The true Democrat., 1856-07-08
MT. Breckenridge at Lexington

 thrilling account of the ratification meeting held ln that place, to all of which we would gladly give place, but must content ourselves for the present with the remarks of Mir. BRECKEN- RIDGE, made on the occasion The Statesman says the air was again rent by loud and pro- longed shouts for Major BRECKENRIDGE, and when in response to the calls of the people, his tall and graceful form appeared upon the plat form to receive the congratulations of his te- low-ct!zens, the enthusiasm of the multitude knew no bounds. Repeated and loud shouts of applause for some time prevented his address sing the assembly, but when his clear and elo- quent voice was heard, every tongue was hushed, and the vast multitude drank in with the most profound attention every word which fell from his lips. We are enabled to give somewhat accurate report of his remarks, and take plea sure ln laying them before our readers.'
 Major BRECKENRIDGE, in substance, said: Fdlo,0- Citizens cf the County of Fayette:
 I have been invited by your committee to ac- cept the congratulations of my nei ghbors and friends, upon my nomination by the democratic party, for the Vice Presidency of the United States. 1 could not decline this invitation coming from people who have, on all occa- sons, received me with uniform kindness; and for the cordiality with which you now welcome me, 1 can only return the warm thanks of a grateful heart.
 Gentlemen, the proceedings of the democratic national convention are before the country. Of the three statesmen who were made most prominent before that body by their own mer- its, and the attention of the people, the choice for the Presidency fell upon Mir. Buchanan, as a becoming tribute to his long public services and his pre-eminent abilities. The annuncia- tion of his name begets confidence in every part of the Union. For forty years he has lived in the public eye. He has the largest experience in political affairs, and from his long services in the Executive and Legislative departments ot the Government, he possesses perfect taml- Garty with every 'rauch of administration. In the discharge of lis public duties, his great talents has been universally eco-nzed, and the purity of his character commands the respect of his countrymen without distinction of party. In other countries he is the most distinguished living representative of the intellect and char acter of the United States-and none of us, I am sure, have forgotten the signal ability with which, on recent occasion, he vindicated the just claims of his country against the most en- lnent dipomatsts of Europe.
 Mr. Buchanan belongs to class of states men, nearly all of whom have passed from the sta 5e of action. He was long associated in the public councils with Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, Webster Wright, ForSythe, and others whose names are cherished as portion of the trea- surcs of the country-and he was not the least star in that galaxy. His great compeers are gone, vet he remains, in the vigorous pos session of all his faculties, standing in the midst of the descendants of those with whom he commenced his carcer-respecteda and hon. ored by all classes of his countrymen. Like all public men, he has been the victim of de- traction, but he has outlived its influence, nor can the calumnies thrown out ill the party con- tests long past, be more successfully revived against the memories of his honored associa- tons.
 Of myself gentlemen, it does not become me to speak, especially here in the midst of peo- pie among whom was born and reared. My principles, and course of life are known to you all.
 Getlemen, the platform of principles adopted by the convention, will attract the attention of the country, and exert the most important in fueuce upon public affairs. Without entering into discussion of that platform, may re- mark, that 1t reassertS the old and well recog-
 
 applies the principles of that party to the great questions of the times.
 Upon the two issues which do now most az itatc the Union, the position of the democracy cannot hereafter be misunderstood or msrepre seated.
 They have defined in explicit terms their construction of the guarantes of civil and re- hgiOuS liberty which are contained in the con- stitution of the United States
 Upon the distracting question of domestic slavery, their position IS equally clear. The whole power of the democratic organization Is pledged to the following propositions:
 That Congress shall not interfere upon this subject in the States, in the Territories, or in the District of Columbia;
 That the people of each Territory shall de- termine the question for themselves, and be ad mitted into the Union upon footing of perfect equality with the original States, without dis elimination on account of the allowance or pro- hibiton of slavery;
 That the law of Congress, for the return of fugtives from labor, passed in pursuance of the requirements of the constitution, shall be faith fully executed
 Upon all these vital questions the convention Was unanimous; every delegate from every State giving them his cordial approval.
 Gentlemen, if these principles can be nain- talncd, every obstacle will be removed, to the peace and prosperity of our country. More than this you ought not to aSk-less than this you will not consent to take. l know you well enough to be assured that there is not a man within the sound of my voice who does not feel that this settlement is just, and that in no other mode can the rights of the respective members of the confederacy be preserved and the peace of the Union secured.
 To the maintenance of these principles are pledged the united efforts of the strongest po- Gtical organization in the United States. You are not called upon now to decide subordinate questions of policy. Yoa are brought face to face with issues which rock your country to its centre, and involve the principles upon which your institutions are founded. Hence a high personal responsibility is imposed on every citizen, which cannot be discharged by blindly herding beneath party banners, or uttering fierce rallying cries, or surrendering the judg- ment to the domination of the prejudices and the passions.
 He who shall examine carefully and temper ately the platform of the national democracy compare it with the platforms of other par tes-lnvestigate the issues before the country learn the strength and purposes of other or ganlzatlons, and then prefer the decision of his judgment to the temptations of his passions, will have performed his duty in manner an- swerabe to the high claims of his country upon the patriotism of her sons.
 My only purpose in appearing before you, upon the invitation of your committee, was to render my sincere acknowledgements for the kindness which prompted you to desire my presence If I have been betrayed into re- marks more extended than the occasion seem- ed to demand, you must share the blame with me, and place the error, in part at least to the account of your warm welcome and friendly at- tention.
 In one sentiment 1 am sure we can all con- cur-that the great issues involved in this con- test may be so decided as to preserve the con- stitution, advance the general prosperity, and give new guaranty of the equal and perpetual union of the States.
 C