Norwich bulletin., 1914-04-21

The Stonington battle flag, photo graphed by Fred Stewart Greene. Of Westerly, who recently presented copy to the Westerly and Memorial Library association, is the original flag hoisted to the peak of the flagstaff at the fort in Stonington during the bat tie of August 10. 1874. The flagstaff was practically shattered by an Eng fish shot and the flag fell to the ground. It was understood that George Howe Fellows heroically picked up the fallen flag and nailed it to the rem nant of the flagstaff. But the alleged heroism of Fellows has been doubted, the doubt being substantiated by the Benjamin r. Palmer diary. Palmer was captured by the British and taken to Dartmore prison. George Howe Eel lows was an inmate of the same prison, being captured prior to the flag incl dent. Therefore the man who really nailed the colorS to the staff is not definitely known, but there is apparent authentic information that it was a Mystic man who stood on the shoul- ders of the cofnmandant of the fort and nailed the historic ensign to the mast.
 The flag was given into the custody of Nathan Smith and presented by Caroline A Smith to the Stonington Historical and Genealogical society, where it is carefully preserved It is planned to feature this flag at the coming centennial oL tnS Battle of Stoning-ton. Two steel flag poles are to be erected, one in Can non Ball park and the other in one of the parhlets near the railway sta tion. If weather permits, when the breeze is so slight that no damage would result to the tattered and tender battle flag, it will be raised on one of the flag staffs with due ceremony and after a brief display, be replaced in it's glass case and carefully preserved
 Only one resident of Westerly will be benefited if bill becomes law that has been favorably reported in the national house of representative That resident is James A. Barber mem Der of Battery G, First Rhode Island Light artillery, who served with dis tinction in the Civil war. The bill will establish in the war and navy departments, a al-of-honor roll and authorizing placing thereon, with a special pension of $10 a month. the names of surviving persons who have served the United States in any war, and to each of whom has been award ed 8 medal of honor for having in ac- tion. in actual conflict with the enemy, distinguished himself by gallantry or intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty.
 The favorable report on the bill states in part: "The laws of the United
  sional medal of honor require for it's obtainment a much higher degree of gallantry than is required by other nations for like decorations. Accord ingly our medal of honor is hardest to gain. fewest in numbers and is the eTandest recognition of gallantry in the world. The United States gives no special pension to her heroes who wear her medal of honor, although for merely meritorious service within line of duty, far less in degree than would be required to earn 2, medal of honor, she gives additional pay
 The bill requires an age limit of 65 years, so for many years only those service in the Civil war can come on the roll of honor Years af- ter those of the Civil war shall have died, the medal of honor wearers Of other and later wars, as one by one they attain the age limit of 65. may apply and if eligible, may have the benefits The benefits to them will not only prove a solace in their de- clining years, but will be distributed into all parts of the country.
 Your committee believe that this bill has substantial merit and that if enacted into law. 1t will receive the hearty approval of all patriotic citizens and prove an inspiration to varorous deeds for the volunteer soldiers of the future"
 resolution of congratulation was adopted by a rising vote in the lower house of the Rhode Island general as sembly to Deputy Speaker Frank H. Hammill of Bristol, who was married Friday morning. The speaker appoint