The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-29

that an alteration may yet have TO be
made in the distribution of the stars on
the flags SO as to afford extra space. In
sinai. flags. by the way, no attempt is
made 70 have the number OF stars in the
blue field correct, because no one takes
notice Of that.
Never hitherto has the president OF the
United States had a war flag for use In
the field. Now. however, such flag has
been made for Dir. Mckinley, by order OF
the secretary OF war. 1t is OF scarlet bunt-
ing, measuring Is by feet. In each of
the four corners Is a five-pointed white
star. and in the center of the flag Is a
fifth star of large size. Inside of the big
star is another which forms a blue field,
on which is embroidered the Official coat
of arms OF the United States. On the
scarlet field, around the larger star, are
other white stars. one fer each state Col
Bingham Is said TO have designed this
flag. as we'll as the presidents new colors,
which are of scarlet silk, six inches long
and four feet wide. The staff bearing the
colors is surmounted by a globe and an
American eagle.
The president is commander-in-chiefn rot
not only OF the army. but of the navy
also. Accordingly. he has a naval flag,
which is of blue silk. about half the size
or the regulation ensign In the center is
IA eagle, exactly Ike that on a half dol
Il
arrows and olive branch accompanying IL
being worked in the same material. Stars
are arranged above the eagle. and the
shield on it's breast Is worked in red thus
giving the national colOrs-red white and
blus-and forming beautiful flag. Hith-
erio this flag has never been used by the
president except when he went on board
OF naval vessel. A suggestion has been
made TO the effect that the new scarlet
flag should he flung TO the breeze above
the White House so long as Mr.. Mckinley
IS there. In every other country OF the
world. whether republic or monarchy, the
personal flag OF the ruler flies from his
official place Of business.
Tho secretary OF the navy has his own
distinctive flag. which is hoisted at the
main when he is on board OF n warship.
II has four white stars on a blue ground.
with a white anchor embroidered in the
middle One often reads % an admiral
hosting his flag but to ordinary folks this
conveys a somewhat ind.s;snc: meaning.
TIE lowest so-cailed flag rank is that Of
commodore. naval officer OF that grade
being entitled TO float a special peanant az
his masthead. This pennant is blue. with
one white star n the middle. Such a PEN
nant Is new displayed on Commodore
Dewey's flagship. the Olympia. More ac-
eurately speaking. ii was So displayed I'M
I'll the commodore received notice from
the prsS}Gent OF mis- appointment a. acting
rear admiral Then the penuant was
hauled down. and a rectangular blue flag
with two white stars MAS hoistei.
II this war should be prolonged the
grades Of wee admiral and admiral may
be revived N the American navy. The
latter rank IS the highest OF course and
the distinctive Rag Of an officer who holds
II has four white Stars on blue field.
THE flag % vice admiral is likewise
xx5ssA
happen that more shan one admiral was
IN the same pert or feet, at the same
time. the ranking admiral would fly \
blue f'ag the next IN rank red flag. ard
tina third In rank white flag. each bear
ing tie customary four stars The ad-
m.rals in such s ease are called respect
lively the Admiral OF the Elue. the Al
miFal or Tie Red, and me Admiral OF ths
Nhlte.
The familiar union jack" Is a rectang-
uiar flag, with blue field and T0rty-tive
white starr ar.aagsl IN eve rewA D..