The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-03-18

observe that, at this day, the Flagstaff
of the PerSianS terminates in a silver
handle, as that Of the Turks does in a
crescent. After TFojan's conquest Of
the Daciens, the Romans adopted as a
trophy the dragon, which was a general
ensign among barbarians. In the east
the use of standards fixed upon cars
seems to have been long continued. We
have observed that this was a usage In
ancient Persia; and, at a period Subse-
quent, we find it existing among the
Saracens. Turpin, in his History of
Charlemagne," mentions it as belonging
to them. He says in the midst of them
was wagon drawn by eight horses,
upon which was raised this red BAN
ner.
Such was it's influence, that, while
the banner remained erect, no one
would fly from the field. This custom
was afterwards introduced into
Europe. and found its way to England
in the reign of King stephen, after
which the main standard was borne,
sometimes, at least on a carriage with
four wheels. The main standard of
Henry v, at the battle Of Agincourt,
was borne thus upon a car, being too
heavy to be carried otherwise.
When the news of the complete,
heroic and faithful work done by the
regiment on San Juan hill was sent to
the country, this mission was inspired
to do something to show their appre-
citation of the regiments noble work,
1t concluded that nothing could be
more appropriate than a standard in
the form of these colors, because of
their significance, as every flag repre-
senting nation or a cause, has it's
significance and makes some kind of
appeal. Think of the eloquence of
these silent symbols, the power they
have TO stir the feelings, to set the soul
on fire. and to waken into quenchless
ardor the sleeping energies of life!
There have been times when the great
est orators, in appearing before an audi
ence, have not needed to speak, when
words would have been too barren and
beggarlY, when all they have done or
needed to do, was to wave before the
people some flag, the tumult following
this act being such as old Boreas
creates when, by his mighty winds, he
lashes the ocean into fury, and sweeps
everything before him.
There are times too, when nothing
so surely as a flag, will. awaken the
softer feelings which, like swollen rain
clouds, vent themselves in tears.
In connection with the effects flags
have upon individuals, 1 will remind
You of the time when our national
ensign was not much esteemed. 1t is
said that the British newspapers in
1872 expressed amazement and disgust
because, as they put it, the time-honor-
ed flag of England had been disgraced
by piece of striped bunting flying at
the masthead of a few fir-built frigates
manned by a handful of outlaws. But
that piece of despised bunting backed
by the arms and heart of those who
adopted it as their standard, and an
emblem of their sentiments, did it's
business sufficiently well even at that
time, though what it meant then, and
what it did then, were but the faintest
prophecies of the strength and glory
for which it stands today.
AS the object of the White Rose
Mission IS to promote purity and honor.
it wishes to inspire you with a desire
to give your country a pure service
and keep untarnished the record you
so nobly made on San Juan Hill.
II trust you will love this flag as
did that wounded soldier, to whom
his country's flag was everything, and
his own sufferings and sacrifices were
nothing, Never mind me captain" he
said, but don't let that flag go down. -
He had been wounded; he must soon
bleed to death. His captain, who was
near, saw his danger, and would fam
have helped him, but the brave SOL
der begged him to push on. His own
NE Was nOlHIuS, IL Dul MS country
might be saved. So, 1 say to You,
never mind your environments, but see
that the flag never comes down.
CAPT. DUCATS RESPONSE.
To the presentation address of the
chaplain, Captain A c. Ducat res
ponded as follows:
"On behalf of the Twenty-fourth in
fantry, / receive this beautiful flag in
to the regiment. It is with feeling of
sincere pride that I perform this
honorable duty. We thank the gener-
Gus people who have SO kindly re-
membered US, and this token from
them will be honored and cherished by
the officers and men of the regiment
We hope that we may have the oppor-
tunity again of fighting for Old Glory
and our country"
When the flag was carried by the re-
viewing officers, all Of the officers, in
Guiding Colonel Freeman, who was
present throughout the entire cere-
mony, uncovered and the ladies waved
their handkerchiefs. This is the first
flag that has ever been presented to
the regiment and it is as highly ap-
preciated by every member of the regi-
ment as if it was their own personal