The Colorado statesman. [volume] (Denver, Colo.) 1895-1961, 1916-02-19

the old building the heraldic device of stars
and stripes which Washington accepted his
own coat of arms, and which is commonly re-
garded the origin of the American flag.
In the summer of 1911 the suggestion was made
by prominent member of the British Peace
mttee that the historical property should be pur-
chased and dedicated memorial to the peace
ful 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 1t to peace between England
and the United States
The manor has been made into a Hall of Rec
ords where matter pertaining to AngloAmerican
unity ID kept 1t is understood that lecture chair
soon will be supplied by the purchasers and that
James Bryce. ex-ambassador to the United States.
will be its first 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-
tonshre and 1t is approached from the west by
pretty green croft. separated from the almost
encircng 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 a little attic projects
from tiled roof The fine old Tudor doorway
is surmounted by a shield containing the Wash.
tngton coat of arms which three centuries have
somewhat robbed of its original sharpness. but
which is still unmistalsable.
What fortune had ttat shield of L private
English gentleman-to become the most notable
blazon OF all the world! Strange to think that
this little obscure stone coat of arms ii; a
cluded Northamptonshire village should be the
original of so much-should still be extant. AS
strange to think of the contrast between the tor
pid and monotonous rustic life surrounding It for
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, in the original the
stars signify divine influence guiding the bearer
in the right way. while the bars denote who
sets the bar OF conscience anu 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 II to the congress.
Il was the leaders old crusading blazon,
Washingtons coat his heraldic shield.
And on the spur, when we must choose a flag
Symboling Independent unity,
we and not heal was unknown to him
Took up his coat of arms and multiplied
And magnfed II, in every way to this
Our glorious national banner.
He adds also. some illusions to the old man
zion:
The washingtons of Washington,
In County Durham and on Sulgrave 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.
As sundry printed windows in the hal