The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1916-02-18

to the old building the hera1dic device of stars
and stripes which Washington accepted his
own coat of arms and which is commonly re-
garded as the origin of the American flag.
In the summer of 1911 the suggestion made
by prominent member of the British Peace COM
mittee that the historical property should be pur
chased and dedicated memorial to the peace
full relations existing between the two countries
during the past century, the dedication to be one
of the features of the international celebrations
in 1914. This idea Immediately met with popular
favor. The British committee acquired the prop
erty and dedicated it to peace between England
and the United States
The manor has beer made into Hall of Rec
ords. where matter pertaining to Anglo-Amercan
unity is kept. 1t is understood that lecture chair
James Bryce, ex-ambassador to the United States,
will be its first occupant.
Charming Old Place.
The is charming piece of old archi-
lecture gray with the rains, frost and sunshine
of 300 years The house stands at the eastern
extremity of the village of Sulgrave. in Northamp-
tonshire, and it is approached from the west by
a pretty green croft. separated from the almost
encircling road by hedge
To the right of the gable end of the manor is
low stone wall with larch gate. facing small
court, partly paved and partly in grass. From the
courtyard the house is entered by handsome old
stone doorway, above which little attic projects
from tiled roof The fine old Tudor doorway
is surmounted by shield containing the Wash
ington coat of arms which three centuries have
somewhat robbed of its original sharpness, but
which is still unmistakable.
What fortune had that shield of y private
English gentleman-to become the most notable
blazon of all the world! Strange to think that
this little obscure stone coat of arms III a Sc
cluded Northamptonshire village should be the
original of so much-should still be extant. AS
k2kn,A kf,At
pid and monotonous rustic life surrounding it for
SO many generations with the rush and roar of
existence in great republic.
There is very little doubt that the three stars
and the three stripes furnished the idea for the
American flag. In the flag as in the original the
stars signify divine influence guiding the bearer
in the right way while the bars denote one who
! sets the bar of conscience and religion against
wicked temptations and evil desires The colors.
red and white, seem to follow also; the red mean
! ing military bravery and fortitude; the white
| peace and sincerity.
Tradition attributes the suggestion to Benja-
| min Franklin Upper is probably right when,
| in his Centennial Drama" he makes Franklin
! say:
proposed 1t to the congress.
| II was the leaders old crusading blazon,
Washington's coat, his own heraldc shield
And on the spur, when we must choose flag
] Symboling independent unity,
| We and not heal was unknown to him
| Took up his coat of arms and multiplied
| And magnifed 1t, in every way to this
| Our glorious national banner.
He adds, ALSO some illusions to the old man
| sion:
The Washingtons. of Washington,
| In County Durham, and on Sulgrave Manor.
| County Northampton, bore upon their shield
and for the crest
| An eagles head upspringing to the light
The archtraves of Sulgrave testify,
| As sundry printed windows In the hall