Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1916-02-18

to the old building the heraldic device Of stars
and stripes which Washington accepted as 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 was made
by prominent member of the British Peace com
mittee that the historical property should be pur
chased and dedicated as q 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 been made into Hall OF Rec
ords, where matter pertaining 10 Anglo-American
unity Is kept It 10 understood that lecture chair
soon viii be supplied by the purchasers and that
James Bryce, ex-ambassador to the United States
viii be its nrst occupant
Charming Old Place.
The manor 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 Il is approached from the west by
a pretty green croft, separated from the almost
encrcling road by hedge.
To the right of the gable end OF the manor is a
| low stone wall with 1arch gate. facing a 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
is surmounted by a shield containing the Wash.
/ fngton coat Of arms, which three centuries have
somewhat robbed of its original sharpness. but
| which is sim unmistakable.
What fortune had that shield of i private
| English gentleman-to become the most notable
] hlazon Of ali the world Strange to think that
this little obscure stone coat of arms In So
cIuded Northamptonshire village should be the
/ original of SO much-should still be extant. As
| strange to think OF the contrast between the tor
/ Did and monotonous rustic life surrounding 1t for
SO many generations with the rush and roar OF
| existence In our 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. AZ 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 70 BenJa-
Imin Franklin Topper is probably right when.
in his Centennial Drama" he makes Franklin
say:
proposed It to the congress-
n was the leaders old crusading blazon,
Washington's coat. his own heraldic shield.
And on the spur. when we must choose flag
symboling independent unity.
We and not he-all was unknown 70 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 suigrave Manor
County Northampton. bore upon their shield
Three stars atop
and for the crest
An eagles head upspringing TO the light
The architraves OF Sulgrave testify
AZ sundry printed windows IN the hall