Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-03-27
HER PATRIOTIC RESENTMENT.

She came to the desk Of T.-R. edi.
tor this morning fiery with patriotism
and indignation: Il want you to dc
something" she demanded, tell then
that Dixie isn't the national song OF
the United States of America. Why
she went on, last evening at the show
people hollored and whistled when
Dixie was played. When the or
chestra played the Star Spangled Ban
ner there was some scattering ap-
plause but nobody stood" The young
woman was pretty we'll worked up over
the apparent lack Of regard for the flag
thus displayed by seeming popular in
difference to its music and it's stripes.
Just listen" she continued. I saw a
presentation of a flag to a school by
a Grand Army post some months ago
and while the old soldiers stood to
the flag not teacher nor pupil rose.
sat there myself. like the rest Of
them. And when the flag was carried
past one Of the veterans had to re-
mind us that it was the custom OF the
post to stand at attention when the
colors went by. And then we got up.
Last night. one man near me, a vet
eran of the civil war, started to rise
to the Star Spangled Banner, got half
way up and finding himself alone and
conspicuous, sat down again. What
do you think of that" said she.
Well assuming that her inquiry is
addressed to all of US, citizens of
republic made and maintained free
by the blood Of brave men, what do we
think of that?
However, there is no lack Of patriot
ism in the apparent Indifference to the
flag and the song that celebrates it
no insult to the republic nor a real
fnrgetfnlness of the splendor Of its
history-rather a lack of patriotic cul-
ture. a boorishness of patriotism and
not disrespect, because it is unin-
territorial. 1t Is as tho an uncultivated
or careless man were to wear his hat
in the temple Of his own faith. 1t is
noticeable but not Intentional sacri-
lege. And Of those who sat and failed
to applaud. or honor by rising, the
national song were many who would,
in time of stress. pledge their lives.
their fortunes and their sacred honor
to keep it bright against the blue sky
as freely as those who at the true birth
Of a nation pledged their all in a
pentecost of freedom when they de-
clared all men free and equal under
the law
If there Is to be conviction it must
be on the counts Of carelessness, boor-
and the timidity that avoids
in public. not on the
charge Of chauvinism For we are es-
sentially a patriotic people under
stress however careless we may be OF
the etiquette OF patriotism. We are
also extremely susceptible and appre-
hensive Of rdicule and await the ac-
ton of our neighbor lest we become
a mark for the arrows of raillery and
satire. However. that is not justif1ca-
ton or excuse for the national boor-
ishness that keeps It's seat and wears
its hat before the flag and under the
music that means so much to us and
to the oppressed Of the world.
AS to Dixie; let them greet the
old rebel marching song with cheers.
It is one way the north takes to as
sure itself and the south that the war
is over and the cemented brotherhood
complete Dixie" once the Marseil-
laise of the confederacy, is now but
catchy tune with a memory, history
of bravery, defeat and reconstruction.
And Of the men who sang it across the
battlef elds where men Of the same
blood struggled over idea we Of the
north are proud in our way as repre-
sentative Of American courage and de-
termination. Never mind Dixie"
But remember the Star Spangled
Banner and America" and the
American Flag. Spell them in cap
itals, greet them with high respect.