Presentation of national flags to the public schools of the city of Rochester, on Washington's birthday, 1889,in the City hall,
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J * <7 ^ •* -o,v Au ° Aa <-V . aV^, a ^ ° s <* A <- Vv * v V % ' » o Va & <UV A* »* ^TA A <!\ 'o » » d .0 o . . « A^ * *■ ' 0 * <A o'* o 0 " ® * ^o A * JA%> A -p A /•, - c^tN\\\w-> - ^ A v ’/j. A b v ^0 o N 0 ' A b> V a • °^ A\ ^ ^ A^ .’jaV/V' A « J ° o v '^b, ° * $ 'b> o o bW^' Oo % / oo b • ' 1 ’ A0 bb ° M 0 VV °^ aP b> v A * ° . W ; : #*% ' 4 ^V ^ 0^ ^ A <> "°bA Av b!> . /A A <b "°*‘ o *-<x>/!??^ ■* rr. C ° ^ Sse/1?7?2?y b -& v o V o> <A ^ o N l-/ r o ■ /\ 0 5,0 A. *-wss?' h (. *.,/•’ ^° V '• rA- A ^ * * -TA / . . X '* ob .• / ^ 0 Y « > * - • ♦ ' I ■ ' , '. ■. * * PRESENTATION OF NATIONAL TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER, WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY, 1 889, 1 IN THE CITY HALL, JBy G^or^e H. Ti>on)as Posb? No. DEPARTMENT OF NEW YO&K, GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. H ROCHESTER, N.Y.: DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE PRINT, 1889. u George H. Thomas Post, No. 4, Department of New York, G. A. R. OFFICERS FOR Commander , - Senior Vice Commander , - Junior Vice Commander , Adjutant , - Quartermaster , Surgeon , - Chaplain , - Officer of the Day , Officer of the Guard , THE YEAR, 1889. - John A. Reynolds. Albert H. Brijman. - Samuel S. Eddy. Daniel E. Sackett. - Henry H. Pyott. Bleeker L. Hoyey. - Lemuel T. Foote. Samuel C. Pierce. - John Gr. Allen. COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS AND PUBLICATION. Comrades L. T. Foote, E. Y. Stoddard, W. C. Morey, A. L. Mabbett, Porter Farley, S. C. Pierce, J. Gr. Allen, John A. Reynolds. , 4 .* : 3Y transfer QIC H CONTENTS. I. The Inception of the Movement. II. Plan as Adopted by the Post. III. Co-OPERATION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. IY. Preparation by the Public Schools. Y. Exercises on Washington’s Birthday. YI. Provisions for the Future Celebration of Wash¬ ington’s Birthday. YII. Description of the Flags. VIII. Method of Preserving the Flags. IX. Opinions of the Press regarding the Movement. •v , ■ / 1 > ^ . Wkfyj . I >■ r. t -. ■ I. The Inception of the Movement. THE impulse from which this movement sprung was an inspiration. Each member of the Grand Army of the Republic cherishes an ardent love for the national flag. If his love is greater than that of his fellow citizens, it is because of the hardships he endured and the sacrifices he made to uphold and defend it when it and all that it symbolizes were in peril. That it might forever wave O’er the land of the free And the home of the brave, he gave himself to the service of his country. This service called for heroic endurance, a sublime courage and a deathless purpose. To see the flag respected and honored is always to him a great joy ; to seek to instil into the minds of the young its great significance is an ever present duty. When at a meeting of George H. Thomas Post, held Hov. 22d, 1888, the Commander called attention to a report of the proceedings connected with the presentation of the flag to the College of the City of Hew York by Lafayette Post, Ho. 140, of that city, it was at once suggested that it presented an example worthy of imitation. A motion was made that the Post present a national flag to the Rochester Free Academy. This was unanimously adopted and a committee, consisting of L. T. Foote, E. Y. Stoddard, W. C. Morey, A. L. Mabbett, and Porter Farley, was appointed to make arrangements for carrying out the plan. At a subsequent meeting, S. C. Pierce, J. G. Allen and John A. Reynolds were added to the committee. (5) II. Plan as Adopted by the Post. HE committee at once entered upon its work. At the 1 first meeting it was decided that the 22d of February be the day fixed upon as a suitable one for the presentation. It was also decided to enlarge the scope of the plan so as to include all the public schools of the city as well as the Free Academy, and to present a flag to each school. At a meeting ot the Post held in December this action of the committee was heartily endorsed, and authority was given to continue the work by purchasing suitable flags and making all the necessary arrangements for carrying out the enlarged plan. The committee decided that a public meeting, to be called “ The Washington Convention,” should be held at the City Hall, at which delegations from all the public schools should be present, such delegations to be chosen on the score