Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1859-12-29
TERMS OF ADvERTTsING.
John C. Breclxiarfdge.

Gently elected Senator from Kentucky from the Louis
vile Journal for the double purpose OF placing before
our readers Just and graceful tribute to distinguished
Democrat from political foe and of combating by con-
elusive evidence the doctrine of total depravity
The eulogy is from PRENTICE:
The Democratic Legislature of Kentucky to-day
elects John Breckenridge to the Senate Of the United
States for full term beginning the 4th OF March next,
the expiration of the term OF iusrous Crlten
den. The proud honor is not undeserved. Mr. Breck-
nrdge, are sure, will wear it gracefully High min
ded able polite, eloquent and chvarous, his election
whilst confers honor him. sheds lustre his party
May he SO bear himself in his high Office that not even
the breath Of calumny shall blot or cloud his name.
Mr.. Breckenridge was born il the reighborhood of
Lexington in 1921 He accordingly is 38 years of age
but single year more than oneha the age OF the ven
erabe and glorious statesman he succeeds Mr.. B. is
nephew of Robert J. Breckinridge the distinguished
Presbyterian divine and grandson of John Breckin
ridge who represented Kentucky in the Senate of the
United States from 1901 until 1905, and was subse
quently Attorney General under Jefferson. Mr. Breck
inrdge educated at Centre College, Danvile under
the paternal of Dr. Young, who report speaks
truly bestowed very especial attention the nelec
tual training of his pupil. On leaving college, Mr.. B.
studied law at Pennsylvania, and soon after removed to
the new State of Iowa. with view of pursuing his pro-
fesson in that fresh and tempting field OF ambition He
however, remained there but short time. At this
period of his life Mr. Breckenridge a Whig in poll
tics condition that well be6tted one of his sound abi
ities finished culture and pure and captivating charac
Returning to Kentucky, Mr.. Breckenridge married,
and settled at Lexington where be quickly assumed
high position in his profession, which perhaps nothing
but the diversion of politics has prevented him from
carrying to the highest When the Mexican broke
out he offered his military services to the country and
was elected Major of the third regiment of Kentucky
volunteers. AS, however, the regiment mustered
late, his opportunity for active service small al
though whilst on duty in Mexico his professional
vices were called into requisition in behalf of General
| nnoo hOyv hn fcafal
his clients famous ditch we have never heard and
can't imagine. Like many other ardent young officers
in the with Mexico, Mr. Breckenridge returned to
find political spread out before him. Entering
upon with modest yet confident step, he has need
hardly say trcdden it up to this moment steadily and
proudly, without stumbling or sackening.
Not long after his return from Mexico Mr.. Breckin-
ridge who meanwhile had become Democrat, elect
ed to the Legislature from the county of Fayette to-
gether with Henry @. Pindal, ESQ., a gifted young
Whig lawyer, q resident of our city, and still
Whig. In 1851 Mr.. B. chosen to the lower house
of Congress the veteran and gallant Combs Two
years later he achieved similar triumph Governor
| Letcher, one of the wsest men and most formidable
popular that Kentucky has produced though
is only proper to add that his victory in this case
conceived to have been the result of political hocus
pocus of county of the name of Owen, whose voting
capacity has yet been athomed but which sup
posed to be limited only by the correct population of
the Mississippi Valley. For this, however, Mr.. Breck
inrldge himself was in no way responsible. Mr..
Breckinridges leading performances consist of
eulogy on Henry Clay, who died shortly after Mr..
Breckenridge entered the House. and a number
of speeches in defence of the Kansas Nebraska BILL de-
ivered in his second term. The eulogy is very noble
discriminating and eloquent production but the speech
the KansasNebraska bill, though vigorous, adro
and eminently graceful, not, think, marked by
that breadth and business Of thought by that force
and felicity of illustration, which commend thrcetold
gument to fresh attention. Although coming late in
the discussion, they made conceded point stronger
f and no disputed clear. President Pierce after.
S wards offered Mr. Breckenridge the mission to Madrid
which be prudenty declined His forte is evidently not
diplomacy, but oratory and debate or, if diplomacy
it is domestic diplomacy not foreign. In 1856 as all
know, Mr.. Breckenridge elected Vce-Presdent of
the United States, on the Democratic national ticket
Such is the rapid, brilliant and uncouded ca eer
which the Democratic Legislature of the State to-day
with the and lofty spendor OF the Sena-
torial dignity. Perhaps the annals of political his
tory do not furnish another at bright and
bameess and barren Of positive public usefuness
it Let hope that now Mr. Breckenridge has nearly
rounded off the of his distinction he will
do little for bis country that he has fairly
l. many of the highest titles of renown be will strive to
achieve the deatbess quality itself and that seeking the
inspiration of bis actions from the deep and living spring
of patriotism rather than the shallow reservoir of
partisan success he will lay the foundation of fame
brighter than station and more lasting than the hour in
the gratitude of prosperous and peaceful people