Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1860-08-01
sERENADE TO JOHN G. BRECKENRIDGE.

The Hon. John G. Breckinridge Vice President
of the United States arrived in Baltimore on Friday
afternoon, in the train from Washington, and took
quarters at the City Hotel. During the afternoon
he called upon the Hon. Joshua Vansant and re-
manned some time with that gentleman They al
forwards proceeded to the hotel and the Vice Pres
dent received the calls of number of persons,
amongst whom were some of the most prominent
citizens These calls continued till about ten o'clock
at which hour he declined any further receptions
Soon after, however, be was called upon by Com.
mttee, who informed him that it was the design of
his friends to give him serenade. A reluctant as
sent was given, and shortly afterwards fine band
of music appeared and struck up several airs in an
inspiritng manner, including The "Star Spangled
Banner" the "War Path" &c. After the music
was performed Mr.. Breckenridge appeared, and spoke
in brief as follows. -
THE VICE PRESIDENTS SPEECH
Fellow citizens-I beg leave to return you my
grateful acknowledgements for the cordial reception
which have met with in your beautiful city. his
however, is not the first time have visited it. for
have wandered over its suburbs many years ago
Twenty years since visited it, and only hope that
it may continue to increase in prosperity. applause
and meet your largest expectations. Without en-
tcring into our political history, it becomes MS to
consider how our institutions can he best preserved
The State of Maryland is border State, and to your
citizens it is matter of moment to the welfare
and prosperity of our common country. lAp-
pause know full well that you are always anx-
ious to support the Union and will do at all haz-
ards. Applause. Tt becomes us, my fellow-citi-
zens to pay strict fidelity to the Constitution and
the Union; it is the only guaranty that we have for
perpetuaton of the unity of these States, and it is
the surest guaranty of peace and happiness for our
entire land Loud applause If at any time we
throw away the principles of the Constitution, the
only safeguard of our liberties the only source Of
national happiness, we merely drift away from the
very foundation of our government, and effect rad
cal change in the very Constitution ITSELF This is
not to be desired, and should be averted by every
true patriot of our land. This am sure, will be
done by the lovels of the Constitution and the
Union. Loud applause The Constitution, as
formed by fathers, have all lived happily un
der, and may we not say the form of government
suited to the fathers is certainly suited to the chill
dren? Let us keep the form of our fathers. If it
was good enough for them it is certainly good
enough for u.s. [Applause.] The Constitution is
good enough for us. The rights there laid Gown
meet our approval. Among the few things that are
not assailed stand the rights Of conscience; and If
they were-T know that if they were-such rights
would need NJ defenders on the soil of Maryland. a
State which has been distinguished for its Union and
patriotic sentiments. Loud applause But, my
IrlenQS, tDe SOnSttutlOn has Deen aSSaHeu anu IL
becomes US to defend it. Applause, There is a
point which if not clearly defined it might be,
is still paramount 1t is the equality of the States
[Applause.l They were equal before they formed
the solemn compact of Union. That is inviolable,
and the Constitution points out clearly the protec-
ton of persons and property. And I tell yon now
that if the principles of the Constitution violated
it can only result In a change of this government
change much to be deplored, and the end of which
can only result in inevitable ruin. But, feow-cti-
zens, equality of the States is the leading principle
to be established, and we must maintain it; and if
we adhere to this principle there can only be hap
Ply and peaceful determination to the present Sec
tional differences [Applausc.l My friends. allow
me to wish that your great and prosperous may
continue its present of prosperity; that the
Union of the States may be preserved; and let me
hope that the principles cherished by the fathers of
the Republic may long continue to prosper in our
land. Applause In conclusion, permit me to
again tender you my grateful Acknowledgements for
the kind reception with which have been greeted :;
and although my remarks may have been somewhat
in appropriate, could not refrain from expressing
my views thus briefly to my fellow citizens of this
great and prosperous city. Applause.