Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1856-12-17
The Kentucky Electoral College--Speech of
Hon. John C. Breckinrige.


Hon. John C. Breckinrige
We take the following from the (Kentuckv)
Feon,an:
In pursuance of a resolution unanimously
adopted. the Electoral College, as BODY. i'm
mediately after his final adjournment. waited
upon Mr. Breckinrige, and rendered to him.
on behalf of themselves and the Democracy of
Kentucky. their congratulations upon his cleo
ton to the Vice-Presidency. We did not
witness the interesting scene which took place
IN the Capitol, but are enabled to lay defore
our readers a report of the address and res
ponse, as taken in short hand We are in
debted to Mr.. Stedman, the gentleman who
reported the remarks of Messrs Hise and Reed
as they appear in another column of our pa
per for this report, also, which has not been
revised
Mr.. Stevenson, on being introduced by
Judge Hise to John q. Breckenridge spoke
MAJOR BREcKINRIDGE AS the selected Or
gan of the electors of the State of Kentucky
l am authorized to present you, sir. their cor
dial congratulation upon your election to the
| second highest Office within the gift of the
American people. BY the discharge of YOUR
duties just finished, Kentucky has been
brought back to the republican track of free
government. In early days there was no
State truer than she to Democratic PRINCIPLES
A long time has elapsed since the people of
this State have witnessed Democratic Elec-
toral College assembled within her capital
1t is cheering indication, and excitatory of
our qualification to know that in this momen-
tous trial, the most momentous since the days
of.9S, she has proved true to the demands of
the Constitution; and if there be one remar
kah5ie incident with this glorious event. so
well calculated to fill Democratic hearts with
rejoicing; if'tbere be one single emotion more
memorable than the rest, it is, that, as the
Breckinridges in '98 led fearlessly the Demo-
cratic phalanx, the mantle of their sainted
spirits has decended upon one of the same
name, and of the same faith upon one who
has fought so long, SO fearlessly, and SO ably
in vindication of those principles The fee
ling of pride and qualification we have in wit
Messing the return CT our beloved old State to
her first love is enhanced by knowing that we
have Breckenridge to represent us in the
second Office of the country.
In reply to which Nj. Breckenridge said
Gentlemen: !: l am very much affected by
the unexpected call made upon me, and by
the honor which has been paid me but [ re-
ceive it with gratitude
a
ing been one of the leaders of the party in
this struggle. L have been, gentlemen, a
leader, but without effort and without duties.
1t was my humble position to sit by and see
the battle won by those standing around me.
am very happy, | assure you, so see these
gentlemen who have contributed so much to
revolutlonize Kentucky, and bring her back
to her old principles. | hope | may be par
doned on this occasion for making single
suggestion, as | have not had an opportunity
of making speech in Kentucky during the
canvass.
We have greatly the ascendency. and it is
necessary for party to maintain the
supremacy. In this contest the victory was
not won by the Democracy alone. We would
have perhaps beer iu the minority. for we
lost numbers of Democrats last year, who
went into know-Nothing lodges, but We have
received accessions from the Whig party, and
have carried the State by the united efforts of
the Old-line Democrat and Old-line " Whig
parties.
would, therefore, say to my Democratic
fnends that it seems to me to be our duty to
welcome and accept these choice Old line
Wings, the gems of their party, who have
joined us in order to manifest their patriotism
by uniting in supporting the Constitution and
ganization that ever had existence. Now,
by maintaining this organization composed of
all the Democrats and Wings who love the
right of the States, and who are opposed &c
the proscriptive tenets of the KNOWN Nothing
order, by associating together on the princi
pies of cordiality and friendship, we will not
only maintain the position we have, but those
Wings and Democrats who have for time
been led astray, will again return and join our
ranks.
Again [ return my sincere and profound
thanks for this testimony of favor and regard.