of merit, and that standard bearers, one from each school, should be selected to receive the flags from the hands of the members of the Post. It was also arranged to have appropriate exercises in connection with the presentation of the flags. It was proposed to ask for the co-operation of the Board of Education in this movement and such further action on their part as would tend to perpetuate the celebration of Washington’s birthday in subsequent years. The committee was able to report at a meeting of the Post held February 15th, that all the arrangements had been com¬ pleted. How well these were carried out the following pages will show. (6) III. C O-OPER AT ION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. IN accordance with the instruction from the Post, the commit¬ tee then prepared a communication to be submitted to the Board of Education. This communication embodied the principal ideas and most of the details contained in the previous report, which had been unanimously adopted by the Post. The conference between the committee and the Board of Education took place on the evening of the 21st of January, 1889. The communication in full and the description of the manner in which it was received by the Board are here reproduced from the columns of the Rochester Morning Herald. {From the Rochester Morning Herald , Jan. 22, 1889.] A PATKIOTIC DEPARTURE. Flags for the Public School Children. The Generous Gift and Valuable Suggestions which the Board of Education received from Geo. Hi Thomas Post last night. A regular meeting of the board of education was held last evening. The first part of the meeting was devoted to the reception of a committee from George H. Thomas Post, G. A. R., which appeared before the board to present a proposition both valuable and original. The committee was composed of Rev. L. T. Foote, Professor William C. Morey, A. L. Mabbett, E. Y. Stoddard, Porter Farley, Professor John G. Allen, S. C. Pierce and General John A. Reynolds. Upon motion of Commissioner Noyes the gentlemen were invited to state the object of their visit. Professor Morey was introduced by Rev. Mr. Foote as the spokesman of the party and proceeded to read the following communication : 8 u To the honorable Boa/rd of Education : u Gentlemen : A committee appointed by the George H. Thomas Post, Number 4, G. A. R., to confer with the Board of Education regarding the presentation of flags to the public schools of the City of Rochester respectfully submit the following com¬ munication. That the purpose of this communication may be fully understood at the outset, a brief preliminary statement may be necessary to explain the general motives by which it is prompted. “ It is one of the avowed objects of the organization which we represent to emphasize the sentiments of loyalty and patriotism as the pre-eminent virtues of the American citizen. We believe that the integrity and perpetuity of our national institutions are largely dependent upon the diffusion of a patriotic sentiment among all classes of citizens. A firm devotion to the fundamental principles upon which our whole political system rests is neces¬ sary, we believe, to the preservation of a healthy and vigorous national life. To exalt these principles is consistent with the purpose of every legitimate party organization. While we believe that party organizations form a necessary part of a republican system of government, and while we cannot object to any proper means for securing loyalty to such organizations, we are yet con¬ vinced that the American people should also keep before them the importance of cultivating the higher virtues of national loy¬ alty and patriotism. It may not seem unreasonable that those who have been called upon to defend the country in the time of its greatest danger, should, in the time of its prosperity, feel the need of keeping alive that sense of national honor and that pride in our American institutions that are necessary to give us security against any unseen dangers which may hereafter threaten our existence. And we believe that no loyal citizen can disap¬ prove of any proper measures that may be suggested to accom¬ plish such an end. “ It is, furthermore, our conviction that measures of this kind will be especially beneficial and lasting in their influence, if directed toward the rising generation, which is preparing for the duties of citizenship. Whatever can be done to create in the minds of the young an enthusiastic love for their country will contribute much toward the strengthening of our