I have tried to convey here in popular terms the strong impression
remembered from my young days. The Red Ensign prevailed on the high seas
to such an extent that one always experienced a slight shock on seeing
some other combination of colours blow out at the peak or flag-pole of
any chance encounter in deep water. In the long run the persistence of
the visual fact forced upon the mind a half-unconscious sense of its
inner significance. We have all heard of the well-known view that trade
follows the flag. And that is not always true. There is also this truth
that the flag, in normal conditions, represents commerce to the eye and
understanding of the average man. This is a truth, but it is not the
whole truth. In its numbers and in its unfailing ubiquity, the British
Red Ensign, under which naval actions too have been fought, adventures
entered upon and sacrifices offered, represented in fact something more
than the prestige of a great trade.
The flutter of that piece of red bunting showered sentiment on the
nations of the earth. I will not venture to say that in every case that
sentiment was of a friendly nature.
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