It is interesting to know how and why the little white flag which is
always looked upon with breathless interest in the emergencies that
call it forth, first came to be used.
When carried by the lone soldier on horse or on foot between the armies
it has a significance that is always respected, and on the sea the
hoisting of this flag at the ship’s mast or the carrying of the flag
of white by boat to the enemy stops the firing of the guns. The custom
originated in the church in the tenth or eleventh century.
Curiously enough while it is the only flag that is to-day used by all
nations of the earth alike, no regularly made flag of truce is found in
the flag lockers of nations. It is improvised when the emergency arises
for its use. In the late war with Spain, such flags of truce as were
used were made of blankets, sheets, table cloths. It is a flag that
commands the enemy’s respect. An account of the origin of the flag of
truce lately published, is as follows:
“La peace et la treve de Dieu” (The peace and the truce of God) was an
agreement between the turbulent barons and the church, as severe injury
and loss was most frequently the result of the private warfares which
constantly raged.
To protect itself, but more especially to preserve justice and moral
order, the church established a system which has exercised a beneficent
influence down to this day.
The agreement stipulated a cessation of hostilities on certain
festivities and saint’s days, and from Saturday to Monday. The barons
and warrior class pledged during the time of war to extend full
protection to women, pilgrims, priests, monks, travelers, merchants
and agriculturists; to abstain from the destruction or injury of farm
implements, the burning of crops, and the killing of live stock of the
peasants. Penalties in violation of this agreement comprised money
fines, bafflings, banishment, and excommunication.
Originating in the south of France this system was soon adopted
through the whole of France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and England, and
in 1095 Pope Urban II. proclaimed its universal extension throughout
Christendom.
In time the Crown assumed this protective power, and the phrase was
changed to “La paix et la treve du Roi,” or “The peace and truce of
the king.” The republics recognized the time-honored institution, and
the simple unfolding of a white cloth will instantly cause a cessation
of hostilities. The adoption of a white emblem appears to be lost in
tradition, as authorities do not reveal it. Doubtless it is similar,
or may have arisen through a belief in the white Samite which shielded
the Holy Grail from the gaze of unbelievers. Emblematic of purity,
associated with the mythical knights of the Round Table, and used in
the Crusades, it is probable that this sacred truce flag may have
originated from the Samite of the Holy Grail.
At the present time, if presented during an engagement firing is not
required to cease; nor, if the bearer be killed or wounded, is there
ground for complaint. The truce emblem can be retained if admitted,
during an engagement. Penalties are incurred if the truce emblem be
wrongfully used, the severest being the ignominious death of a spy.
The following was written at the tomb of Washington in 1833 by Dr.
Andrew Reed, English philanthropist: