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Show PRESIDENT'S OWN FLAG. "It seems queer that with all these flags flying around up. the one staff not displaying dis-playing the American colors should be the fine steel spar on th White House," said a naval officer on Washington's birthday. " while standing on the east portico of the State, War and Navy department building, build-ing, and lirectly below the big ensign t!oatlr.g from the time-ball stair. "I know that the President is out of town and that Is whv the flag is not hoisted on this national' na-tional' holiday, but that does not seem to me sufficient reason for the failure to show the colors. The fact is that the Ftatuts -re.;ilre the American flag to be d.iljved on all public buildings during t f flee hours, and it Is a question In my rrln-l whether that law is sot being evad--d in the case of the White House. Of fnurpe, it Is desirable to Indicate the pres-i-rce or absence of the Chief Executive from his home, but that could be accom-l-hshe. in a much better way and by re-coiirso re-coiirso to the simple expedient of allowing the President to use his own flag to Indicate Indi-cate his movements. That is what an Admirnl does aboard a ship one can al-Ti-avs tell from Ehore whether he Is aboard his' flaps-nip ok not by the presence or absence ab-sence of his own pennant from the mast owl or signal arm. "Now perhaps It Is not generally known that the President by law and regulation ' Is authorized to fly his own flag, and a verv beautiful flag it is. a blue silk field . bearing the splendid crest of the coat of "Birns of the United States In the center snu hy avllv bordered with gold. Of course : these "oetails could be modified to suit service conditions and make the flag stand rough weather, but the President certainly should Fhow his flag. And the best way to do this would be to have the American flag hoisted over the executive effice building daily regardless of the Pfeeldent's whereabouts, indicating Its national character, while nothing should be flown from the steel staff on the White House but the President's blue flag when he is under its roof." Washington Star. |