Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-22
RAISING THE FLAG.
An Interesting Occasion Just Thirty
Six Years Ago.

An Interesting Occasion Just Thirty
Six Years Ago.
The presence in this city today of Mr.. A.
c. Widdicombe of Missouri, eX-cnairman of
the republican committee and a prominent
politician Of that state. recalls an interest
ing and patriotic incident that occurred Just
thirty-six years ago. Old Glory was raised
above that portion Of the Washington mon
ument that had then been constructed and
probably the greatest salute ever heard
was fired as the stars and stripes were I'M
furled to the breeze. Early in 1862 Mr.
Wtddicombe. who was then a young man
conceived the idea that It would be the
proper thing to have the flag float from the
top Of the monument which was then
about 235 feet in height. He started a sub
scription list to pay for the emblem and af-
ter considerable effort and the discourage
ment of great many red tape proceed
ings, finally secured permission from the
board that controlled the monument to car
ry out his plan. The scaffolding in position
in and about the shaft was so snaky that 1t
was necessary to apply to Admiral Dahl
gren to detail riggers from the navy yard
to assist. The ringers succeeded in get
ting ropes over the monument. and when
morning dawned February %, 1852. all was
in readiness for the ceremony. In the pres
ence of vast throng the flag was unfurl-
ed. A large army was stationed in and
about Washington at the time. and all the
firing the mighty salute.
In connection with the unfurling of the
flag the fact that the subscription list was
headed by one Of the most prominent citi-
zens of the national capital, had consider
able to do with securing the liberty of tho
latter some time later. He was arrested on
a charge Of sympathizing with the confed-
eracy, and submitted the plea that no mat
ter in what direction his sympathies were
supposed to tend, his acts had always DEM
onstrated his loyalty to the Union. In sup
port of his defense the subscription paper
referred to was placed in evidence. The
authorities, on receipt of the paper appear
ed to be convinced and the prisoner waI
thereupon released.
The year following the raising of the flag
Mr.. Widdicombe organized a company from
Washington. Alexandria and the surround
ing country and served until the end of the
war He then removed to Missouri, where
he has resided since. While here he is Wis
iting his sister at the family homestead.
834 18th street.
ruary D, 1852, in an article headed, The
Flag Raising on the Monument" had the
following to say:
1--WE have already mentioned the raising,
agreeable to program, of a large and beauti-
full national banner to the top Of the shaft
of the Washington monument. 235 feet
high, on Saturday, the I'D instant.
..The flag, forty-five feet by thirty feet.
presented to the society for the purpose by
Mr.. Albert C. Widdicombe and other citi-
gems OF Washington. was hoisted at noon
precisely. amid the booming of the cannon
of the federal troops within this military
district.
LET US entertain the hope that the flag
under which Washington and his fellow
patriots fought, bled and conquered. may
preserve its elevated position over the mar
BILE tribute to his memory as long as the
elements will permit. The emerging OF the
sun and the stirring Of the breeze. hitherto
asleep, at the moment Of the star spangled
banners attaining it's destined elevation.
and the hailing OF this interesting event by
the extraordinary extent Of the national