The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-13

Both branches of Congress are now con-
sidering a bill which is of unusual interest.
The measure is intended to restrain incon-
siderate persons from desecrating the nag
of the country. II is aimed especially at
those individuals who try to trade upon
the popularity Of and yeneration for the
national emblem by dcfacing it with adyer-
tisements The bill provides something
that has long been needed, a severe money
penalty or imprisonment for those cen
victed of besmirchiag. mutilating. or dis
honoring the American banner by subordi-
mating il to any of the illegitimate and I'M
patriotic purposes from which It's very
character ought to preserve 1t without the
aid OF a statute.
The measure is non partisan. and, ae-
cor7iing TO reports. has not yet met with
opposition from any source There is little
likelihood OF the development of any for
midable or respectable protest against Its
enactment II any Individual who hoped
10 prostitute the Stars and Stripes to tie
object of popuariling certain brand oil
soap or a proprietary remedy should have
the temerity to defend the assumed pTivi-
lege of dissertation. his teme1ity would
probably meet with heavier penalty
through loss Of patronage than he would
care TO sustain. Even those who in the
past have deliberately or careiessly abused
the flag by converting it into a fiating ad-
vertisemeut will. in all probability, refrain
from coming forward TO oppose the passage
of the bill. Their protests would COM
mand little respect at a hearing if they
made SO bold as to present an argument
The proposed Law for the protection OF
the emblem OF liberty. equality and fra
ternity from the defacements of CONNER
cialism is particularly interesting at this
time. when several persons in high places
of legislative responsibility are exhibiting
SO little respect for the nag: when. instead
of rejoicing over the fact that Providence
has spread its shielding folds over new
peoples. long condemned TO the slough Of
ignorance aud abused by monarchical ma
liciousness. they seek to tear the waving
banner from its mast. bringing it into dis
repute before the nations. and casting
obloquy upon those who carried It and its
promises OF regeneration into the benighted
East.
Ii would scarcely be inappropriate or
unwarranted to suggest that. II the Amer
lean flag is TO be fully protected against
yandals of all sorts. whatever their identity
or calling. a clause should be attached to
the pending measure. making it felonious
and reasonable for any person to advocate
pulling down the Stars and Stripes when
they have once been hoIsted in any corner
of the universe. The offence of an ambi-
tious advertiser who causes 10 be printed
across the symbol OF freedom a sign eulo-
giving his wares or designating his place
of business is trivial compared with that Of
the professedly Intelligent legislator who
openly advocates the dishonor OF the flag.
its removal from the scenes of victory, and
the cowardly withdrawal of those who have
fought in the best of causes. for the eX-
pansion OF American principles. The atti-
tude of the white bolo man not only spreads
unwholesome ideas at home, but breeds
deepest contempt for the Stars and Stripes
abroad. II is defscing and dishonoring the
flag in its worst form. II indicates TO the
benIghted multitudes whom we have taken
under our protection a lack of faith in
the stability of American institutions, a
fear to contend with the remnants of des-
potism. and TO take up the burden which
has come upon us as the logical and in
evitable result OF growth.
The dissertation OF the flag in any man
ner is most reprehensible. Anything that
tends to destroy the reyereutial respect for
the emblem under which in a little more
than century we have grown from pro-
yinclal struggling people TO world power
! bears the ear-mark Of treason and should
be exterminated without hesitation.