The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-06-15
SONS OF THE REVOLUTION.
Flag Day Observed by a Smoker-The
Addresses.

Flag day was celebrated in the reception
rooms OF the Commercial Club last night
by a smoker given by the Sons of the
Revolution. Quite a number of the sons
and their friends were present to listen to
the addresses and partake of the luncheon,
but II is safe to say that a great many
more would have come had the interesting
character Of the proceedings been known
In advance. The rooms were beautifully
decorated in honor of the occasion. The
members of the order and friends spent the
time before the commencement Of the ex-
~ercises in examining a sample of the new
certificate of membership and other objects
Of interest which were on exhibition. The
certificates are handsomely engraved, and
contain at the top a vignette of Washing
ton surrounded by groups of flags. while at
the bottom is a color facsimile of the in
sigma of the order. The exhibition also in
cluded two finely executed medallions
which will be presented to Miss Alice De-
vol and Miss May Starr. of New Albany,
Ind, pupils Of commissioned high schools
who composed the best essay on subjects
connected with the revolutionary war. Miss
Devors essays ranking highest in point of
/ excellence. her medal is made of silver.
Miss Starr receives a bronze medal for the
essay coming next in order of superiority.
A brief usine session was held prior
to the social part of the exercises. The
important feature Of the business meeting
was the admission of an original son"
Moses Gates, ninety-two years of age, re-
siding near Valparaiso, Ind. Both the
father and grandfather of Mr.. Gates saw
service in the war of the revolution. 9th
ers elected to membership were Rev. STAN
ley Hughes. of Richmond. Ind. and SyI-
vanus L. Closer. of Laporte, Ind.
President Harrington introduced as the
first speaker of the evening Mr.. William
MacGruder Phillips. formerly president of
the Sons of Revolution in Denver. Col.
Mr.. Phillips talked briefly. but interesting
ly. of the Flag day movement in the State
of his former residence.
An address was also delivered by Frank
Harrington Baker, who was introduced by
President Harrington as the ounge of
the Sons of the Revolution and the only
lean war. Mr.. Baker was assigned the
subject of 1.-THE inspiration which the flag
gave our soldiers in the Philippines" In
the course of his talk he gave some graph
ically interesting descriptions Of engage
ments with the Filipinos. and paid high
tribute to the courage and fortftude of the
American soldier.
Rev. Lewis c.. Brown followed Mr.. Ba-
ker I'm a brief explanation of the essay con-
test In winch the two medals were award
ed. Mr.. Brown warmly commended the
idea and said he hoped the essays. not only
of he medal winners. but of all who en-
CIV t"t DO lie oklu
widely distributed.
President Harrington brought the speech
making to a close with a few general re-
marks. Mr. Harrington also announced
that Mr.. Phillips was prepared TO receive
subscriptions for a fund to save from de-
%struction the famous home Of Betsy
Ross. maker of the first American flag. He
stated that this historic building In Phila-
delphia was about to be torn down and re-
placed by a modern commercial structure.
but a movement was at once started to
avert this act of vandalism" The fund Is
to be raised by the Sons OF the Revolution
in all parts of the United States. and 10
cents is asked from each contributor. in re-
turn for which a handsome certificate will
be given. A great many dimes were col
lected last night.
After the addresses were delivered those
present were invited into the dining rooms
OF the Commercial Club. where a dainty
buffet lunch was served. consisting OF deli
cate sandwiches. small pickles. olives. cof-
fee and fruit punch.