The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-06-04
A FLAG RAISING AT WASHINGTON.
Lincoln erhibits himself

The Washington correspondent Of the Rich
mond Examiner says
Another great demonstration, exhibiting the
loyalty and patriotism of our citizens, occurred
this day, Wednesday, between IL and o'clock,
in front of the General Post Office Department.
The ceremony was one of the most meagre affairs
that l ever witnessed true, there was any amount
of shouting aud yah-yahing, but it was very evil
dent that the great concourse could not believe the
broad assertions of the several speakers, when they
declared there could not be separation of the
glorious United States. A platform was erected
over the front door, on level with the second
story; pole was erected the top (front) of the
building the hayards were rove, falling to the
platform. At noon the President and several
members of his Cabinet took their places on the
stand. The band performed several national airs.
Gen. Skinner then, in speech, inaudible to every
person on the street, made known the object of
the meeting, and concluded by requesting the
President to hoist the new flag to its destined
position. The act was performed quite creditably.
When it was first hosted it hung very sluggishly
against the staff, but in few moments breeze
sprung up, when it displayed its full proportions.
Shout after shout and cheer after cheer went up,
but not with a universal good will
Mr. Lincoln then came forward and delivered
short speech, which would be considered a mas
tery effort on the part of youth of ten years.
and Stripes hung iankLg; true, this flag, when it
was first hauled up just now, hung lankly, but the
glorious breeze of Heaven had caused it to float
proudly forth, and it would continue thus to float
over happy and united people"
Mr. Blair was then called for. He came forward
and made some very amusing remarks. Hc told
the crowd that his country Che South) was true
to the Union; that if the people of the South
would only speak their sentiments the same devo-
i u LoP,u
be manifested for that glorious old banner now
waving over us.
Secretary Seward was then called for ard in re-
sponse, made few remarks. He acknowledged
the courage and resolution of the Southern people;
d" there are two things they cannot do, one is to
destroy Hail Columbia, and the other is to destroy
the Star Spangled Banner. Human nature
quires them, and what human nature requires God
Almighty decrees." He denied the possibility Of
destroying the Union; " it cannot be allowed in
very short time the old state of things will be
revived, and this glorious country continue to the
latest period of recorded time, acknowledging one
God, one Constitution, one Star Spangled Banner"
Secretary Smith, in response to the loud calls of
the crowd, came forward aud followed in the same
strain, keeping entirely out of sight the causes of
the troubles only sounding the praises of the Stars
and Stripes. 1t very evident the crowd
wearied of the "hash" They anticipated more
extensive display. The whole thing did not last
over thirty or forty minutes
In few days, if there is not more serious work,
another I" farce" will be gotten up to divert the
minds of the people from the gross iniquity of the
contemplated contest. Fetes to the officers and
flag raising to the rabble, will become stale and
nauseous.
There bas been several serious accidents among
the troops in consequence of their ignorance of the
use of firearms Disease and death are also busy
with the raw material procured for them by the
fratricida policy of this Federal Administration,
and fearful indeed will be the responsibility
douby fearful atonement for all the blood that will
be shed in this unholy crusade against the rights
and liberties of free and unofending people.