New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-19
Whence the Flag2
Investigation of Its Origin Suggested
to Patriotic Bodies.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

10 tne EullOt VI Inc liiUuHN'
Sir: A satisfactory history OF the Ameri-
can flag and it's origin has yet to be writ
ten; much that has been published on
the subject portrays commendable local
pride or is for the purpose of advancing the
theories of the founders of certain assocla-
tions, but does not trace the story far enough
back to be generally acceptable. A solution
of the problem is of interest 20 every man,
woman and child in the land, for the flag
itself has become a symbol inspiring the rev.
crence and devotion OF every loyal and true
American.
Il is here suggested as an appropriate and
patriotic measure. that the newly organized
Patriotic Service League, American Flag AS
ISOLATION and other patriotic bodies, together
with the historical societies of the different
states, each appoint standing committee
on American flag history and research to
encourage inquiry into the subject, espe-
cialy through the examination of log books,
letters. diaries and other records of that
period which may be still found in the old
seafaring communities Of the Revolution.
Obviously, seagoing folk took more notice
of flags than others, for every vessel on the
high seas was required by international law
against piracy to sail under colors OF some
sort and show them on occasion. Inese
committees should also study the general flag
heraldry OF nations in search of the original
elements entering into the design of this
country's flag.
The historical societies usually have mem
bers with the leisure disposition and apti-
tude for such research work. BY each COM
mittee collating in succinct form Whatever
it's own library contains, and by systematic
coordination and comparison with the other
committees. n good start would be made,
this to be followed by the above suggested
search for further data through private
channels.
Such private sources are not hopeless.
recent newspaper inquiry was maze 10 Iueh-
tify an old flag found among family rehcs;
from the description il was an example .of
tho orand-union flag, under which the col.
or;es fought prior to the Declaration of In
coincidence. The City Troop of Philadel-
mia organized in IVA, preserves its own
original flag, made in l775, bearing thirteen
stripes-in a canton or union-besides other
omblems. Captain Markoe, who formed TINS
orpanization. was native of Denmark, and
its flag contains features of Danish heraldry
unioue in this country Unfortunately the
historian Of this body stops short at the
flag itself and does not investigate further
However. Franklin, the head of the board
Of ITS designing the grand-union nag
which bore the now familiar stripes and the
British Union Jack-more than likely took
it's stripes from the East India Company
flag. we'll known to him as British Postmas-
tor General for the Colonies through send
ING mails to this country in its tea ships.
A search of records in Boston or in England
may reveal that the tea was thrown over
board from a ship using this flag
The stripes may have had significance, TO
Frsnklin's mind, appropriate to this coun-
try. for the same idea was used IN Spanish
heradry nearly three hundred years earlier
as symbolizing this continent
Let the historical societies, especially, ap;
noint committees TO take up these re-
searches JOHN s. ALEXANDER.
New York, June IA, 1917.