neral march as a fitting sequence of the national anthem. Through the streets to the Luneta the procession wound its way and there it was joined by a multitude of other natives, all congregated to give the finishing insult to the government that has befriended them. The police directed the crowd to Wallace Field, but when the Constabulary Band began its concert the agitators surged into the road with their bands and completely drowned the music of Captain Loving's organization with the noise and din of their shouting and discordant music. Here, too, was committed the worst crime against constituted authority. One of the rioters tore the American flag out of the hands of the Filipino who carried it, and throwing Old Glory in the dirt, trampled upon it. This was the signal that others had been looking for. In less time than it takes to tell it every Filipino who could get at it jumped upon the flag and ground its stars and stripes into the dirt, tearing it into shreds. While this disgrace was being heaped upon the na OLD GLORY O flag that waves from sea to sea The lesson on thy folds is writ No victory ever yet was won Save by the stripes that bleed. So, blazoned on thy valiant field, tional banner the few police and other Americans on the scene were compelled to stand by indignantly and watch it being done. They were powerless to cope with the mob. All the time the flag was being trampled under foot the natives cheered and shrieked Filipina Libre until they were hoarse, while bands played "Aguinaldo's March" and Katipunan flags and banners were waved frantically in the air. Thus is our policy of benevolent assimilation and tolerance of the frivolities and weaknesses of this people again rewarded. Will the time never come when such outrages shall be punished as they deserve, or does the Government prefer to run along without protest until it finds itself unable to quell the inevitable insurrection that such demonstrations as that of last Sunday are inciting? If it is not cowardice that prevents the Government from holding its own against these Katipunan rebels, what is the restraining power? An incensed and outraged American community awaits an answer. [From the Manila American, August 17, 1907.] WOULD COMPEL MORE RESPECT For the Stars and Stripes Abroad and in the Philippines COMMITTEE TO WAIT ON TAFT For the Purpose of Laying Before Him Reasons Why the Flag Should Be Made a Sacred Emblem Here A committee of five men, representing the Army, Navy, Government, and business men in the Philippines will wait upon Secretary Taft immediately upon his arrival in Manila and request that he secure from congress or from the president proper regulations that will compel respect for the American flag in foreign countries and especially in the Philippine Islands. Since Sunday last when the Katipunan ensign was flaunted in the faces of Americans there has been much indignation expressed and many quiet meetings have been held in various sections of the city, of an impromptu character, but nevertheless of just as great meaning. The people who have attended these meetings have expressed themselves in unmeasured terms regarding the disrespect that has been shown the Stars and Stripes by the placing of the old revolutionary emblem above it by the Filipinos and they have determined that some action should be taken by the United States government to prevent a repetition of Sunday's scenes. The sentiment of the Americans in the city has been quietly sounded and it has been determined to make a formal appeal to Secretary Taft. It is hoped that some law can be passed by congress or by the commission which .will prevent disrespect in the future. Several times efforts have been made |