The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1865-05-03
Ex-Pfesident Pierce.

about O'Clock, a crowd numbering from
two bundred TO four hundred appeared
about the door of the residence OF General
Pierce, ia Concord and, surprised him by
vociferous calls. Immediately The door was
:hrown open, and in the blaze Of the entry
ligh; the ex President appeared upon The
steps and addressed TO the assembiage The
remarks which we print below.
Our readers will perceive that, though
taken by surprise. General Pierce depor:ed
himself in that brave and self-possessed
manner which has always SO pre-eminentIy
distinguished him There can be bu; lille
doubt that this crowd had some thought of
mischief when they assembled in front of
that mansion, but the noble and fearless
bearing of its great and patriotic occupant
awed them into siIeace at first, and soon ex
toried from them expressions of approba-
tion. The Patriot says that when he finish.
ed speaking and uttered his "good night"
they responded with hearty good night"
and three cheers fos the General, and retired
as quietly as though there had been no
scene of excitement in the day.
We hold up the sx- Presidents lofty bear
ing as an example fer al! public men who
may find themselves similarly circums,anc
ed and we commend The conduct of his lis
leuers 10 the imitation of that demonstra
tive class of people everywhere, who can
neither enjoy good nor endure bad news
without disturbing their quieler and more
law-abiding neighbors
SPEECH OF GEN. PIERCE.
Felow Tognsmen-I come to ascertain the
10 olives OF this call. What is your desire
ISome one in the crowd replied "Ws
wish 10 hear some words from you on this
sad occasion" Gen. Pierce proceeded Il
| wish could address you words of So
lace But that can hardly be Goae. The
magnitude OF the calamity. in all iis aspects,
is overwh he lming. If your hearts are op-
pressed by events more calculated 10 awsk
en- profound sorrow and regret than any
which have hitherto occurred IN our history
mine mingles It's deepest regrets and soT-
rows for yours. Ii is 10 be hoped that III is
great wickedness and alrociiy was confined
1 morally aud actually, TO the heads and
i hearts of but two individuals OF all those
who still survive on this contGeni; and
that they may speedily, and in obedience
10 law. meet the punishment due 10 theii
I unparalleled crimes. Il is well that you
il is well that well that all men worthy
/ to be called citizens of the United States
make manifest, in all suitable forms, the
emotions incldsB: 10 the bereavement ald
distress which have been brought 10 The
hearts and homes of the two most conspic-
/ nous families OF the Republic. give them
/ my warm ouigushiOg sympathy as J an
sure al! persons within the hearing ol my
( voice must do.
But beyond personal grief and loss, there
/ will abide with inevitable The most pain
I tul memories. Because, es citizens ohedi,
/ eat 10 law, reverIng the Constitution hold
ing fast TO the UnIon thankful for the period
~. history which succeeded the Revolution
I in so many years OF peseeinl growth ans
/ prosperity, aud loving with the devotion o
true aud faithful children, ali :hst beloH q
10 the advancement and glory OF the nation
We can nsveG forgsi or cease to depiOrs ;he
gres, crime and deep siaih.
voice from The crowd-"Whsre l.
your flag t'
1t is not necessary Tor me TO show M
devotioH for the stars and stripes by an,
special exhibition or upon The demand O
any man or body of mon. Ally auces,or
followed il through ne RevoIu,ion-one o
them, al least, never having seen his moth
er's roof from the beginning 10 the close o
that prolracled Struggle. My brothers iol
lowed i. in the war o. 1912 ald LETT an
family, in The spring OF 1917, among you
10 follow its fortunes and maintain il upoT
a foreign soil But al This you know.
( the period during which ] have served oui
Stale and country in various situations, com
mencing more than thirty i've years ago
/ have left the question of my devotion iC
the flag, the Constitution and The UnioG il
doubt, il is too late now 70 remove it, b.
any such exhibition as lhs inquiry suggests
Besides. 10 remove such doubts from mind
where they may have been cultivated ty
spirit OF domination and partisan rancor,
such thing were possible, would be of NJ
consequence 10 you, and is certainly o
none 10 me The malicious questioning
would return 10 reassert their supremac
and pursue the work OF injustice.
Conscious of The inGrmities OF tenn pera
meHt. which 10 greater or less extent be
sci Us all, have never leli or found that Vi
oence or passion was ultimately productv
of benefcent results. IL is gratifying &
perceive that your observation, 5rIefer iha
mine, has led your minds 10 the same con
cluson What a priceless commentary up
on this general thought is the final reporle
conversation between The late President an
his Cabinet and with that despatch come
news TO warrant the cheering hope that, i
spite of the knife OF the assassin, the lil
and intellect of the Secretary of Stale may
through Providence, be spared to us in thi
appalling emergency.
thank you Tor the silent attention wit
which you have listened TO me, and for III
manifestations OF your approval as N
neighbors and will Eot Getain you in thi
storm longer than TO add my best wishe
for you all, and for what, individually an
collectivsly-we ough, To hold most dear
our Country-our whole Country. Goo
night.
The arrest and death of the assssir
Boolh, will relieve the public mind from a