The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1859-07-20
D.mOcfatic Candidates for the Presidential
Nomination.

In less than one year from this time the
Democratic National Convention, says the
Philada. argus, will assemble in Charleston
10 nominate candidate for President of the
United States, and it cannot be doubted
that the public mind is much interested up.
on the question, who shall this candidate
be Leaving out of discussion at present
the chances for the success of the Demo-
cratic party in 1860, although we consider
the signs of the times quite favorable TO
triumph of that organization, we propose
briefly TO refer TO The distinguished gente-
men whose names are most prominet be-
fore the country in connection with this
nomination, and to sketch, rapidly and fair
ly, their public services, together with some
OF the most interesting incidents connected
with their histories. 1t is but Just here that
we should say that much Of the information
contained in this article is derived from
Lanman's Dictionary of Congress.
GEN. JOSEPH LANE, OF OREGON.
This gentleman, whose career furnishes a
striking illustration of what energy, intellect
ard honesty can accomplish in this free
country, although surrounded by difficulties,
was born in the State OF North Carolina, on
the l4th of December, 1901. His early ed
ucation was limited, and at the age of fit.
teen years he became clerk in mercan-
tile house in Indiana, to which State he had
migrated from his Southern home. In 1922
he was elected member of the Legisla.
ture of his adopted State, where he served,
with occasional intervals, until ls46, at
which time he was IN the Senate. When
war was declared against Mexico, he re-
signed his seat, and enlisted as private
soldier in one of the volunteer companies
composing the Indiana regiment Previous
to the departure of these troops for the seat
of war,he was appointed Brig. General by
President Polk, and in this capacity served
through the campaign, gaining the most ex.
alted praise from all engaged in the conflict
for his courage, energy, and kindness to
the soldiers under his command. When
peace was concluder he returned 10 his
home, but had hardly reached it ere he was
notified of his appointment as Governor of
Oregon. With lew followers he repaired
10 this distant scene Of his future services,
and his journey over the plains and through
the Rocky Mountains in mid winter--cut
civilized life, and suffering from cold and
The want of necessary Nprovisions-was un-
doubiedly one of the most remarkable ever
performed on this continent. He served as
Governor of Oregon but few months when
he was removed by Gen. Taylor, and then
he was elected by the people TO represent
them in Congress. In this capacity he
continued until the admission of Oregon as
Stale, when he was chosen one Of its
United States' Senators, which Office he now
! fills. Gen. Lane is in the prime of vigorous
manhood possesses extraordinary mental
and physical powers is kind and pleasant
in his manners, and enjoys. an enviable
popularity with all who know him person-
ally.
HON. JOHN C. BREcKlNRlDGE, OF KENTUCKY,
Was born near Lexington, in that'State, on
the 9Th Of January 1921, and is consequent.
ly one of the youngest statesmen in our
country. He came of family which has
made its mark upon many pages of nation
al history, and the representative OF it of
whom we are now writing will undoubtedly
achieve a place among the distinguished
men of the age, honorable alike to his gem
ius and his country. Mr.. Breckiniidge re-
ceived classical education and studied law
at the Pennsylvania Institute. He served
as major in the Mexican war, and exhibi-
led gallantry and courage which made
him the pride of his regiment and the ia
vorite of his associates in arms. In the me-
morable court martial of Gen. Pillow, he
acted as counsel Tor that gentleman, and
distinguished himself for his legal learning
and brilliant eloquence. On his return home
after peace was declared, he was elected to
the State Legislature, and in 1851 he was
chosen Representative in Congress from
the Ashland district-the home Of Henry
Clay. In the National House of Represen-
taiives he gained an exalted reputation for
oratorical ability, and his eulogy on Henry
Clay was published all over the country as
one of the most feeling and eloquent speech
es ever delivered in Congress. In 1855
Mr.. Breckinridge was nominated for Vice
President on the ticket with Mr.. Buchanan,
and was triumphantIy elected. This exalt-
ed position he now occupies, and it is doing
him but simple justice to say that he dis
charges its duties in a manner worthy OF
all commentator. He is one of The most
brilliant men of the country, and his affa-
bility of manner is charming.
HON. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS, OF ILLINOIS,
| Is native of New England. He was born
at Crandon, Rutland county, Vermont, on
the 2sd of April, 1919. His father died
when he was an infant, and his mother be-
ing in moderate circumstances, he entered a
cabinet makers shop in Middlebury, where
he commenced life by showing plane
After serving about eighteen months at this
trade, his health failed him, and he became
a student in an academy. His mother hav-
| in0 m rried auain ha removed with her