Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1861-02-26
Lincoln HOSTS the stars and
Stripes at Independence Hail.

The seremOny OF raising flag, with |
thirty fear stars upon it, over the Hal Of
Independence this morning, by Lincoln, |
was attep led by all the solemnity dne
such an occasion-.he scene being an irn-
pressive one.
The members Of the City Council paid
their respects t. him, and the procession
moved directly towards the platform cree
ted in front of the State House. On Mr..
Lincoln's appearance on the platform, he
was hailed with outbursts ofapplause from
the surrounding multitude.
Mr.. Benton, of the Select Committee,
made brief address inviting Mr.. Lincoln
to raise the flag.
Mr.. Lincoln replied in patriotic speech
stating cheerful compliance with the re-
quest, he alluded to the original flag of
thirteen stars, saying that the number had
increased as time rolled onta aid we became
happy, powerful people.
At the raising Of the sun, crowds Of PEG
Pile streamed from all parts of the city
towards the State House, and very soon
every inch of ground was occupied, vast
number Of ladies being present The
weather was conl and bracing. At
O'Clock Mr.. Lincln was escorted to the
Hall, and there received by Rev. Theodore
l.. Cuyler. who ushered aim into ITS vener
able walls in the hour If national peril and
distress, when the great work achieved by
the wisdom and patriotism of our fathers
seems threatened with instant ruin.
Mr.. Lincoln responded as follows: Mr..
Cuyier: ! am filed with deep emotion at
finding myself standing here in this place.
where were collected together the wisdom.
the patriotism, the devotion TO principle,
&. - Al
which we live. You have kindly sugges-
ted that on my hands is the task of restor-
ing peace TO the present distraction of the
| country. l can say In return, sir, that all
| the political sentiments l entertain have
been drawn, so far as have been able to
draw them, from the sentiments which or
iginated and were given to the world from
this ball
l have never had feeling polite lily
that did not spring from the sentiments
embodied in the Declaration Of Independ-
ence. have often pOndered over the
dangers which were incurred by the men
who assembled here and framed and adop-
ted that Declaration Of Independence
have often pOndered over the tolls that were
endured by the officers and soldiers Of the
army who achieved that Independence.
have often eneuired of myself what great
principle or idea it was that kept this
Confederacy 50 long together? 1t was not
the mere matter of the separation of the
colonies from the mother land, but that
sentiment in the Declaration of Independ
ence which gave liberty not alone to the
people Of this country, but hope 10 the
world, in all future time. Great ap
plause
1t was that which gave promise that il
due time the weight could he lifted from
the shoulders of all men, This is n senti
ment embodied in the Declaration Of Inde
pendence. Now, my friends, can thi,
country be saved upon that basis? iii
can, | will consider myself one of the ha p
piest men in the world if can help t. saw,
it. If it cannot be savrd upon that prInci
pie, it will be truly awful, bat if this coun-
try cannot be saved without giving up tina
principle, | was about to say | woul,
rather be assassinated on this spot thar
surrender it. Applause Naw, in M
view of the present ASPECT Of affairs, Their
need be TO bloodshed OF war. There is n
necessity for it. i am not in favor of sucl
a course. and l may say in advance, tina
, there will be no bloodshed unless it b
forced upon the government, and then
will be compelled to act in self defence.