The Washington bee., 1897-02-27

to let the oppressed 60 Free. Then,
down on bended knees, with out
stretched arms and tear-streaming
eyes, they lifted up their hearts and
voices to God and shouted, 'Glory!'
Baptized IN this blood and these tears,
Old Glory it shall be till time shall
end
eve commit this flag to your keep,
ing. Cherish it for what it represents.
Value it for the sake of those from
whom you receive it. March proudly
under its folds upon the festal occasions
that call you forth to pleasure and
honor, but If at any time you are called
upon to defend it from any enemy, bear
it forth with the words of the gallant
flag sergeant of the First Louisiana
Native Regiment ringing in your ears
and inspiring your hearts: Il will bring
back this flag in honor or report to God
the reason why
At the conclusion of Major Fleet
woods address the "Star Spangled
Banner" was sung, Prof. Layton sing
ing the solo part and the audience the
chorus.
THE ACCEPTANCE.
The address accepting the flag was
delivered by Prof. w. Scott Nontgom-
cry, principal of the Colored High
School. Addressing Major Fleetwood
and the members of the Soldiers and
Sailors Beneficial Union, Prof Mont
somery, among other things, said:
''In rising to respond to the happy
and touching sentiments uttered by
Major Fleetwood, am deeply sensible
of the honor vouchsafed to one who
highly prizes and praises the services
rendered by the men composing YOU
organization.
Naturally, the mind recalls the
battles, slegeS, fortunes, that you
have passed.
"The heroic sacrifices made by you
and your comrades on the tented field
can never be lost or forgotten. In our
heart of hearts we will treasure them
Your names are already inscribed upon
the book of national remembrance.
"Your deeds and the deeds of mer
! like you made us citizens, made this
occasion possible This radiant flag
by the matchless bravery of the vet,
erans on land and sea, from many
battlefield, from many a deck, all un'
stained by treachery or coWardlce, is
presented to these young men to be
guarded by the young arm and the
Young hearts blood. We accept II
from fhe hands of r1en who, leaving ir
battle no blot on their name, have
honored by their presence the Commu
nifty.
Like the immortal 9gls of Minerva
| it will win recognition and protection
everywhere for all who shall love
cherish and honor it.
"When the last veteran shall have
passed into the Walhalla Of American
heroes: when the muffled drums sad
roll has beat the soldiers last tattoo;
when on Fame's eternal camping
ground his silent tent is spread, this
flag will inspire the young men who
shall come upon the field of action, 10
cherish your bequest of honor and
glory your. deeds of valor and hero
ISM"
The benediction was pronounced by
Rev. Mr.. Johnson, after which a drill
and dress parade was given by the bat
talon, under the direction OF MaJo r
Clarence K. Wormley. At the close of
the dress parade the floor was cleared
for dancing, which was kept up until a
late hour.
The committee " hich had charge of
the exercises was composed of Major
charles B. Fisher, chairman; Major {.
A. Fleetwood, secretary; Gen. H. N.
Smith, Capt Alex. Oglesby, Messrs.
John p. Dixon, G.. H. DAVIS, Alexander
Freeman Wesley Howard, VIII. Smith
and lanes w. Butcher. Profs. John 1
LAYTON and Chas. Hamilton were mu-
sical director and leader of the orches'
ira, respectively.
Capt Arthur Brooks, who drills the
High School Cadets, deserves great
credit for the excellent appearance o.
the organization No young man Is
better qualified than Capt. Broo s,