New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-02-26
CORN AS NATIONAL EMBLEM.
MRS GEORGE CABOT WARD SUGGESTS THAT
THE FEDERATION WORK FOR
ITS ADOPTION

THE time IS ripe, think for the United States
to adopt a national emblem. and tho history OF
country points 70 the Indian or maize
entitled TO that distinction said Mrs. George
Cabot Ward yesterday in discussing the claims OF
various flowers that have been mentioned in this
connection.
The reasons for choosing the corn are so final
that II 10 impossible tina. any one
who has heard them should consider for a
moment proposition to adopt q flower. how
ever beautiful" continued Mrs. Ward Corn
formed the principal article of food for the early
settlers, and but for II they would have died OF
starvation. II is a Divine gift, for God never gave
It TO any other country this being the only TO
which IT is Indigenous. Although it viii grow any
where, II is distnctively OF American origin, and
has doubtless grown here for ages"
Flowers. Mrs. Ward thought. might be beautiful
and appropriate for State emblems in the localities
where they have a special significance in con-
nection with the history Of the State, but no
flower she said could bring forward claims that
would entitle II 10 become national in It's symbol
One of the strongest points advanced in favor
OF the corn is that Il be grown with equal
facility in all portions OF the United States.
eft grows from ocean TO ocean and from the
lakes to the Gulf" said Mrs. Ward in this con-
nection at is said that only persons who have
visited the South and the West realize what a
powerful factor IL is in civilization. nourshing
as 1t does in both hot and cold climates The haT-
vests Of the corn are the glory Of our country
Another point in its favor compared with any
flower is that our great country should have HE
Country in the world to earn their living: and think
of the benefit II is 10 the poor, for as food 1t Is
In Plymouth the people have custom by which
they commemorate the suferings of the Pilgrims
and at the same time acknowledge their debt OF
gratitude to the corn. When Forefathers Day Is
iaid beside his plate few grains Of the parched
corn to which the first settlers owed much.
# viii onIy be a matter OF time before lis claims
to wheat and rice. The early settlers subssted on
It, with the occasional addition of salt pork. Mush
considered
samp was looked upon as delicacy. The coarse
cornmeal required only the addition of water and
salt to be baked into a light and sweet tasting
bread
enthusiasm to the homely fare OF those days, say
ing that samp cooked as our grandmothers used
deicacy, could not be exceeded by the cooks OF to-
The Pueblos esteemed corn as the most valuable
gift from the gods, and quaint legends are CON
neced with their history Of It's origin m 6s
new gl % eTtoIs its beauty and usefulness and
other poets have written in its praise.
To decoration marble, bronze or any metal
it is especially wen adapted. say those who have
seen it put to this 1t appears scul ptured on
several pillars of our national Captoi anu us
Mrs Ward expressed the conviction that If
would in a short time become the national emblem;
The matter has been allowed 70 drift 100 long
said Mrs. Ward. THE women OF America Shouid
arouse to their duty in this matter and lend their
National Society of England Women has given
the Indian corn conspicuous paor on S an
"f 1nderstand that at the biennial 10 be held in
the United States viii be represented There could
be no better opportunity than that to brlng inc
matter before women from every part or the United
States, and any action they might take Woud, at
tract Widespread attention some steps d snI h De
give thanks for the blessings OF the year the Indian
corn should be acknowledged as one OF the great
est Of these"