The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-02-28
Mr. Lincoln EaoiStinG the Amer
lean Flag over ERdcpen-
HeMGa Hail.


morning, by Mr.. Lincoln, was attended
with all the solcunity due such an occa-
sion, the scene being an impressive one.
At the rising of The sun crowds of peo-
pie screamed frcm all parts of the city
toward the State House, and very soon
every inch of ground was occupied, a
vast number of ladies being present.
The weather was COOL and bracing.
at Z o'clock Mr.. Lincoln was escorted
to the Hall, and there received bv Theo-
dore Cuyler, who warmly welcomed him
TO its venerable walls in the hour of ma
tionai peril and distress. When the great
work achieved BY the wisdom and ratri.
utiSm Of our fathers GEMS threatened with
Instant ruin. Mr.. Lincoln re- pouded as
follows:
Mr. CurLER: | am filed with deep
emotion. at finding myself standing here,
in this place, where were collected to.
gether tIe wisdom. the patriotism, the
devotion TO principle, from which sprang
the lustit ,tIOnS under which we live.
YOu have kindly suggested to me that ia
NY land is the task of restoring peace
q the present distracted condition vi the
country. | can say in return, Sir, that
all the political sentiments | entertain
have been drawn, SO far as | iavc been
able to draw them, from the sentiments
which origlna cd and were given to The
world from this hall. | nave never had
a feeling politically, that did not spring
from the sentiments embodied in the
Declaration Of Independence | have
often pondrred over the dangers which
were incurred by the men who assembled
here, and framed and adopted that Dc
l~aration Of independence | have pm
dere6 over the tolls that were endured by
the officers and soldiers Of the army who
achieved that Independence. | have oft.
EN- inquired my>,lf, what great principles
or Ideas it was that kept this C~Uutederacv
so long together. 1t was not the mere
matter Of the separation of the Colonies
from the mother land. But that seuti-
ment i'll the Declaration of independence
which gave liberty, not alone to the peo-
pie of this country, but, | hope. to the
world Tor all future time. Great APP
plause Il was that which gave rron-
iSe that in due time the weight would be
lifted from the shoulders of all men.
This is i. sentiment embodied in The Dee
l~aration of independence. Now, my
friends, can this country be saved upon
that basis? If it can, l will consider
myself one of the happiest men in tac
world, if | can help to save it. If it cav
not be saved upon that principle It will
be truly awful. But il this country can
not be saved without giving up tina. prin.
ciple, | was about to say | would rather
be a>sa>sinated on this spot than surren-
der it. [AppIause Now, in my view
of the present aspect of affairs, there need
b. no bloodshed or war. There is 10 ne
cessity for it. am not in favor Of such
a course. and / nay say, in advance, that
there will be no blood shed unless it BE-
forced upon the Government and then ii
will be compelled to act in self.defence.
AEplause.l
My friends, this is wholly an unex-
pected speech, and l did not expect to
be called upon to say a word when | came
here. | supposed it was merely to do
something toward raising the flag.
may, therefore, have said something in
discreet. LCries of No, no" l have
said nothing but what | am willing to
live by and, if the pleasure of Almighty
Sod, die by.
Mr.. Lincoln concluded amid great APP
rlause.
The. members of the City Council paid
their respects to him, and the procession
moved directly toward the platform erect
ell in front of the State House.
On Mr.. Lineoln's appearance on the
platform he was hailed with ou!Eur>tS u;
appliance from the surrounding multitude.
Mr Bentou of the Select Council made
q Brief address inviting Mr. Lincoln to
raise the flag
Mr. Lincoln replied in Il patriotic
speech. stating a cheerful conp.iauce with
the request He alluded to the original
f.g Of thirteensiars, saying that the mum
Der had increased as time rolled Or. and
We became happy powerful pc pie, each
star adding to it, pros Gritty. Tne future
is ia the hands ot the people. 1t was on
such an occasion We could reason togetIl
or, reafdrm our devotion 10 the country.
aud tie principles of the Declar;tlo OF
Independence. Let uS make up ou'
minds that whenever We do put a new
star upon cur banner, 1t shall be a fixed
ore, never to be dimmed by the horrors
of war, but frightened By the content
ment and prosperity of reace. Let US &c
on to extend the area of our usefulness,
add star upon star until their light shall
shine over five hundred millions If a free