New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-17
TRUE RESPECT FOR THE FLAG
WHAT DOES THE EXCESS OF pEcoRA-
TON IN NATIONAL COLORS
REALLY MEAN?
OPINIONS INVITED AS TO THE PROPER USE OF
THE NATIONAL BANNER AND COLORS-
THE "CYNIC' SPEAKS

THE NATIONAL BANNER AND COLORs-
THE "cYNIc" SPEAKS
The fervor OF patriotism which has seized upon
the country since declared has lately
brough. into discussion the question. What con-
sttutes the right and wrong use OF the nag?
The time has been short since an excessive use
OF the National colors became noticeable that the
Significance Of the vast array Of bunting. ribbon.
buttons. ornamental pins etc. seen in all parts OF
the city and the manner In which they are used,
has scarcely been grasped by the average observer
The question may he serious This use OF
the colors may dIsrespect. or II may be
only thoughtless trihng with that which. at this
time. should be especially venerated or it may be
really the sign of deepest truest loyalty. which
seeks IAN outward and visible sign Of an Inward
and spiritual" hold II has upon the hearts OF all
citizens
1t would be interesting to know the general sem
timent on this subject. II some woman who has
bravcly and freely given up 10 the cause those who
nearest and dearest 10 her lays n tired head
TO rest upon the Stars and Stripes wrapped about
her pillow, because her boy her husband or her
lover Is hghting for that same banner shall she
be thought lacking in honor for the flag? II an
other likes to drape Old Glory about her doorway
that she may pass under 1t each time she goes In
or out is she necessarily less appreciative OF the
full meaning OF those bright colors? No one. truly
would wish the flag made into rug. for
the sacred emblem could never be permitted TO
lie under foot Nor would gown OF H. made
to adorn Folly with her tiniding bells. be appro-
pirate But others say that a Greek dress. whose
draperes fall In the free folds and true lines loved
by the artist may be fashioned OF the flag with
out the loss to Il OF any beauty or dignity Yet
the question still stands. Where shall the line be
drawn in this free Use OF the Stars and Stripes
what is right and what Is wrong?'
The following letter from "A Male Cynic' proves
that one man, at least. looks with disfavor upon
Of ha Nao ftaf mar
putting II 10:
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
SIR: I have read with the greatest interest and
desperation Of the American flag. They strike a
vibrating chord in the heart Of every true citizen
of the United States Judge Of my surprise az
seeing the other day picture showing how on. old
ory o Used by devices as on sod no
give prominence. even for the purpose OF pointing
far from dandruf and hairoil as possible. II
may properly pillow the martyred dead. never the
Sc 10 honor bs sapSsrd hat smboses
honor OF that country where women are freest and
bad those of saloonkeepers but those OF our
sex are past ali inding out The nag to their eyes
is only pretty color effect Its beautiful symbol.
are there It matters not whether the stars are
white on a blue background or blue on white
and the next red vice versa: whether the num-
Der OF the stars is ten or twelve or thirteen or
IS made how It looks save that II is red. white
and blue.
Women use these color devices in dozen odd
ways each shade more inappropriate than the
others. Flags OF silk appear In hats that make
a framework for my lady's pink-and- white face;
IN fancy bodces bedccklng her BOSOM In sashes
around her slender waist In skirts OF evening
gowns. and-HeaYen save the mark in the ACORN
ment OF her hosiery over her delicate ankles. when
sho wears low shoes and show the striking
novelty without undue exerton. The stocking
nag or flag -stocking fast color. OF course, must
go 10 the washerwoman TO have It's freshness re-
newed, like other bit OF bedraggled wearing
apparel we see badges Of all sorts, each with
rs little ten twelve star flag the mockery OF
patriotism We find In many houses portieres
sentiment as Americana 1t is time for vigorous
protest. Your Woman's Page can do much TO
teach silly creatures the error OF their ways II
should begin at once.
= ought not 10 be necessary for me to touch on
the cold logic that connects the wearer OF nag
who winds his sign with the National standard:
but | must do so. for don't intend 20 be. by any
possibility. misunderstood. Each Is advertising
something besides patriotism. The ankle may be
graceful the gin may be good but Old Glory
should not be used 10 attract attention 10 either
See what you accomplish In correcting this
evil. II IL worth your attention. Above all things
don't encourage the Offenders by printing pictures
showing ways OF offending. That is not al
together cOnsiSient-you Will pardon me for saying
it-not altogether consistent with your admirably
conceived and excellenty expressed editorials
the misuse OF the American flag. Sincerely,
A MALE CIVIC.
Opinions this subject are solicited from all
who Interested in # and would ascertain
wherein lies the true spirit OF loyalty and de-
monstratIve patriotism. remembering that the
letter killeth. but the spirit maketh alive"