The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-02-28
Mr. Lincoln FaofSting the Amer
lean Flag oyer E1dcpen-
G1encG Hail.

stars over the Hall OF independence this
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 from all parts of the city
toward the State House, aud 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 by Theo-
dors Cuyler, who warmly welcomed him
TO its venerable walls in the hour of ma
fionaI peril and distress. When the great
work achieved by the wisdom and ratri,
utism Of our fathers seems threatened with
instant ruin. Mr.. Lincoln re- pouded as
follows:
Mr. CuTLER: l am filed with deep
emotion. at finding myself standing here,
in this place. where were collected to-
gethcr tie wisdom, the patriotism, the
devotion TO principle, from which sprang
the instit ,tIons under which we live.
You have kindly suggested to me that in
my Land> is the task of restoring peace
q tic present distracted condition Vi the
country. | can say in return, Sir, that
all the political >entiueuts | entertain
have been drawn, 40 far as | have been
able to draw them, FROM the sentiments
which or:gina ed and We're 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 pondered over the dangers which
were incurred by the men who assembled
here, and framed and adopted that Dc
~laration Of Independence | have pom
dereG over the tolls that were endured by
the officers and soldiers of the army who
achieved that Independence. have oft.
en- inquired myS, If, 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 senti-
ment in the Declaration of Independence
which gave liberty, not alone to the peo-
pie of this country. bat, | hope. to the
world for all future. time. Great APP
plause Ii was that which gave rrom-
ise that in due time the weight would be
lifted from the shoulders of all men.
This is q. sentiment embodied in the Dec
l~aration of independence. Now, my
friends, can this country be saved upon
that basis If 1t can, | will consider
myself one of the happiest men in the
world, if | can help to save it. If it cav
not be saved upon that principle 1t will
be truly awful. But If this country can
net be saved without giving up tha. priu-
ciple, | was about to say | would rather
be a>sa>sipated on this spot than surren-
der it. IApplause Now, in my view
of the present aspect of affairs, there need
be no bloedshcd or war. There is no 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 it
will be compelled to act in self-defence.
Applause
My friends, this is wholly an unex-
pected speech, aud | 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. ICries of No, no." | have
said nothing but what | am willing to
live by and, if the pleasure Of Almighty
God, die by.
Mr.. Lincoln concluded amid great ap-
rlausc.
The members of the City Council paid
their respects to him, and the procession
moved directly toward the platform erect
cd in front Of the State House.
On Mr.. Lincoln's appearance on the
platform he was hailed with ou!hursts III
appliance from the surrounding multitude.
Sir Beaton of the Select Council made
s. Brief address inviting SIR. Lincoln to
raise the fag
Mr. Lincoln replied in Il patriotic
speech. stating "A cheerful compliance with
the request he alluded to the original
hag Of thirteenstars, saying that the mum
Der had increased as time rolled on. and
we became a happy powerful pc pie. each
star adding to it, prosperity. The future
ls IN the hands OF the people. 1t was ON
such an occasions We could reason togeth
er, ~reafirn our devotion to the country.
and tie principles of the Declaration of
independence. Let US make up our
miIds that whenever we do put a new
star upon cur banner, It shall be a fixed
oae, never to bo dimmed 10y the horrors
Of war, but Frightened b. the content
4est and prosperity of rease. Let rs go
on a. extend the area of our usefulness.
add stsF upon star until their light shall
Fl5pe oyer five hundred millions # a free
apa 6apDy ps0ple