The national Republican., 1861-12-24

every hilk the mighty hosts of the mountains
hasten to the field; squsdrons sweep on evsry
plain, and sovereign States, sensible that 10y
atty Is the true sign of indspendence, form
fence. "a
We turn with pride to the great Pennsy lvsnia
sentiment of patriotism embraced In her hags
now uniurled before us. Behold and admire
the beauty of the glowing thought that shines
upon the Standard The arms Of the State are
naid amongst the stars of the Union Her
shield, her buokler, and her strength are there
Her own star Is there; but which one 10 hers
Who, by searching, oan fnd out or declare
The utmost art Of astrology employs its mystic
mower In vain, and reveals only that which u
child can see-that one star differeth not from
anC ther star In glory, but all shine together In
the same heaven and with the same original
ard Independent lustre
And OH, sir, can we help but turn with heavy
hearts and swelling Indignation, when we see
the standard which rebellion has reared. to the
tearing asunder Of precious ties, and shaking
to its foundation the purest and best Govern
ment on the glObe3 Something remains of the
original but only enough 10 show thtlsaorilege
perpetrated upon the very symbols Of our
glory.
1t has plucked the bright emblems of our
ma ional progress and power from their ap:
pointed place, and instead thereof, has planted
u fading tree, which blooms to-day, like the
grass, " and tomorrow Is cut down and cast
into the oven ~ rebellion and Confederate folly
failing to remember that stars are the Divine
tokens Of an advancing kingdom, and have been,
since the star that beamed on Bethlehem FIRST
famed In the forehead of the morning sky.
Sir, you have our thanks for the act Of pre-
sentation gracefully per iormed, for your senti.
ments of kind feeling and generous confidence
for the words of beauty, eloquenoe, and power,
such as come only from a clear head and IA
sound heart. You do not misunderstood us.
We have dedicated ourselves, in solemn Gov.
enant, to the service Of the country, the de
fence and vndication Of its flag, the restoration
oi the Constitution In all its power, and the
preservation and perpetuity of the American
Union in every part Of its wide and great do.
minion.
We join you in the noble thought that this is !,
war Of rescue and not Of desolation, of deliver
ance and not Of destruction, Of protection to
the people in every State, who prefer the glory
Of great Republic to the shame of foreign de
pendence, the sure sequel of successful dis
union.
But, sir, ofthe great result, we entertain not
a single doubt, nor the slightest apprehension.
The flag of the Union is our flag as it was our
fathers. and we receive from them, though
dead, their liping faith that it shall not perish
Before we part, may not say to you, com
essNn S my a:y sss:a % nsvs Nps
| State; we desire 10 change of standards and
none of standard bearer. IN oEr columns and
| our commander our confdencs is fYll as the
sea and hxed as the bills. Their destiny now
both, the soldiers of the Potomac afs prepared
| to stand or fall.
| In closing, offer no pledge nor promise
| But when this battle Of nation Il existence IL
| fought aud won, AS fought and won II will be
\ and these tyo standards shall reappear, with
in this ga'es Of peace, as ip GODS gsod Prov
idence thcy may mot a star less bright than now
nor any stripe stained with dark dishonor
though The blood of many sons may crimson
every inch of white, I beg you, on that day, tt
| remen,her and believe, that not accident, bu
| design, and the brave purpose Of these battal
ions is fulfilled in that future of The flag.