Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-09-11

Washington, D. c., Sept. S.-An i'm
portant defect in the structure of
American civilization has been
brought to public notice again. This
great nation, SO complete in most re-
spects, has a national flower. r..
There is no blossom that the po-
litical candidate can stick-tn his but
tonhole to show that he is d patriot
and to which he a point with pride
There Is no flower that an be carved
into public. buildings about Washing
ton to remind the government worker
Of, some inspiring tradition. When
1.-THE president chooses a flower for his
coat or his wife selects decorations for
a state dinner, they must ponder the
entire list OF flowers in the White
House conservatories. No national
blossom COMES instantly to mind DC
the emblem which fittingly represents
the nation. This catalogue could go
no national flower
II Generally such things are arranged
for a country through accident. Some
gallant leader takes to wearing into
battle the flower beloved by his lady
and his cohorts follow suit. Eventu-
ally the nation is saved by the hero
and he attributes everything to the
charm Of the flower. Popular senti-
ment Is aroused. The story Of the
flower that saved the country becomes
tradition. Gradually the flower BE-
comes the national flower without any
arguments. T.
England acquired the rose as its ma
tional flower through a series Of ro-
mantle instances each of which deep
ened the significance, Of the flower.
The thistle really saved Scotland when
a moat filled with thistles prevented
1.-The enemy from reaching an imp0r-
tant fortress. The lily became the
badge of Lofts VII Of France when
he started on his crusade to the Holy
Land and all France accepted the
kings choice. /!
But early American heroes were
strangely %neglectful Of this matter.
They spentA much time planning a
suitable seal and flag. But they never
bothered TO snatch up a sprik Of gold
enrod or snapdragon when they went
out to fight. and their great, great
grandchildren are suffering today - a
In the recent war when the scarlet
Flanders poppy became 80 poignant
a symbol Of Anieria's sacrifice the ma
tional flower seemed about to appear.
But the beautiful poppy, 1t was ex-
pid4Heu ny H~OEtlCulluEd eApcEIo, was
a weed In France and to introduce It
Into the gardens Of this country would
be a mistake. So the poppy remains
only a memory except for the artific-
ial specimens-that occasionally bloom
on national holidays.
- Daisy Is Proposed.
Now, Representative Kissel Of New
York has introduced a bill in congress
which would raise the humble daisv
to the official post OF the national
flower. A purely aesthetic bill about
a daisy has 40 much chance tofS receiv-
Ing serious consideration now o. a bill
"Star spansled Banner would. But
a bill is-a BILL. It 10 always potential
legislation. and people are Interested
In 1t from that STANDPOINT. H~epresen-
tative Kissel'a bill has aroused q num-
Der OF inquiries, and expressions Of
protest ana approval. 4
Some people think that the national
flower should NIT bes common weed
but blossom that Gamble cultivated
and cherished. They want Aomething
handsome that will do the nation
plicity OF tbs daisy, but believe that
we should choose q flower that Il
more capable ~ historic association.
Others DeAds into tho sd&isy fitting
symbolism for national use. The
heart OF gold; the whiteness OF pure
ideals. the green stalk spkgesting
lfruitfuinAss Of earth are pointed ont.
II seer1s to be especially important
TO link un q complete set OF important
lions with national flower * AZ ID
70 be arbitrarily legislated into OK
istence. The c%olunJbine, for instance.
which Swas persistently pushed Iii
hot race for the national flower some
fyeaFs aga, u ssaid to b deeply adSnifi-
|c4nt. The name suktests Columbus
ara Columbia. All three are. IN fact.
dove. The dove, IT was pointed out,