national insti- 9 tutions. We believe that in some way the cultivation of this spirit should form a part of every system of education. But it seems especially appropriate that something of this kind should be done in connection with that part of our educational system which derives its support from the public. Our public schools are essentially a part of our American system ; and they afford the best field for cultivating the patriotic spirit which is neces¬ sary to support and perpetuate that system. While we believe that efforts similar to those which we have in view should be extended to all schools — private as well as public, ecclesiastical as well as secular, industrial, commercial and technical as well as general — we yet believe that the education which is supported at public expense, and which has for one of its conscious ends the protection of our institutions by the making of good citizens, should, above all others, be imbued with a patriotic sentiment. “We still further believe that a plan, having in view the end proposed, may be so arranged as to revive an interest in one of our national holidays which should be held in sacred and perpetual remembrance — that is, Washington’s birthday. With the proper celebration of the Fourth of July, Memorial day and Washing¬ ton’s birthday, we would have the means of commemorating the greatest and most significant events in our national history. The enthusiastic zeal with which the young American takes to powder and noise is a sufficient assurance that the Declaration of Inde¬ pendence will never be forgotten. The general interest which attaches to the celebration of martial heroism and sacrifice will tend, at least for many years to come, to keep alive the glorious and mournful memories of the civil war. The name of Wash¬ ington marks the transition period between our revolutionary and constitutional history, an appreciation of which requires a certain amount of knowledge and intelligent judgment. To commem¬ orate, in a suitable manner, the character of the greatest of patriots, to call to mind the renowned examples of his colleagues, to recount the events of his career and of contemporaneous his¬ tory, would be especially appropriate for those who are being educated for the duties of American citizenship. And we believe that a suitable celebration of Washington’s birthday might be instituted which would awaken an intelligent interest on the part of the best pupils in our public schools, especially if the partici¬ pation in such exercises were based upon merit. 10 “It is with these general ideas in mind that we have been led to recommend to your consideration the plan herein contained the plan to be carried out on the condition that it receive the approval of your Board. This plan involves two general features : “First — The presentation to each of the public schools of a suitable flag, which shall be sacredly preserved and transmitted yearly from one set of custodians to another in the same school. “ Second — The organization of a general convention of dele¬ gates from the public schools, to be held on Washington’s birth¬ day, at which convention there shall be appropriate exercises of a patriotic nature and the formal presentation or transmission of the flags. “ In the first place, we desire to present to each of the public schools of the City of Rochester, a handsome, well-made flag. This flag we desire to be looked upon by the schools not only as the ensign of our country, but also as a symbol of perpetual loyalty and patriotism, received from those who themselves par¬ ticipated in the civil war, to be sacredly preserved by each band of custodians and transmitted uninjured to their successors. It is to be a symbol, not of war, but of peace ; not of discord, but of perpetual union. The pupils should be inspired with a sense of pride in its possession and a desire to preserve it as long as possi¬ ble and in as good condition as possible. It should be kept in a secure place and exposed only on occasions of a purely patriotic character. Its value will be enhanced with the lapse of time. In half a century, or in less time, a flag thus preserved will come to be a symbol worthy to be venerated. W e can well appreciate the sentiment which such a flag in time will inspire, when we remem¬ ber our own regard for some significant relic of the past. A flag actually received from those who took part in the most heroic period of our nation;s history will become, in time, a fit object to stir the patriotic blood of its youthful possessors. While