Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-01-11
HON. JC. BRECKENRIDGE.

The Louisville (Ky.) Journal although bitterly
opposed in politics to the new Senator elect from
Kentucky, pays him the following just and merited
tribute:
The Democratic Legislature Of Kentucky to-day
elected John c. Breckenridge to the Senate of the
United States for the full term, beginning the 4th
of next March, on the expiration of the term of our
illustrious Crittenden. The proud honor is not
deserved. Mr.. Breckenridge sure, will wear
it gracefully. High minded able, polite, eloquent,
and chivalrous his election, whilst it confers honor
to him, sheds lustre on his party. May he so bear
himself in his high office that not the breath of
calumny shall blot or cloud his name.
Mr.. Breckenridge was born in the mel hborhood
of Lexington, in 1921. He accordingly, is 80 years
of age; but single year more than one-hat the
age of the venerable and glorious statesman he sue
ceeds. Mr.. B. is nephew of Robert j. Breckln-
ridge the distinguished Presbyterian divine, and
grandson of John Breckenridge, who represented
Kentucky in the Senate of the United States from
1901 until 1905, and was subsequently, Attorney
General under Jefferson. Mr.. Breckenridge was ed
ucated at Centre College Danyille under the pater
nal of DR.. Young, who, if report speaks truly,
bestowed very especial attention the intellectual
training of his pupil On leaving college, Mr.. b. studi
ed law ut Pennsylvania and after removed to the
new State of Iowa, with u 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 was
Wing in polItlcs-a condition that well bctitted one
of his sound abilities finished culture, and pure and
captivating character.
Returning to Kentucky, Mr. breckenridge married,
and settled at Lexington, where he quickly assumed
a high position in his profession which perhaps
nothing but the diversion of politics has prevented
him from carrying to the highest When the MeXi-
can war broke out, he offered his military services
to the country, and elected Major of the third
regiment of Kentucky volunteers.
Like many other ardent young officers IN the war
with Mexico Mr.. Breckenridge returned to find
political career spread out before him. Entering
upon it with a modest yet confident step, he has
need hardly say, troGden it up to this moment
steadily and proudly, without stumbling of Stacker
ing.
Not long after his return from Mexico, Mr.. Brock
inridge, who meanwhile had become a Democrat,
elected to the Legislature from the county of
Fayette, together with Henry c. Pindell, Esq,
gifted young Wing lawyer, now a resident of our
city, and still Wing In 1851 Mr. B. chosen
to the lower house of Congress over the veteran
and gallant Combs Two years later he achieved
men and most Formidable popular canvassers that
Kentucky has produced.
President Pierce afterwards offered Mr.. Breckin-
ridge the mission to Madrid which he prudently de-
cned 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 was elected Vice President of the Unit
cd States, on the Democratic national ticket.
Such is the rapid, brilliant and unclouded career
which the Democratic Legislature of the State to-
day crowns with the serene and lofty splendOr of
the Senatorial dignity.