The Cheyenne Daily Leader

Roman Standards.

In the Roman army there was a very highly developed system of military ensigns, which, just as among modern nations, were regarded not merely as a rallying point for a given body of men, but as an emblem of the state, and were therefore surrounded with a veneration which degenerated into idolatry. From a tactical point of view, the Roman standards were of more importance than the flag at the present day, for the movements of the troops were entirely regulated by them.

According as they were raised and carried forward, planted in the ground or turned toward the rear, in obedience to the sounds of the horns of the "cornicines," the army broke up its camp and marched or retreated and halted.

In the camp the standards were planted before the general's tent, where their presence sanctified the spot as though it were a temple and rendered it a safe depository for the booty collected by the legion. It was to the standards the soldiers swore allegiance, and the first step of a pretender who sought to become emperor was to seize the standards, as he thereby secured the fidelity of the legion.—All the Year Round.