the flag should properly be regarded as belonging to the whole school, we would suggest that it be put under the nominal charge of a band of custodians, appointed annually on the basis of merit, whose position would thus be one of honor. The persons thus appointed to receive the flag would also, by virtue of their position, be the delegates to the general convention of the public schools held on Washington’s birthday. Their number could be apportioned 11 among the several schools according to the whole number of pupils in each school. One of these custodians should be selected as “standard bearer” to carry the flag in front of the delegation, after receiving it from his predecessor. The new delegation for • each year would thus march to the convention preceded by the two standard bearers, the one for the previous year bearing the flag to the convention, and the one for the ensuing year bearing it back to the school. “ In the next place, we are in favor of an annual public school convention, as herein suggested, on Washington’s birthday, for various reasons. It would not merely afford the most suitable occasion for presenting the flags, in such a manner as we would desire to present them, and by the continuance of a beautiful custom give a new significance to this holiday ; it would also, by its very nature, create a degree of enthusiastic interest which can only be elicited by concerted action. It would give an exhibition of the unity of our school system, and make every one of its par¬ ticipants feel that he was a part of a larger organization, and thus create an esprit de corps essential to the development of public sentiment and an appreciation of general interests. The conven¬ tion composed of the honored delegates from the public schools and a certain number of invited guests from the parents and other citizens should, in our opinion, be under the charge of the Board of Education and presided over by its president, as the per¬ son who properly represents the unity of our public school system. The exercises at present held in the public schools on the 21st of February, need not be disturbed, but could be made preliminary to the “ Washington convention” on the 22d, and would afford a suitable opportunity for appointing the delegates or custodians for the ensuing year. The delegates thus appointed would, at a given time, march from their several schools, or places of rendez¬ vous, to the convention hall. They would take their proper places in the assembly room, indicated by markers, upon which would be the numbers of their respective schools. The exercises should be participated in, for the most part, by the pupils them¬ selves. They should consist of patriotic declamations, rehearsals, selections, songs, etc., and should close with the formal presenta¬ tion of the flags, accompanied by a presentation speech by the president of the Board, or some other person selected for the 12 occasion. At the first convention the flags should be delivered in person by members of the Post to the standard bearers ap¬ pointed to receive them. At the subsequent conventions the flags should be delivered by the standard bearers to those appointed to receive them for the following year, followed, perhaps, by the singing of the “ Star Spangled Banner’’ or some other patriotic song by the whole convention. “ These details have been suggested simply to show that the general plan proposed is a practical one. The minor details of the plan would, of course, be left to the discretion of the Board. In conclusion we would express the belief that if this plan should meet with the approval of the Board of Education, its execution would tend to keep alive and perpetuate the spirit of loyalty and patriotism, and also to exercise a healthful and beneficial influence upon the rising generation, and, furthermore, to rescue from apparent neglect a national holiday which should be held in perpetual honor.” The communication received the close attention of the commis¬ sioners and they applauded vigorously when Professor Morey concluded reading. At the invitation of the Board brief remarks upon the subject were made by other members of the committee. They stated, among other things, that the Post which they repre¬ sented would pay all the expenses of the first “Washington convention,” to be held this year, of course. Commissioner Noyes moved that the offer of George H. Thomas Post and the sug¬ gestions accompanying it be accepted, and that a special com¬ mittee be appointed to confer with the representatives of the