The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1915-12-02
old GLORY
And Why he Town q Sand Hin
Didn't Hoist Him.
By M. QUAD
Copyright, 1915. by Mcclure News
paper Syndicate

By M. QUAD
Copyright, 1915. by Mcclure News
paper Syndicate
It was Enos Hopkins who got the
idea that Sand Hill should prove her
patriotism to the world at large by
displayin' the American flag for seven
days week. He got the idea one Sun
day mornin' as be lay in bed, and he
Rugged it to his soul and chuckled over
1t for week before he said anything
to Twin soul. Every body knew by
his actions that somethin' was up.
At length, when Saturday night came
and there was the usual crowd at the
postofice. he shot OF his gun. He had
his speech oil prepared. He told how
the American nag was first hung to the
breeze; how men cheered for liberty
as they saw It; how it had given hap
piness to millions. Men had fought
cheerin' for that flag. and men had
died blessin' it. He wanted it h'isted
In Sand Hill at sunrise every day in
the year. and he wanted children to
cry for it and men and women to ven
crate It.
As soon as the crowd had recovered
from its surprise and began to cheer
Deacon Black said it was mighty
strong pint and one worthy Of a lead
in patriot Of Sand Hill. He was heart
fly in favor of the idea. and he would
then and there contribute 10 cents to-
ward the purchase of public flag.
Then Hosea Saunders spoke His
grandfather had died while fghtin'
under the stars and stripes. His IA
ther had fallen and killed himself
while climbin' hagpole. His mother
had wrapped him in the flag Of liberty
when he was born. 1t was hard times
and money was tight. but he would 60
without tobacco for month in order
to contribute shillin' toward the pur-
chase Of flag. With his own hands,
IL agreeable to all. he would hist the
emblem at sunrise and lower 1t at
sunset durin' the rest Of his natural
life.
The deacon said that was also
beautiful speech. with mighty strong
pint to it, and the feelin's Of the crowd
had got so worked up over freedom
and liberty that tears stood In many
eyes. Hosea was followed by Squar'
Joslyn. Philetus Williams. Abraham
White and others. and thar was fire.
Quent cheerin' and shakin' hands.
About ten years ago Abijah David
sons dog tore the ear OF hog owned
by Joel Hardman. and the men had
been enemies ever since. but under the
excitement and patriotism engendered
by the speeches they fell into each 9TH
er's arms and became brothers ag'in.
1t was settled that ahpublic contribu-
ton should be taken4up to buy fifteen
dollar flag, and then came the question
of where 1t should be raised. Enos
Hopkins. who had started it all. got
up in modest way and said he would
go to the expense Of plantin' a.pole in
front Of his house. 1t was ION high
ground and the flag could be seen from
every house in town.
1--WE wouldn't put Enos to all that
trouble" said Deacon Black as he rose
up. "He's done his sheer in thipsin'
out the plan. Ill see that the flag is
duly displayed from the roof Of my
cooper shop when it arrives
whats the matter h'istin' it over
my grocery" asked Dan Skinner as
he wiped the tears Of emotion from his
eyes. 1T isn't as high as some places,
but more central"
Then everybody bobbed up and de-
manded to be heard. Every man pres
ent wanted that dag in front of his
house or place of business and no.
where else. and purity soon they was
shakin' their fists and sayin' they'd
be burned If they wouldn't have it
there or refuse to contribute red cent.
There was lively row on in two min
its, with mo more weepin' over pa
triOtism.
Deacon Black ratified on the stove
pipe with his cane until he quieted the
racket. and then he said:
"Feller patriots, have we no public
speerit among us
I'VE havew yelled the crowd.
'Then let US exhibit it. Bein' my
cooper shop Is the highest buildin' in
town and bein' the American flag has
got to fipfop in the breeze to be seen
and venerated. unselfishly offer to
put up pole and take charge of the
flag"
$50 do II" shouts every man in the
crowd.
Then Squar' Joslyn made a speech.
He told how a million men had died
for that flag. how it's stars and bars
had made tyrlnts tremble. how q
young nation had worshiped it and
made all the world respect it. He
wound up after ten minits by offerin'
to float it from his boss barn. but only
Kisses and groans followed. There was
signs that three or four patriots would
soon be punchin' each others heads
when Tom Bates strolled in in that
careless way Of his. Deacon Black
pounded ana ratified till he got order
and then said:
II want to hear from Tom Bates on
tk,|o no I,~