The Newtown bee., 1898-05-13
Town TOPICS.
Old Glory Waves in Palestine
PEOPLE OF PALESTINE wIDEAwAKE.

the nag raising aG Palestine scnool.
Special arrangements had been made in
anticipation of a large gathering and
those in charge were not disappointed at
the number present.
Schools closed in Gregory's Orchard,
Huntingtown and South Center for the
afternoon, and almost the entire number
OF scholars in the Sc schools attended.
About $50 people gathered, coming
from Hattertown, Huntingtown, Middle
Gate. South Center, and even as far
away as Easton. A large platform had
been erected out of doorF, and lastefully
decorated with fags and bunting, for the
speakers, and seats had been provided
for the audience, but there were not half
enough.
The teacher, Mrs Mary G. Pratt, with
her scholars, presented q most excellent
program and the teacher and scholars
are TO be congratulated for the way it
was carried out. The scholars all did
well ia their recitations,
drills and marching. The afternoon was
greatly enlivened by friends in the dis
trict helping the school with patriotic
songs. Promptly at 2.l5 p. M, with S.
j. Botsford as chairman, the exercises
began with singing, America" by the
school and audience.
Recitation, "Our Flag" by Miss Nina
Boyson, a former pupil, wss given with
plea sing eloqu nee and grace.
The presentation Of the flag with a
short address by Secretary J. j. North
rop and the raising of the flag created
much enthusiasm. Among other things
Secretary Northrop said: ''These little
have awakened an erthusi-
asm and interest in our public schools
that has lain dormant, but by no means
forgotten.
The flags were furnished through the
courtesy of the selectmen and presented
to the school in behalf Of the selectmen,
and were purchased at most opportune
time. 1t is not for the flag alone the
people care SO much, but for the great
and never to be forgotten principles
which it repre- sents. 1t is used at schools
to further the cause of education, to
teach the young what it stands for, and
to teach them to grow up in the right
spirit. 1t serves as noble lesson to
them to learn more about this great couE-
try of ours. 1t is education that wins.
The boys and girls Of to-day have much
greater advantage than our forefathers
did, for the free public schools make it
pc ssible for everyone to get some sort of
an education. 1t is chance all children
should improve, and it is the duty OF the
parent to see that they do so."
After Secretary Northrop's remarks
the Stars and Stripes were unfurled to
the breeze and three rousing cheers were
given for the Star Spangled banner.
"LoDg may she wave DER the land of the
free and the home of the brave" Mrs
George B. Beers, Jr., plea singly sang
Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," the
audience ioiniDg in the chorus. The rec
itation, RED, White and Blue" was CIV
en- in a modest way by Miss Mabel
Northrop. Glass exercise, "QuestioDs
on the Flag" by Dora Bovson, Mary
Kesting, Edelina Boyson, Mary Reiser,
Herbert Botsford, Andrew Egan, Willie
Macarthur ard Annie Botsford.
Singing, ''Our Country" school.
Class exercise, Our National Colors, -
by Mabel Northrop, Frances Egan, An
drew Egan, Willie Macarthur.
Singing, "Columbis, Our Native
Land" duet, by Mrs George Beers and
Mrs Mary c. Pratt.
Glass exercise, Foreign Flags" Har.
old Botsfnrd, Starr Benedict, Robert
Botsford, George Macarthur, James Boy
son. Each scholar held a foreign 1sg
and recited verse telling its nationality
and ps9.
Recitation, barbara Freitchie," Dors
Boyson, was rendered in a most pleas
ing manner.
Glass exercise. "Our Flag with sing
ing, Dora Boysop, Jennie Ruffies, Mary
| Keating, Edeliua BoysoD, Harold Boy
son, George Near. bur, james Boyson
Singing, Flag of Freedom" by schoo
and audience.
The class exercise, "Flag Drill" wa
one of the best on the program, the chill
| dren keeping good time in their maneu
vering aud presenting a pretty appear
| ance, ending it by forming May pol
| with flags, done bv Dora B9yson, Mar.
| Heating. Jennie Ruffies, Mabel Northrop
| Franc es Egsn, Edel!na Boyson, Herber
Botsford, Willie Macarthur, Harold Bets
ford, Robert Botsford, George Macarthur
Starr Benedict.
Miss Elsie 2. Botsford, teacher
Gregory's Orchard, added to the eccs
sion, BY reciting 1.-THE Picket Guard.
Mrs S. J. Botsford read q most intel
esting paper as to the history of "Ou
J National Flags"
Reuben Lane also added to the oect
sion by a baritone solo, "Our Fair Ian
Forever"
The orator for the afternoon, Rev OF
W. Rarker, made a thrilling and patti
otic address. He congratulated Il
scholars and teacher on their success
He congratulated the people in the di
trict on their excellent school, the selee
men in presenting these hags to tl
| schools, and even old Prob on the ii
afternoon. He referred to the exercis
| as showing the hard and successful
: forts of the teacher, for where schola
excel in recitation and drill they mu
also compare well in other branches. !
20 referred to the wonderful growth of Il
- country of ours from its early histor
. Its rapid growth. its vast area, its veal
and power place it far in advance of
other powers. He said that in the eal
history the mail could be carried FRI
New Haven to New London in a pocl
Il handkerchief. He referred patriotica
to our recent victory over Spain q
moral reasons for the conflict, VIII
ELECTED frequent applause. He referl
toucbingly to our flag, and hoped
- always might be one union, one no
one faith, one Gag.
u s. Peck also made brief and thr
ing remarks about our late war and
flag
The exercises closed by singing q.
Battle Hymn of the Republic" by
school and audience, after which refr'
'ur ments of sandwiches, cake and lemon
asst were served to all, which had been
all generously provided by the ladies OF
ari. estine, and for which their hospitalit
SO noted. To the committee. A. G. Ms
sit thur, and the teacher, Mrs Pratt,
ock mostly due the thanks OF the commu
for the success of the celebration.
are
hes Thomas Lyons of Walnut Tree
we Joined the 1st regiment at Niantics
lges week Wednesday.