The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-06-14


GRAND RATIFICATION MEETING ~ LEXINGTON,
KENTUCKY RECKINRiDGE AT HoAE-iis EL0-
QUEST RESPONSE TO THE ENTHUSIASTIC GREET
INGS OF HIS NEIGHBORS. ,r.
On Monday evening last grand ratification meeting
was held in Lexington Kentucky the home Of the demo
cratic candidate for the vice presdency-vat which tie
nominees aud platform Of the Democratic National Con-
vsntion were most emphatcay and enthusiastically
dosed In noticing this great oatpouring Of the people
the Kentucky Statesman says Notwithstanding the short
and limited notice Of the meeing and though notice
whatever was given to the county OF the fact immense
concoarse of citizens numbered BY thousands, assembled
a, the appointed time arond the platform and esinsd
the warmes enthusiasm in the object Of the meeting Al
the ringing OF the courthouse bell tie yard presented
solid mass OF living beings and great impatience wa
evnced by the assembled give vent to their feel
ngs of appreciation for the principles and nominees
their party
After several speeches had been made and series OF e.
cslent resolutions had been adopted the air was again
rent says The Statesman "by loud and prolonged shout
for Major Breckiudge and when in response TO the calls
Of the people his tall and graceful form appeared upon the
platform TO receive the congratulations of his feowc
zens the enthusiasm of the multitude knew no bounds
Rpeated and loud shouts Of applause for time pre-
vented his addressing the assembly but when his clear and
eoqu,n. voice was heard every tongue was hushed aud
ths vast multitude drank, in the most profound aenot,
every word which fell from his lips
We give below the substance of Mr. Breckinrdges re-
muks, as reported in the Statesman
Mr. Breekimidgcs Speech.
FeIow-ctzens of the county of Faye,c have been in
viled by your committee accept the congratulations OF
my neighbors and friends upon my nomination by the
democratic party for the vice presidency OF tue United
States. could not decline this invitation coming from
people who have, all occasions received me with uni
orn kindness and for the cordially with which you now
el"ne me can only return The warm thanks OF CRATE
full heart. a
,eaemen the proceedr gs of the Democratic National
Convention before the country OF the three states
who made most prominent before that BODY Dy
their merits and the attention Of the people, the choice
Tor the presidency fell upon Mr. Buchanan, becoming
tribute his long public services and his prc-ennent
abilities The annuncation of his name begets confidence
every part OF the Union For forty he has lived IN
public eye lie has the largest experience IN political
ars and from his long services in the executive and
legislative departments OF the government ne possesses
perfect familiarity with every branch OF administration Ia
discharge of his public duties his great talents have
been universally recognised and the purity Of his character
commands the respect OF his countrymen without dsnc
ton Of party Ia other countries he Is the most dstin
ushed living representative OF the intellect and character
the United States and OF am sure, have for
gotten the signal ability with which, recent occasion
he vincated the just claims of his country against the
most eminent diplomatisis OF Europe
Mr. Buchanan belongs TO class of statesmen nearly all
long associated in the public councils with Jackson Clay
Calhoun Webster, Wright, Forsyth and others whose
James cherished as portion OF the treasures OF the
untry-and he not the least star in that galaxy
great compeers gone, yet he remains In the vigor
possession of all hrs acue Standing in the midst OF
the Descendants of those with whom he commenced his
honorcd by all classes OF his conn-
try Like all public men, be has oeen the victim OF
but be has ouved It's influence nor can the
caumnie thrown in the party contests long past be
more successfully revived against him than against the
memories of his honored associates.
OF myself gentlemen it does not become me to speak
especially here in the midst OF people among whom
aud reared My principles and Of life are
known TO you all.
Gentlemen the platform Of principles adopted by the
convention will the attention Of the country and
exert the important influence upon public Affairs.
Without entering into discussion OF that PLATFORM may
remark that resserts the old and we-recogniscd creed
the democratic party and then applies the principles OF
that party The great questions OF the times
Upon the two Issues which do nov most agitate the
Union the position of the democracy cannot hereafter be
misu nderstcNd or misrepresented
They defined explicit terms their construction OF
the guarantees Of civil and religious liberty which con-
tained in the cousiitut ton Of the United States
Upon dsractng question of domestic slavery their
posiion equally clear The whole power OF the demo-
catc organization is pledged to the following PROPOSE
tions:
mat Congress shall not interfere upon this subject in
States in the Territories In the District OF Column
bia Ha .s.e
Tha, the people each Territory shall determine the
question for themselves and be admitted into the Union
upon footing Of perfect equality with the original States
without discrimination on account OF The allowance or
prohibition of slavery.
That the law OF Congress for the Of gves from
abo passed in pursuance Of the Requirement Of the con-
| situation, shall be faithfully executed
Upon all these vital ques'ions the convention
imous every delegate from every State giving them his
cordial approval.
Gentlemen IL these principles be maintained, every
obstacle will be removed 10 the peace and prosperity of
country. More than this you ought not TO akes than
this you will not consent TO take know you well enough
TO be assured that there ia within the sound Of
INV aipp vhn not
that other mode the rights OF the respective
Of the conderacy be preserved and the peace OF the
/ Union secured
To the maintenance Of these principles pledged the
united efforts Of the srongcs, political organization in the
United States. You not called upon TO decide
subordinate questions OF policy. You brought face 10
face with ssues which rock your country TO It's centre and
involve the principles upon which your institutions are
founded Hence high personal responsibility is imposed
every citizen which be discharged by bindy
herdng beneath party banners uterng fierce ralyng
cries surrendering the judgment 10 the dominion oil
I the preudices and the passions.
He who shall examine carefully and temporarily the
platform Of the national democracy compare II With the
platforms Of other parties investigate the ISSUES before the
zuticn and then prefer the decisions Of his Judgment
the temptations Of his PASSIONS will have performed his
duty In a answersble 10 tho high claims Of bis
country upon the patriotism Of her
My only purpose In appearing before you upon the nv
ation of your committee 10 render my sincere ac-
acknowledgements for the kindness which prompted you TO
desire my presence II have becn betrayed into remarks
must share the blame with me- add place tho error in part
least the account Of your warm welcome and friend
| ly attention.
ia u,r sentiment am sure we all That the