“‘In order to express our loyalty to our country’s cause and to the Association which we have fostered so long, and to testify to our belief in the necessity for music as a mighty inspiration, a profound solace during times of stress, we take pleasure in presenting to the Philadelphia Orchestra Association and to the Orchestra a flag. “‘This is the visible demonstration of the patriotism of this organization and of the Women’s Committees during our period of national peril.’ “Both Mr. Van Rensselaer and Mr. Stokowski spoke words of appreciation of the Women’s Committees’ offering. The former read the resolutions adopted by the Association, and the most popular of musical leaders, Mr. Stokowski, on behalf of the orchestra announced that he and the men meant to give their services in a concert for the benefit of the American Red Cross, which statement naturally was greeted with responsive applause by the huge audience. “The remarks by which Mr. Stokowski declared the Orchestra’s loyalty to the United States were gracefully made, and his action necessarily was profoundly appreciated by his many friends and admirers whose numbers have already increased accordingly. “The ceremonies closed with two verses of ‘America’ in which everyone joined heartily. The effect was thrilling. Many eyes were moist and many hearts were moved. “These are trying times that test men’s souls and it does not take much to force to the surface deep, pent-up emotions that long training had suppressed.” * * * * * At a special meeting of the Board of Directors, December 13th, 1917, the following Resolution was unanimously adopted: “WHEREAS the Women’s Committees for the Philadelphia Orchestra are presenting to the Philadelphia Orchestra Association and the Philadelphia Orchestra two American flags as an expression of the patriotic spirit animating their organization of two thousand women, “BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association in behalf of the fifteen hundred contributing members of the Association, that these flags be accepted in the spirit with which they are given, with the thanks of the Association, and that the management be instructed to display them on the stage of the Academy at each concert given by the Orchestra. “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board of Directors, that it pledges the loyalty of the Association to the Government and people of the United States in this crisis in the affairs of the nation, and offers its services to be made use of in any way in which the Government of the United States may deem wise.” The next patriotic demonstration was the concert at Camp Dix, N. J. _Public Ledger_, January 3rd, 1918: “ORCHESTRA PLAYS FOR CAMP DIX MEN