The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1861-02-26
LipceIn In independence HAL.

Af OCeBu
The ceremony Of raising the flag OF thirty
four stars over the Hall Of Independence this
mefaiHg, by Lincoln, WAS attended With all
the solemnity due such an occasion, the scene
being an impressive one.
At the rising Of the sun. crowds Of people
streamed from all parts OF the city towards
the State House, and very soon every inch
of ground was occupied, a vast number Of
ladies beng present. The weather was cool
and bracing. At seven O'Clock Mr.. Lincoln
was escorted to the hall, and there received
by Theodore Cuyler, who warmly welcomed
him to it's venerable walls in the honr Of ma
tionai peril and distress. when the great work
achieved by the wisdom and patriotism OF
eHf fathers eaems threatened With inatant
ruin.
Mr.. Lincoln responded as follows
Mr.. Cuyer-I I'm filled with deep emotion
at finding myself standing here in this place,
where were collected together the wisdom,
the patriotism, the devotion to principle,
from which spring the institutions under
which We live. You have kindly suggested
that 10 my hands is tbs task OF restoring
peace 10 the present distracted condition OF
the country. | can say in return, sir, that
all the political sentiments / entertain have
draw them, from the sentiments which orig
mated and were given to the world from this
hall. have never had feeling, politically,
that did not spring from the sentiments en-
bodied in the Declaration of Independence.
have often pondered over the dangers which,
were incurred by the men who assembled
hers and framed and adopted tina. Declera.
tion Of Independence. have ponderei over
the tolls that were endured by the officers
and sodiers Of the army who achieved that
independence. have often inquired Of my
self what great principle or idea it was that
kept this confederasy SO long together. Is
was moi the msre matter OF the separation of
the colonies from the mother land, but that
sentiment in the Declaration OF Independence
WHOM gave liberty, not alone to the people
OF this country, but hope TO the world and
ell future time. Great applause.
IL Was that which gave promise that in due
time the weight would he lifted from the
shoulders Of ali men. This is a sentimen,
embodied in the Declaration Of lndepend
ence. Now, my friends, can this country b,
saved upon that basis1 II it can, will con
slider myself one OF the batpiest men in tn
world il ! can help cave is; il il cannot b
saved on that principle, it will be truly NV
full. But il this country cannot be save
without giving up that principle, Was abou
10 cay ! would rather be assassinated on thi
spot than surrender il. [Applnuse.1 Nov
in my view of tho present aspect oil affair
there need be no hloodshed or war. Thel
10 no necessity for it. am not in favor
such course, and may say in advance th
there will be no blood shed unless is
forced upon the government, and then i, vi
be compelled to act in self dsfence La
planse
My friends, this Is wholly IN unexpect,
speech, and did not expect to be called U
on 70 say anything when | came. gu
posed it was merely to DO something towar
raising the Gag. may therefore have ri
somethng indiscreet. [Cries Of mo, no..
! have said nothing but ~hat am willing
live by, ard if the pleasure Of Almighty Go
die BY.
Mr.. Lincoln concluded amid great a
plause. The members Of the CRY Coun
paid their respects 70. him, and the procs
sion moved directly Awards the plato,
erected in front OF the State House.
Mr.. Lincoln's appearance on the platform
was hailed with outbursts Of applause FRI
the surrounding multitude.
MIR. Benton, Of the select committee, ms
brief address, inviting Mr.. Lincoln to "a
the flag.
Mr. Lincoln replied 10 patriotic spec
stating bis cheerful compliance with the
quest. He alluded 10 the original flag
thirteen stars, saying that number bad
creased as time rolled on, and we becam
happy and prosperous people.