Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1861-05-24
T,ae Raising at Washington.

W.su1ScToN, Nav 22.-At noon today
an immense concourse Of enthuslast.o per-
sons witnessed the ceremonies attendant on
the raising of an American flag oVer the
General Postoffce building. The President
and Cabinet were seated on platiorm es-
pecially erected for their Accommodating, to-
gether with several other distinguished gen
tlemen.
General Skinner, on behalf of the officers
and clerks of the Department, opened the
proceedings by addressing the President,
saving, among other things, that they in
manifesting their devotion TO the country
and the Constitution, and the presef Vation
of the Union, had determined to raise over
the building the glorious Stars and STRIPES
under which our foretathers fought, and IN
der which flag they achieved our lndepen-
dence, and under which it was now hoped
freedom would be perpetuated 10 all coming
time Tie clerks he said, were PROUD or Tie
opportunity of testifying to the PRESIDENT
their fidelity TO the Union, which they were
determined II maintain to the end. Iney
would deem it the highest honor, conslstent
with the occasion, If he would condescend
20 raise the flag to the mast from which 1t
is to float.
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 De
the humble instrument of forwarding the
very worthy objects which had been express
ed. He, therefore took pleasure in perform
ing the part assigned him. Surprising that
extended remarks were not expected from
him, he proceeded at once to act his part.
lie then hoisted the flag by hand.over-
hand movement, amid deafening cheers &C.
companied by the waving of hats, and of
handkerchiefS by the ladies, the band play
ing, meantime, the 'Star-Spangled Banner. !"
The flag having been attached TO the staff.
three cheers and repeat were glvlng-the
occupants of trees, hOusetops and windows
participating in the general demonstration
of 10Y. The President again appeared IN
front of the platform, saying 1t occurred TO
him that few words would be appropriate
10 this occasion Several weeks ago the
Stars and Stripes hung lankly about their
stats all over the Union. 81 1t was to-day
when this fag was first raised, but the gio-
rious breeze has unfolded it, and 1t now
floats as it should He hoped the same
breeze vas now spreading out our glorious
flag all over the nation.
This expression met with general and
enthusiastic response FROM the multitude.
Postmaster General Blair, in behalf OF the
officers and clerks Of the Department, thank
ed the assem- blage for their presence. As
the President had said, it seemed for time
that the affections Of The people for the hag
had gone in one section, but this was great
error 1.-the Old flag is yet dear IN all parts OF
the Union, and the people are coming tor
ward everywhere to uphold and MAINTAIN 1t.
1t was not because Of the beauty OF Its col
ors-it was not because Of the stars and
stripes upon it--but because it is associated
with all that is dear to American freedom,
and because it is the EN- blem Of freedom and
Slory-~the emblem Of popular government,
so deep 10 the hearts of the nation. 1t IS for
this, and this only, the people are protecting
1t. : Not as Il party, because we have ceased
to be q party. Cheers. We are no longer
democrats, wings and republicans. We are
MISUNDERSTANDING up for our free lnstl-
buttons, renewed cheers, and we mean to
exhibit to the world that IN pursuance vi the
great principle Of maintaining free lnstitu-
tions We are SIS one people, devoted to that
end be that end far or near. IApplause. J
DO not mistake our Southern friends. am
a southern man. They beg you to come and
rescue them from military usurpation-trom
the conspirators against their freedom.
7oice-.hang every one of them After
further remarks. he added, disarIn 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
appauded by the multitude.
Secretary Seward responded TO the imra-
tient and oft-repeated calls for him, saying
"FellOw-C Citizens You here have known
we'll the statesmen and orators OF some u
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
"Iail Columbia" and the other is to de-
stroy the "Star Spanged Banner" Re-
peated cheers, intermingled with exclama,
tions Of no, never" @I
They will fai! to do it only because human
nature needs that the one should continue
to be so, and that the other shall continue
to float over the sea and the land. And
what human nature needs, God Almighty
the father ofhuman nature, DEGREES. Cheers
and repeated applause, and music from the
band
Secretary Smith, in response to calls for
him, said it was scarcely within the power
CT any human voice to reach 50 vast q null
titude, hut he knew their hearts were warm
ed by the same feelings Of patriotism which
prompted those who exhibited TO them to-
day the glorious banner Of our common
country. No sight has ever been presented
to the American eye, whether on the shores
Of our own country, or on q distant soil, or
on the wide extended ocean, which is more
calculated To warm our hearts and excite our
patriotism, and kindie anew the flame Of love
for country tn n the sight Of that glorious
banner, the emblem Of freedom ana civil
liberty. LApplause. But if there ever
was "a day when the sight OF that flag should
excite afresh our patriotism and love o.
country, thaJ day is now Treason has cree
ted her hydra head aud threatens now II
crumble inco rojns the glorious fabric Of tht
Union cemented by the blood of our fathers
and to trail in the dust that flag which il
Looked to az the last hope Of the oppressed
+brorrhont avarv ,,a ~ tf the world TGhear