The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-05-23
Fiag-Raisinr nj Washington,

WAsHTNGIoN, May 22.-At loon to-day an i'm
mense concourse of enthusiastic persons witness
ed the ceremonies attendant the raising of
the American flag over the General Postotiic build
ing.
The President and Cabinet seated a
platform especially erected for their accommOds-
tion, together with several other distinguished
gentlemen.
Gen. Skinner, on b. half OF the officers and clerks
of the Department, opened the proceedings by ad
dressing the President.
The President, having advanced to the front of
the platform, was enthusiastically greeted from the
throng below, and said:
He was very happy, on all occasions, to be the
humble instrument of forwarding the very worthy
objects which had been expressed. He, therefore,
took pleasure in performing the part assigned him.
SUPPOSE that extended remarks not ex-
pected from him, he proceeded at once to act his
part.
He then hoisted the flag by a hand over hand
movement, amid deaIenug cheers, accompanied by
the waving of hats, and of handkerchie!s by the la
dies, the band playing, meantime, the "Star
Spargled Banner"
The President again appeared in front OF the
platform, saying it occurred to him that few
words would be appropriate to this occasion
Several weeks ago the Stars and Stripes hung
ankly about their stafls all the Union. SO it
was to-day when this flag was first raised but the
glorious breeze has unoded it, and it floats as
it should. He hoped the breeze was now
spreading out our glorious flag all over the nation
This expression met with general and enthusi-
astic response from the delighted multitude.
Postmaster General Blair, in behalf of the off
GERS and clerks # the department, thanked the as
semblage for their presence. He said: We are no
longer Democrats, Wings and Republicans. We
are Notwithstanding up for free nstitu-
tiOns, renewed cheers and we mean to exhibit
to the world that in pursuance of the great princi-
pie of maintaining free institutions
people, devoted to that end be the end far
Applause. Do not mistake our Southern friends
| am Southern man. They beg you to come and
1fIarr
cnnSpirat0rs against their freedom. voice
''Hang every one OF them"
After further remarks he added:
Disarm these conspirators, and these Southern
men, like you, will echo your voices in enthusiasm
to the Stars and Stripes.
As Mr.. Blair concluded he was warmly applaud
ed by the multitude.
Secretary Seward responded to the impatient
ana oft repeated calls for him, saving:
Fellow CdjzeuS-lou here have known well the
statesmen and orators Of some of the Southern
States We have known their courage, and the
spirit and the resolution of the people of all the
Southern States; but knowing all these, we know
two things which even they cannot do. One is to
destroy "llail Columbia aud the other is to de-
stroy the "Star Spaugled Banner" Repeated
cheering, intermingled with exclamations of "No,
never."1
They will fail to do it only because human nature
needs that the shall continue to be so, and that
the other shall continue to float over the sea and
the land. And what human nature needs God Al
mighty, the father Of human nature, decrees.-
Cheers and repeated applause, and music from the
band.
Secretary Smith, in response to calls for him,
addressed the assemblage.
In the course of his remarks, he expressed the
belief that the American people are equal to all
emergencies; that treason will be repelled rebellion
crushed aud the foundations of this glorious re-
public become stronger, and more enduring after
these troubles shall have passed away than they
even yet have been. That our flag will again float
and united nation cover the
land of the free and the home of the brave"
Other distinguished gentlemen called for
but none advanced to address the patrotcally ex-
cited multitude, and the Oand again PLAYED the
Star Spangled Banner, and number of voices
joined in the words of the song.
The hoisting of the flag of the most in
teresting and enthusiastic Of the Kind that
ever was presented in the city of Washington.