Post and make the necessary arrangements to carry out the idea. The motion was carried and Commissioners Noyes, Moody and Kingsley were appointed as such committee, President Cook and Superintendent Ellis being afterwards added. IY. Preparation by the Public Schools. Shortly after the Board of Education adopted the proposition of the committee, the Superintendent of Public Instruction called a meeting of the principals of the schools. At this meeting the plan of the proposed convention was thoroughly discussed, the number of delegates apportioned among the various schools, the manner of their appointment agreed upon, dates assigned for rehearsals of the musical portion of the exercises, and many other details settled. The meeting was harmonious and enthusiastic, and from the beginning it was evident that as far as the princi¬ pals were concerned every effort would be put forth to make the convention a success. In preparation for the general exercises of the convention great interest was manifested in the schools, not only by the delegates themselves, but also by the many thousands of pupils who could not hope to be present at the City Hall. On the day previous to the convention, declamations, songs, readings, etc., appropriate to the occasion, were given in almost every grade of every school. The following programmes, selected from a score or more, will give an idea of what was general throughout the schools : (13) 14 SCHOOL NO. 3. Instrumental solo — National Airs, Sketch of Washington’s Life, Chorus— Flag of the Free, Recitation— My Country, Chorus, - Recitation, - - - Chorus — America, Club Swinging, Recitation — The Inventor’s Wife, Instrumental duet, Chorus — Lullaby from Erminie, Concert Recitation (Washington) Chorus- George Washington (five boys), The American Flag, - Recitation, ----- Song — Hail Our Country’s Natal Morn, - Recitation — Our Silent Hero, - Chorus — The Star Spangled Banner, Recitation — Washington, Instrumental solo, - Instrumental duet, - - - Recitation — Washington, - Song — Home and Mother, Cora Schultz. - Tillie Warford. Fourth grade B. First grade. Susie Collinson. Ninth and Tenth grades. Sadie Brewster. Lillian Hensler. Gertie Lewis and Josie Smith. Second grade. -Our Flag, Third grade A. Third grade B. Fourth grade A. Ralph Crowley. Eighth grade. Maud Richards. Ninth and Tenth grades. Lulu Maloney. Josie Smith. Katie and Louise Wetinore. May Vinton. Edward Lux. Medley on Accordeon, - - Instrumental duet, - - Bertha Cragg and Mamie Cragg. Solo, ------- William J. Curtiss. SCHOOL NO. 4. PART I. Song— America, ------ By the School. Recitation— Song of Plymouth Rock, Kittie Angell, Tenth grade. Selections— Life of Washington, - - Pupils of Eighth grade. Recitation— Revolutionary Tea, - - Frank Strong, Ninth grade. Recitation— Webster’s Reply to Hayne, George B. Miller, Tenth grade. Song— Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, - - By the School. Recitation— Battle of Lexington, Clifton Williamson, Eighth grade. Recitation— George Washington, - Emile Clark, Seventh grade. Recitation — The Incorruptible Patriot, Carrie Ruthven, Ninth grade. Recitation Washington, - - Fannie Shannon, Seventh grade, bong— Battle Hymn of the Republic, - - - By the School. 15 PART II. Duet— Instrumental, Rebecca Fraser and Bessie Logan, Tenth grade. Recitation — The Little Black-Eyed Rebel, - Frances Telford, Eighth grade. Recitation — Emily Gregor’s Ride, Recitation — The Red, White and Blue, Recitation — History of the Flag, Song — The Star Spangled Banner, Recitation — The Pride of Battery B, Recitation — The Irish Drummer Boy, Recitation— Wounded, Song— Tenting on the old Camp Ground, Solo, Frank Strong and Chorus. Recitation— Hetty McEwen, - - Annie Shannon, Eighth grade. Recitation — Sherman’s March to the Sea, Georgia Newman, Seventh grade. Song— Marching Thro’ Georgia, - - - Solo and Chorus. Recitation— Drake’s American Flag, - Walter Arnold, Tenth grade. Recitation — Union and Liberty, - - Ruth Adams, Tenth grade. The Flag of the Free, ----- By the School. Addie Perry, Eighth grade. - Lena Smith, Eighth grade. DeWitt Treman Ninth grade. - Solo and chorus. Katie Clark, Seventh grade. Emma Benson, Seventh grade. Alice Rogers, Seventh grade. SCHOOL NO. 6-GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT. Declamation — Tribute to Washington, - - Henry Johnson. Recitation — The Ride of Jennie McNeal, - - Maud Lee. Recitation — Night at Trenton, - - - - Emma Wade. Song— Our Flag, Allie Cornell, Carrie Stone and Jessie Cogswell. Decamation — Incorruptible Patriot,  Bentley. Recitation — George Washington, - - - Jennie Jamieson. Recitation— The Blue and the Gray, - - - Lillian Buell. Dialogue— The Little Hatchet Story, Maude Thayer and Jennie Hanan. Recitation— Paul Revere’s Ride,  Song — George Washington, - - Allie Cornell, Carrie Stone, Jessie Cogswell. Recitation— The Sword of Bunker Hill, - Florence Franklin. 