The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-06-10
HE SPOKE OF THE FLAG
Eloquent Tribute Paid to American
Emblem by DR.. G. n. Giffin
Before Great Audience.

Ii was a congregation of great pro-
portions which thronged the Elm Park
Metnodist Episcopal church last night
and listened with thrills OF patriotic
fervur to the very eloquent sermon
wkich Rev. DR.. G. NJ. Gitiin preached
in honor Of the special flag service.
The altar was hidden behind colos-
sal mass of palms. ferns. wild and
cultivated flowers. on either side OF
which were seen the folds of American
flags.
Dr. Git'in chose his text from Psalms
-: ''They sent up their ensigns for
signs"
when the ancient Jews in Jerusa
.em." said he. "saw the standards of
Rome waving on the turrets of their
temple, they saw the flags of the
enemy and realized that they We're
not there for decoration. but for de-
secration and recognized their lam
suaee as the language of hatred.
I'VE have reason 10 be glad that
our ensign is still in the air 1t has
been shot at by many an antagonist.
and upheld by many hands. and now
still waves unsullied and pure. And
Vet it is Very likely that many of
YOU young Americans have not clearly
and concisely understood the reason
for this ensign. Do you know that
it is nearly the oldest national banner
in Use among the great powers? The
rri-color of France. the yellow and red
of Spain. the banner of Italy. the
standards Of Russia and Germany are
ali of comparatively recent adOptio ion.
The red emblem of England, With its
Union Jack. was only adopted in 1881.
Aud right here ] wish to say that I
admire England as a magnificent ma
ton and | do believe in Anglo -Ameri-
can alliance. but never on the basis
that We are the weaker nation and
have to crowd in under the superior
power of Great Britain.
"Ol.r flag certainly deserves some
VeEeratiun. because it has lasted lon
ger than those of these other coun-
tries, and thus ii stands. first Of all
for steadfastness Then it stands for
growth. Firs, made up of thirteen
stars, now forty five have shone forth
in IT'S ce"ucar spa 70. each for an in
deprdrnt state. som" of which are
larg"l than empires.
And then thcr" is hope H. its gem
"rouS folds for in" oppressed yictims
of TYRANNY. Ii is lifted every where in
the right of the down trodden. and
speaks of -sovcrnmenr by peo-
pie and for people. We really ara
what that great statue IN New York
hdrbor heralds. liberty enIishteninG
the world. We are known through the
world mole for our independence than
even for our inventions. and millions
come /" our shores Ia enjoy our priVi-
lcg"S.
"in the next place the nag stands
for separation We owe no allegiance
ana pay no tribute. I'ut our
standard does not stand far hate, and
therefore | am glad we did not re-
serve FOR our national emblef the rat
tIc-snake flag, which was used before
The Revolution. but If We were 10 take
amy ON" Of the l'ags used by the colo
MICS. would be clad 10 have Tho
pine Tree banner. Each of the SEQ
lions and colonies had its banner then
and in l11,' they combined in the ma
tiUnal flag W" have now. With its blue
field ana stars constantly growing in
number To make our brilliant national
constellation. And | surely believe
tEat the benefits and blessings Of
American civilization always follow
this nus.
Cuba may he iTitated ana fret lln-
der the miltarY regime. but ii will
eventually settle down and appreciate
cur actions in not taking away our
flag until stable form of govern
mcnt was established, We are not
saVageS. seeking slaves, but we are
brothers. going out 10 brothers, the
developers of the best system of gov
crlment, and if we are true To our or
isinul precepts. Old Glory viii never
spread its folds over any land to do
ii injury
The flag Is not The banner of the
anarchist, not the standard OF the
dest.uctionist; it stands for law and
order, and there should be II fealty in
our hearts for what it signifies.
believe in having the flag everywhere
for its educating influences on our
citizenship, We should have il ON our
public schools and any private school
or institution which refuses to plant
the flag at the command of the gov
ernment is so distinctly foreign that it
should be shut up and banished from
the land
And therefore float out Old Glory
and float IN every cline. float out.
blaze AT sea. float out and float as
long as time and space shall last and
eternity
ASK for helly's union crackers. ~
-
The smokers delight. "Kleon" Sc.
cigar. -
Ask for Kelly's union crackers. -