The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-01-26
ADOPTED AMERICANS.
Little Russian immigrants Learn
Lessons in Patriotism.
Educational Advantages offered the
Children of Refugees from the
Land of the Cxar-Impres-
sive Exercises.

Five hundred Russian emigrant chill
aren, who are being educated under
Earon de Hirsch fund at the Edu-
cational Alliance building on East
Broadway. New York, took part in a
recent competition for the prize offered
by the Patria club to the school children
Of New York city for the best salute
to the flag" and the best original patri-
otic song. The auditorium where the
exercises were held was festooned with
national colo=s, and above the platform
upon which the officers Ct the society,
the committee of the Patria club and
the visitors were seated large American
flags We're draped.
There were $50 names On the society's
register, and there were only six alb
seDteeS when the children marched
into the hall to the music of 3ixie."
each child wearing an American flag
upon his or Ter breast. Many of the
girls wore the national colors in their
hair. Mr.. A. S. Solomons, formerly of
Washington, who is the general agent
OF the society, said that the exercises
derived special interest from the fact
that the majority OF the childrea talk
ing part had been in this country less
than six months They were unable to
speak English when they came to the
school, but had become conversant
enough now with the language 70 enter
tie sixth and seventh grades in the
public schools.
1;4xla
lingui.ts," continued Mr.. Solomons.
I'VE are endearoring to instin into
their minds ideas Of patriotism and q
lcve of this their new fatterland, and
the enthusiasm We meet with is sur
rrising."
Then. turning to the children, he said:
''You are no longer Russians, but good
Americans. Let's see whether you can
give three good, loyal cheers"
Five hundred heads were raised in the
air and 500 voices rang out with vim
that would have done credit to Q bat.
TALON Of war veterans
Then the bcief exercises were begun
By 13 boys, carrying national colors,
representing the original colonies, who
marched down tie aisle to the front Of
the platform. A brighteyed little
maiden about eight years old took the
part Of Columbi and as she raised aloft
a large silk flag the following original
salute was given:
Flag of OUT great republic; inspner
In battle, guardian of our homes, whose
stars and stripes stand for bravery,
purity, truth and union.
We, the children Of many lands, who
find rest under thy folds, do pledge our
lives. our hearts and our sacred honor
&c love and protect thee, our country,
and the liberty of the American people
forever.
Every hand was raised and at the
words I'VE salute thee both arms were
stretched out toward the uplifted flag,
and an instant later were folded upon
the breast. Then to the tune of Mary
land, My Maryland" an original song,
at tho school, was sung with |
the utmost enthusiasm. The title of the |
song was "The Stars and Stripes For
ever"
Mrs. Mills, in behalf of the Patria |
club. presented the school with a bust |
Of Abraham Lincoln. saying that he |
was the one who first used the words, |
the government of the people, by the |
people, and for the people" "I think |
will agree with me-" she con-
tnUed. shat we have never seen more
impressive sight than you have pre-
'ented to US this morning. MAY you
earn to love and reverence the flag
Tou have so enthusiastically waved here
bis morning, and stand ready to uphold
t whenever you shall be called upon"
The words met with a storm of ap-
1lause, and for several minutes the air
vas brilliant with red, white and blue
lags and streamers. With the singing
# the Star Spangled Banner" the ex-
,Tcises ended.-N. Y. Sum-.