2 Declamation — Barbara Frietchie, - May Wallace. Recitation — Independence Bell, - Minnie Speidel. Declamation — Never Give Up, - - - Bert Stott. Recitation— Twenty-Second of February, - - - Mary Toaz. Declamation — Then and Now, - Glen Hinolf. Recitation — The Soldier’s Reprieve, - - - Hattie Ricker. Declamation— Sergeant of the Fifteenth, - Emery Dunklee. SCHOOL NO. 9. Piano Solo — March, - Declamation — Character of Washington, - Recitation — Independence Bell, Chorus — America, - Recitation — The Boy who Never Told a Lie, Recitation — Nathan Hale, - Vocal Solo — Light in the Window, Recitation — The Flower of Liberty, Declamation — The Union, Chorus — Marching Through Georgia, Recitation — Barbara Frietchie, Recitation — Sheridan’s Ride, Vocal Solo — Native Land, Recitation — The Soldier’s Reprieve. Recitation — The Wounded Colonel, Vocal Solo — Washington’s Grave, Recitation — The Blue and the Gray; Recitation— Somebody’s Darling, Chorus — Columbia, - Elma Ulscht. Barney Berman. Nettie Gunkler. Fred Walker. Bertha Menn. Louise Yeackel. Emma Kipphut. James Stalker. Jennie De Neve. - Ida Birr. Lulu MacCalum. Franc Holtz. - Rachel Levy. Victor Webber. Tobie Greenberg. Anna Davis. SCHOOL NO. 11. Chorus — America, - Recitation — Our Country, - Reading — Independence Bell, Essay — Early Days of Washington, Chorus— Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, Recitation — Driving Home the Cows, Recitation — A Little Child, Music — Piano Solo, - Conversation on the Life and Characteristics Chorus — Star Spangled Banner, Recitation— The Little Quaker, - Pearl Keeler. - Pupils Fifth Grade. Ray Foster, Christabel Blackford. Genie Brown. of Washington, Pupils of Sixth Grade. Margie White. 17 Reading1 — Which is Greater, George Washington or Christopher Columbus ? . Arnold Empey. Solo and Chorus— Battle Hymn of the Republic, - Declamation— The Last Broadside, Piano Solo, - Scene in the Life of Washington, Recitation — The Boston Tea Party, Solo and Chorus— Tenting To-Night, Declamation— Roll Call, Recitation — A Song for Our Soldiers, Piano Solo, - Declamation— George Washington, Recitation — He Never Told a Lie, - The American Flag, Song — Flag of My Country, Walter Kempe. Grace Dunning. Helen Probst. Willie Pringle. Rose Gaffney. Tommie Kirby. Emma Watkyns. - By the Guard of Honor. SCHOOL NO. 17. Composition — Life of Washington, Reading — Return from the French Forts — Irving , Composition — Causes of the Revolution, - Reading — Battle of Lexington — Bancroft , Declamation— War Inevitable — Patrick Henry , Reading — Battle of Bunker Hill — Frothingha?7i, Reading — Washington Chosen — t Sparks , Reading — Independence — Parton, Recitation — The Liberty Bell, - Reading — Valley Forge — Green , Reading — Surrender of Cornwallis — Thacher , Reading — Farewell to His Officers — Marshall , Reading — The Inauguration — Hildreth , Declamation — Washington’s Farewell Address, Reading — Death of Washington — Marshall , Reading — Character of Washington — Everett, Declamation — Eulogy on Washington — Webster , Declamation — Love of Country — iScott, Declamation — Union — Webster , - Myrtie Brice. Lillie Loysen. Mary Ennis. Cora Brice. George Gerling. Maggie Milligan. Henry Gerling. Libbie Stalker. - Olive Lombard. Stephen Brayer. Charles Newman. John Kase. Julia Koehler. C. Bechtold. - Nettie Wood. Bertha Bott. Eddie Haskin. H. Thompson. Willie Lyon. SCHOOL NO. 18. Singing — Flag of the Country, ----- School. Memory Exercise — Our Nation’s Birthday, - Tenth Grade Pupils. Recitation— Mount Vernon, - - - Esther Margrander. Essay— Our Flag, ------ Mary Stratton. Recitation — An Ode for Washington’s Birthday, Reading — Washington as a Civilian, Song — Star Spangled Banner, - Essay — Washington, ----- Recitation — Union and Liberty, Recitation — In Memory of Washington, Song, ------ Essay — Onr Country, . - Recitation — The American Flag, Recitation — The Boys Rally, Reading — Ballad of the Boston Tea Party, - Singing — Battle Hymn of the Republic, Reading — Lincoln’s Inaugural Address, Reading— Tom Brown’s Fourth of July, - Recitation — Washington, Recitation — The Twenty-Second of February, Singing — Tenting on the Old Camp Ground, Reading— Boston Tea Party, Reading — Independence Bell, - Reading — Battle of Lexington, - Reading — Warren’s Address, - Reading — Paul Revere’s Ride, Reading — Washington’s Life in Danger Jessie Morrison, Elmer Buckland. - Ida E. Brown, Clara Coit. Eddie Gottschalk. Five girls, - Lillie Schmitt, Cora Laming, Harry Bareham. Mabel Miller, - Frank A. Walter, - Bertha Irving, Louis Lazarus, Nellie Daggs, Walter Lauer, Lillie Thomas. Fannie Van Ingen, Willie Boone. Bessie Van Ingen, Charlie Zeiner. Y. Exercises on Washington’s Birthday, FEBRUARY 22d, 1889. HEADQUARTERS GEO. H. THOMAS POST, No. 4. DEPARTMENT N. Y.