THE NATIONAL FLAG.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 70, 14 July 1914, Page 4

THE NATIONAL FLAG.

Lord Meath’s reminder, in connection with the Empire Day celebrations last week-end, that the Union Jack is the national flag, is perhaps unnecessary (says the Westminster Gazette) as until quite recently eminent authorities were of the opinion that the Reel Ensign was entitled to that distinction, while not a few encroached on the Royal prerogative by flying the Royal Standard. Some flve years ago, however, the Home Office notified that the Union Jack—-which at sea may only be flown by ships of the Royal Navy—is national property on land. Just previously the Scottisn Office had instructed the constabulary in Scotland to prosecute anyone flying the Scottish “Lion Flag. ’ winch it was intimated was the King’s ■ ar sonal property; but King Edwa r ( tactfully intervened, and the Scottish Secretary subsequently announced that the red lion rampant upon a y-uiow ground “is only/one quarter of the Royal Standard, and therefore cahnot be tiro real Royal Standard. '