The National tribune., 1909-11-25

n Soldier Sire, Carries 1t TO the
Orient.
The, so far as known to the writer,
unique idea of sending Flag to float
on an American school in China orig
mated and was carried out as follows:
The daughter of Mr.. George w.
Dietz, a comrade of Custer Post, Grand
Army of the Republic, in Baltimore,
Md, was married to Rev. Frank Raw
linson, who became a missionary to the
Chinese. On their return from years
leave of absence, in the Spring of 1908,
they were stationed at the American
Baptist Union College and school, which
is situated on the bank of the Woosung
River, a few miles below Shanghai and
in full sight of the enormous commerce,
native and foreign, which is conducted
to and from this great city of 100000
people, which is one of the four open
ports of the Chinese Empire.
To fly our beloved Flag at this prom
inent point, over an American institu-
ton. projected and sustained by Ameri-
cans, situated so as to be seen by all
Nations. would rebound to its glory and
that of our beloved country, was the
idea originating in the patriotic mind
and heart of Mrs. Rawlinson.
Mrs. Rawlinson wrote to her father
conveying this idea. Her father. Mr..
Dietz, read the letter at meeting of
Custer Post; the rest was easy. The
old comrades, relics of the war waged
to preserve the integrity of their Flag,
were as enthusiastic now to gather new
glory for it as when in the early '60s
they marched. suffered and fought be-
Meath its folds. Comrades Daniel
Tatum. Charles N. Emich and George
w. DietZ were named as committee.
They Immediately enlisted the services
The Woman's Relief Corps of that
Post, who responded patriot ally and
to whom many thanks are due. Two
suitable Flags Cone q storm flag,. with
pole, complete with eagle and halyards,
were procured. Ut was necessary to
send a pole because there is no wood
available at Shanghai; all Of such kind
needed there is imported from our State
of Oregon.(
Thru the efforts of the committee and
the kindness of Mr.. Cottman (who is an
ex-Confederate soidier), a steamship
agent in Baltimore, transportation was
procured on one of the steamers carry
ing kerosene from Bayonne.s N. j., di-
rect to Shanghai.
Meanwhile the committee had been
in correspondence with the Vice Consul
General of the United States at Shang-
hal, first to ascertain If there would be
objection on the part of the Chinese
Government to the flying of the Flag
over this institution; second. TO arrange
FOR the reception of our shipment and
the proper presentation of the Flag on
the part of Custer Post q
The first WAS satisfactorily arranged,
and the Acting Vice Consul General of
the United States at Shanghai, Mr. p.
$. Heintzelman. has kindly consented to
formally present our Flags as soon as
may be after their arrival. Mr.. Raw
linson, aided by the faculty and other
u r n pInn1 tr H.. I'M
arrange that the event will DO properly
observed and all honor given to "Old
lory' on that occasion.
To those of us who have paid even
slight attention to the worlds politics
as they concern the Chinese Empire
this incident, small as it is. may be far
reaching.
with this great Eastern Empire, and
this little event may, and we believe it
will. add to our popularity and influ-
ence.
Chinese students from all parts of
their country are collected at this insti-
tuition. They will see that we Ameri-
cans honor and love our country next
to our love of God, and we show them
by actual performance that we have
sentiments other than Chasing the dol
lar"
Our little Post, aged and worn yeter-
ans, has succeeded in putting our Flag
conspicuously where 1t is seldom seen,
our great commerce with that port be-
ing, as it is with all others, in foreign
bottoms mostly.
Shanghai, being 40 miles from the
ocean and connected with 1t by a deep
river, is the only open port Cor treaty
poro in the northern part of China.
The commerce of that populous and
rich section which passes thru it. up
and down this river. is very great, every
commercial Nation in the world partici-
pating. Our Flag on shore will in some
measure make up for its very infre-
quent appearance on the river, and TO
many patriotic hearts. passing on these
vessels. 1t will bring a swelling pride in
| their distant country, love for which
never grows cold in its sons and daugh-
ters.-Fred c. Tarr, Past Commander
Department OF Maryland. G. A. r.
COmrade Coleman Dead.