( G. A. R. general orders { Rochester, February IS, 1889. No. 3. j In accordance with a resolution adopted by the Post, the members are hereby ordered to report at the New York State Arsenal, Friday, February 22d, at 1:30 p. m., sharp, wearing the regulation soft black hat with cord, white gloves and Grand Army Badge. Comrade . is hereby detailed to carry one of the flags for presentation. By command of J. A. REYNOLDS, P. C. D. E. Sackett, Adjt. Pursuant to the above General Orders No. 3, the following members of the Post reported at the place designated : 1. Jno. A. Reynolds, Commander, 2. S. S. Eddy, Sen. Vice Commander, 3. A. H. Bruman. Jun. Vice Commander, 4. W. C. Morey, 5. T. C. Hodgson, 6. Milton H Smith, 7. B. L. Hovey, 8. E. T. Cnrtis, 9. C. W. Wall, 10. W. W. Robacher, 11. B. F Harris, 12. W. K. Barlow, 13. H. S. Greenleaf, 14. M. Leyden, 15. James Hutchinson, 16. Wm. Emerson, 17. G. H. Reynolds, 18. S. C. Pierce, 19. S. B. Williams, 20. James E. Briggs, 21. I). S. Barber, 22. J. Geo. Cramer, 23. Rob’t J. Lester, 24. N. P. Pond, 25. A. J. Reibling, 26. G. W. Goler, 27. G. W. Sill, 28. S. P. Quick, 29. E. V. Stoddard, 30. Jno. G. Allen, 31. H. H. Pyott, 32. H. C. Munn, 33. A L. Mabbett, 34. David Little, 35. Henry Lomb, 36. Wm. Williams, 37. L. T. Foote, 38. Porter Farley, 39. R. A. Adams, 40. J. Z. Culver, 41. W. W. Gilbert, 42. D. E. Sackett, 43. W. H. Benjamin, 44. Henry C. Frost. (19) 20 After the Post had been formed in line in front of the Arsenal and a photograph taken, the veterans, in sections of eight, with flags unfurled to the breeze, marched through Clinton street to Main, thence to the City Hall. A company of men who, twenty- five years before, had fought for the old flag, now bearing thirty- two of these emblems for such a purpose as that contemplated, formed a unique and inspiring spectacle that elicited the hearty commendations of the citizens along the route. The City Hall presented a patriotic and handsome appearance. It was the stars and stripes, and that flag alone, that was grace¬ fully suspended at the sides and along the rear of the auditorium, that fluttered on the breasts of seven hundred girls and boys — the flower of Rochester’s schools. It was the red, white and blue that hung in graceful festoons from above the platform, where so many of the Union’s patriots have spoken, and that formed a frame for the fine portrait of Washington, displayed at the rear of the stage. Long before the hour fixed for the opening of the afternoon’s ceremonies, throngs of people had pressed into the hall and filled every available space. As the capacity of the hall necessitated a limited number of tickets, it was impossible for the managers to accommodate all who wished to attend. A detail of policemen was in attendance to assist in disposing of the vast audience. The “ honor guard,” consisting of those pupils selected from each school, whose duty it will be during the coming year to care for the flags entrusted to their charge, occupied seats in the body of the hall, their location being indicated by “markers.” The dainty colors affected by many of the girls of the schools formed a pleasing contrast with the conventional black worn by the boys, and the picture which was presented as they chatted merrily together, while the audience assembled, was indeed a pleasing one. At half-past two o’clock, the gentlemen who were to take part in the exercises entered the hall and took their seats upon the platform. These consisted of the Mayor and the members of the Board of Education, together with many prominent citizens. They were followed by George H. Thomas Post, bearing the flags to be presented to the schools. The old soldiers remained standing in line for several minutes amid the enthusiastic applause of the audience. 