New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-21
THE FLAG OF LIBERTY.
VARIOUS OPINIONS ABOUT ITS USE AND
ABUSE.

ROUND HERSELF WITH THE NATIONAL
CoIOEs he FIGHTS UNDER
To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: Josiah Aliens Wife" and Miss Clara Bar
ton have voiced the sentiments OF millions OF peo-
pie when they protest against the OF the Amer
lean flag for any purpose that tends TO destroy Its
sacredness As National emblem 1t has inspired
moro unselfsh patriotism broader National en-
thusasm and more Of that sentiment which en-
mobiles humanity than any flag that ever hoated
In the free breeze OF heaven.
The story OF what that banner has done in
breaking letters. uniting divisions k!nding hopes
so that the downtrodden ell over the earth take
courage as they gaze upon Il, could not be written
even in many volumes. Surely then IL should he held
In reverence Was It's blue taken from the great
banner OF the Scotch covcnanters and are not
it's galaxy OF n sign OF eternity? Its red also
the emblem OF defiance. does 1t not typify our
noble Army? And the white. the emblem OF
purity represents floating batteries once the
gem OF our glorious Navy What history II mas
had in those and battles. when thousands
upon thousands fought to keep that emblem float
ing overhead,
Palsied should be the hand that would strive TO
injure the beauty Of this priceless banner OF the
free. As u American woman who made
our first starry ensign. so likewise 1t was Massa-
chusetts maiden who made the lone star fag OF
Cuba. and It seems almost prophetic that II was
set In field Of red. typical Of the blood that must
mighty banner the lone star has found a powerful
friend: and Il is FOR Americans in this great con CON
and respect but to reverence and hold sacred
Asis oSSni' Nay ef T ss puMpELLY
To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: have read with much interest the discus
sion relative to the use Of the American Hag for
purposes other than as nag or banner. think
in this matter the motive OF the individual is the
only basis which Just decision could be rem
dered. The only objection that could with justice
be made would be the use OF the flag for adver-
Using purposes or pecuniary gain. AS to pillow
cushion. see no reasonable objection to such
On seeing the picture OF the flag pillow In The
h rst martyr to the cause Ems Ensign Basey it oc-
Cured 10 me that there would be no more fitting
sleep than pillow Of that nag for the principles
of which he gave mis- ySR Irsy f. yGHF'F ArRMAx
New-York. May 10. 1885
To tho Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: To show what heartfelt patriotism may really
be at the bottom OF seemingly frivolous decorations
here is description OF the private room OF young
woman who has bravely seen her fance sail away
to take his part In the strife that shall help on to
victory just cause. Many women feel as this one
does. that they cannot surround themselves with
many reminders OF the deep significance attach
ing TO the mere sight OF the Nations fag and TO
the trinity Of color shown In many futterins rib
hons and pennants.
In this city there 10 one patriotic girl who has
decorated her den In unique and ornamental
fashion In each corner there fastened with
silver cord six small silk flags. The chairs Of
bamboo each have q hagribbon bow. Her grand
fathers sword is hung over mis- portrait by hun
dred streamcrs OF narrow red white and blue RIB
bon. The tea-table Is in tho centre Of the room
directly under the chandelier. from which arc sus-
pended three wide ribbons OF the National colors.
which are attached 10 three o! the corners OF the
table. on a small bracket over the mante Is a
portrait Of soldier lad. framed In "Old Glory" At
twined with the National coIors
In ,his room soldiers sweetheart lives mos, OF
sees the friends who come to learn OF her or to
dreams and prays for the safe return Of her
does s?a' sic ''''"''' WV ""' y '''"S " b.
To tho Editor o. The Tribune
Sir In to the article In to-day's Issue OF
The Tribune soliciting opinions on tho use 10 which
are putting our coors. Will you allow me n few
words? For nearly thirty years have read The
New-York Daily Tribune and the only thing In ali
that timc that shocked me and caused me regret at
seeing 1t was tho illustration OF sofa pillow made
o. our nag did not stop 10 analyze my impress
sions. but hot flush OF shame crept over me. and
I felt that II was n Dissertation OF the National
emblem | think the Star Spangled Banner should
veneraton tho Bible. and who would like 10 sec
the leaves OF Bible used in any way but inside IT'S
cover? 1t may be pretty sight 10 see little chill
dren playing soldier with Gags. but I felt 1t was
carrying TO extremes 10 make a-cushop covers
OF them.
Now. II am displaying undue respect for our
coors It may be- attributed ito having been brought
up that way: my ancestors fought in all tho Amer
lean wars in the past and In the present war with
Spain loved relative as an officer In tho Meet
which Is In front Of Havana Is every hour riskng
his life for his flag and country. IL seems TO me
that the very least that be done by the mothers
at home will be 10 hold the flag Ia such veneraton
that we could not make a cover for "A cushion with
IL II done without thrill OF pity and a
feeling OF shame for such thoughtlessncss.
When all the brave at home realize what the nag
Is 10 the brave boys who have LEFT their homes to
fight for f. they will not Il made into pillow
cover without protest.
dying soldier on the BATTLEFIELD In the only ono
who has the right 10 say
"a pillow ! have made OF II.
On which TO lay my head
A winding sheet twill be for
Sincerely yours. MOTHER