The National tribune., 1897-01-07

The National President upon entering readily
recognized that she was to be the recipient OF
q patriotic gift but supposed it was to be one OF
the flags. Her surprise can be better imagined
than expressed when the elegant new banner
was revealed and she realized that she was the
recipient OF the glorious gift.
The center of the banner is OF white silk,
the top of red silk, the letters OF gold, the
border of gold lace. and draping gold fringe. 1t
is borne by an ash staff, surm0unted by gold
eagle.
About so witnessed the presentation-mem.
bers of the Grand Army. Relief Corps, and
Sons of Veterans. Past Department President
Nettie NJ. Ransford and Samantha West Miller,
Chairman OF Committee on Patriotic Teaching,
Department of Indiana, were among those who
were present aud joined in the Fluctuations.
Capt Foster, addressing the National Presi-
dent, delivered the following address:
CAPT. FOSTERS ADDRESS.
When the children of Israel were wandering
in the wilderness, the tribes were known by
the banner placed at the headquarters of each.
The scriptural lesson is found in Isaiah,
1872; Psslms, 90: S. and Isaiah 40: 90. Lift
ye up banner upon the high mountain, exalt
the voice unto Them shake the hand, that they
may go into the gates of the mobiles" We re-
ioice in thy salvation, and in the name Of onr
fulfil all thy petitions" Thus saith the Lord
God. Behold will lift up mine hand to the
Gentiles and set up my standard to the people (;
and they shall bring their sons in their arms,
and their daughters shall be carried upon their
shoulders
In exhibiting this banner and standards Of
onr Nation. simply place them before yOn 10
an object lesson in honor of the W.RC., fnlly
approaching what your noble Order has done
for tho children Of America in teaching them
the true principles of citizenship and love to
God, their country, and flag
This banner is an inspiration of your grand
and glorious work for our country and flag
every badge on it is object lesson Of patriot.
ism, every ribbon denotes its enthusiastic re-
ception by tho loyal citizens of America and its
patriotic reception By the old and young. The
motto. "Teaeh Patriotism in the Public
Schools" has been my constant inspiration
aud strength for nearly six years.
First unfurled TO our loyal citizens 1t Detroit,
Mich, in 1891. during the GAR. National En-.
| campment; again made National in the psrsdes
| at Washington In 1892; Indianapolis, 1888
| 1896; and in tho Columb ian School Day parade
| in New York City. March. 1892 and Worlds
Fair ceremonial parade at Chicago. To attemp,
| to describe to you the enthusiasm the banner
created in these parades would take MP toe
much of your valuable time; however, car
l assure you INC mOttO e0Cn f2trlOtlSW III
the Public Schools" has inspired and warmed
the hearts of millions Of loyal, patriotic Amer.
Jeans in our glorious country.
You may ask what has been accom- plished by
this display Of patriotic enthusiasm. ] vii
commence with the introduction of patriotic
teaching by the W.R.C. since 1888 After care
full inquiry from every Department in the Ma
tional body, find there are over 10000 Ma
tional flags displayed from public school build
ings and grounds. when in 1889 there were les
| than 100 in all the States Of the Union.
The American Patriotic Salute to the Flag
1--WE give our heads and hearts to God and on
country; ono country, one language. one flag
was first introduced by Col. Geo. T. Balch il
the Children's Aid Society schools of Ney
York City in 1892 promulgated and cxempli
fed by the W.R.C. in 1893. The apprOximat
number of school children using the salute il
the morning exercises is believed to be ncarl
1000, 900, and increasing This my dear com
rades is only part of tho great work accom-
plshed by your noble Order of Fraternity
Charity, and Loyalty. IL there another OF
| ganixatiOn that can say as muchf
The part have taken in the noble cause {
my country and flag has not como from d.
!, sire to profit by it, but from an intense Low
and inspiration, with an abiding faith in on
institutions and the American people
general.
! Before closing my remarks wish to call q
. tent;on to the magnanimity Of Mr.. w. ]. He
Ter. Manager Of the American Flag Mancfac
. uring Company, Of Easton, Pa, who has new,
} tired in giving aid and comfort to the eau
] yea are - ssalously advocating. Since ls>