Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/270

 that, however pretty they may be when made up by the cunning skill of a fair lady's fingers, in silk, satin, and embroidery, they are not appropriate as flags.

A flag should be simple, readily made, and, above all, capable of being made up in bunting; it should be different from the flag of any other country, place, or people; it should be significant; it should be readily distinguishable at a distance; the colors should be well contrasted and durable; and, lastly, and not the least important point, it should be effective and handsome. The committee humbly think that the flag which they submit combines these requisites. It is very easy to make. It is entirely different from any national flag. The three colors of which it is composed—red, white and blue—are the true republican colors. In heraldry they are emblematic of the three great virtues—of valor, purity, and truth. Naval men assure us that it can be recognized at a great distance. The colors contrast admirably, and are lasting. In effort and appearance it must speak for itself.

Your committee therefore recommend that ''shall consist of a red field with a white space extending horizontally through the centre, and equal in width to one-third the width of the flag; the red spaces above and below to be of the same width as the white. The Union blue, extending down through the white space, and stopping at the lower red space; in the center of the Union, a circle of white stars, corresponding in number with the States of the Confederacy. ''

If adopted, long may it wave over a brave, a free, and a virtuous people. May the career of the Confederacy, whose duty it will then be to support and defend it, be such as to endear it to our children's children as the flag of a loved, because a just and benign government, and the cherished symbol of its valor, purity and truth."

The report was adopted, and, on motion of Mr. Withers, of South Carolina, the whole report was entered upon the journal of the day previous, thus making the birth of the "Stars and Bars," as the flag soon came to be called, the symbol of the new