21 Commander J ohn A. Reynolds called the assemblage to order and announced the selection of President Charles S. Cook, of the Board of Education, to preside over the meeting. The exercises consisted of patriotic speeches, songs, declama¬ tions and the presentation of flags, in accordance with the fol¬ lowing programme. Order of Exercises. I. MUSIC — Band. II. PRAYER — Rev. L. T. Foote, Chaplain George H. Thomas Post. O, God ! Thou who rulest in the armies of Heaven and who art ever seeking to be enthroned in the hearts of the children of men, we come to Thee to-day with gratitude in our hearts and words of supplication on our lips. W e thank Thee for the inspiration that suggested the services of this occasion. Whatever there is in them that is right and good, is of Thee. We seek Thy blessing upon all that is here done in Thy name. We thank Thee for that wonderful provi¬ dence that led our forefathers to the shores of this new world, to establish here a new form of civil government, under which all men should be protected in their inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We thank Thee for the man whose birth we this day cele¬ brate and whose memory and virtues we fondly cherish. We thank Thee for the faith that inspired him, the courage that sustained him, the wisdom that guided him, and the spotless integrity of character that made him the trusted and success¬ ful leader of our armies in the dark days of our struggle for national independence and that won for him the revered name, 4 The Father of his Country.5 We thank Thee for that gracious providence that has been over us as a people, in preserving this land as the theater of a 22 new experiment in civil and religions freedom. We bless Thy name, Oh God, for Thy providential care in the conflict in which so many of ns were recently engaged ; a conflict that broke the fetters of millions of bondmen and that settled for all time the integrity of the Union. We seek Thy blessing upon onr country ; protect her in the future as Thou hast in the past from all her foes, those from within and those from without. May Thy blessing rest upon all our free institutions, our public schools, our seminaries and uni¬ versities, whose object is to make our young men and young women intelligent and worthy citizens of this free republic. Bless the churches, whose object is to give tone to the public conscience and to furnish the incentives that will incline men to lead moral and upright lives. Bless, we pray Thee, the public schools of this city and the children who are here to-day to rep¬ resent them and to receive from the hands of the men who took part in the late war of the rebellion, the flags which are the emblems of our nation’s life and glory. May the spirit of loyalty and patriotism that rules this hour be ever kept alive in their hearts, and be imparted to each succes¬ sive class to whom these flags shall be transmitted. May they and their successors be ever mindful of the blessings they enjoy under our free government and of what it cost to secure and maintain them. Bless the Board of Education, which has so heartily co-operated with the members of the Grand Army in the work this day inaugurated. Bless, we pray Thee, our Order, in all the purposes for which it was organized ; the purposes of fraternity, charity and loyalty, and of keeping alive not only the memories, but also the virtues and sacrifices of the brave men who in the time of the nation’s peril laid their all upon the altar of their country. Their ranks are growing thinner with each succeeding year. None can take their places. The stooping shoulders, the wrinkled brows, the silvered hair tell that soon the arms that wielded the saber and carried the musket in their country’s, defense will fall nerveless at the side and their voices be hushed in the stillness of death. And may the children who are here to-day never forget the impression of this hour. May they ever remember that peace hath her victories as well as war, and may they so fight the battle 23 of life, be so true and brave in defense of all that is good and right, in Thy Name that they with us may become citizens of that heavenly country for which we were all created ; and unto Thee, O God, shall we give the praise, for ever and ever. Amen. III. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS— IIon. C. R. Parsons, Mayor of Rochester. Mr. President and Fellow-Citizens and Scholars — No department of our city government, and no interest committed to the care of officials anywhere throughout this broad land of ours is of greater concern or of more vital importance to the people of this country than the education of its children and youth. 