local
council in many localities is the only or at
least the best medium of introducing the study
of patriotism and the work of the W.R.C., to
the public "Our work speaks for ITSELF" some
of our workers say. This is all well and good
so far as it goes. In your locality, my sister,
it may. because it is already known, in my
locality. perhaps, it does not because 1t Is not
known, or perhaps is oversbadowed by larger
or stronger organizations
How can we overcome this? By keeping
it before the public We can through the Local
Councils. be identified with the work of the
times and by taking our place in the work,
bring the Order to the attention of persons and
our existence 1t is all we'll and good to say
our work is for the soldier; so it is, but does
the soldier stay in the background or be kept
down for any one2 We should hope not; and
in order to keep apsce with this Order and
and with other workers. must keep step to
the music of progress, and not lag behind.
Another view is the of Jurisdiction.
Has the National Order right to rule for the
local Corps in this matter? If so, why not any
other special legislation? If so, can they not
prohibit the individual members from joining
the WCTU., the d. of H. and in fact, any
other Order? Think Of this, readers, and
then judge for yourselves"
NEW YORK FLAG DAY.
Canton, N Y, has joined the flag ranks. The
pupils of the Union School have had gala
day They have marched in body, escorted
by GAR. squad. to the inspiring strains of
martial music. The town turned ont to give
them hearty cheers, and to the Woman's Relief
Corps is given all the glory.
Teachers had been apprised that at o'clock
D. m. the flag presentations would take place,
and shortly before that hour the band appeared
in front of the Opera House. and the GAR.
men responded to the order to fall in by
Mai. Robertson, and marched to the Union
School buildings
Here the GOO OF 700 pupils, ranging all the
way from the toddlng four-year old of the first
Craze TO the SeHiOT Vi JIG CuapeI,
formed in line. The band struck up and the
army Of liliputians moving in a wavy,
undulating column down Court to Main street,
keeping step to the music in a manner that the
most exacting could find no fault with. 1t was
striking sight-the grades arrayed, the first
grade in the van, and so on upward to the
chapel, the senior class being In tine rear. Each
grade or class was headed by its teacher.
When they were seated in the auditorium of
the Opera House and in the galleries it was
full to overlowing.
On the stage were representative members
of the W.R.C., of the clergy, of the GAR, and
Principal Chase. There was profusion of
banners and flags. In the center and to the
front was large broDZed tile, containing 10
or IL flags, the gifts of the W.R.C. to the
schools.
President Robinson of the Relief Corps pre-
sided, and after an invocation by Rev. f. w.
Townsend and singing of America" made
brief, patriotic address. Maj. II. ID. Ellsworth
followed with an instructive and eloquent adj
dress on the duties of patriotic citizenship and
of intoxicating patriotism in our children. Rev.
Thomas Williams and Prof. Fisk followed in q
similar strain. tsi
President Ellsworth ti1enpresented the flags,
which were accepted by Prof. Chase, with
thanks to the W.RC. At this a delegation
from each class, consisting of three boys and
two girls. marched in theiriturn, the first grade
the ladies' After the presentation the classes
formed in line in front of the hall, and were
escorted back to the school by the band and
veterans al
DEPARTMENT OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
No. Al, of Alexandria, report having done
some work, and have sent it to the Soldiers
Home They also entertained tho Post on
Grand Army Day by giving supper, followed
by a fine program. One feature of the program
was the singing of the" Peace Hymn of the
Republic" written by James Whitcomb Riley,
and read by him at helLouisville Encamp-
ment. No. Al felt that their first GAR. Day
was a success, and they hope to do better with
each returning year.
Corps 6. Plankinton, inspected by Depart
ment President Eppie Mcmillan, report pleas
ant visit. In the evening she was rendered
reception at the home of Commander Drake,
large numbers of the GAR friends in attend
ance. When refreshments were served the
Department President responded to call for
toast with neat and spicy little speech. Corps
6 has lost two members by removal to other
States.
Lille A. Patterson, Press Secretary.
DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS.