The weekly Mississippian. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1859-1864, 1860-10-03
General Lane IN neg Torr


The following are the remarks lately de-
livered by Gen. Joseph Lane, before the Dem
ocratic Volunteers Of New York, repelIing the
charge Of disunionism:
Gentlemen, we have been charged--John
c. Breckenridge and have been charged
the ticket which you feel proud to support has
been charged-with secession, disunion, and
even treason. The great party to which we
all belong has been called disunion party, a
secession party. Now, who with any COM
mon sense, can believe that John C. Breckin-
ridge, the high-toned, gallant and chivalrous
Breckenridge, the patriot and statesman, who
loves the Union, and who has throughout his
life fought so brayely for the Union and the
Constitution-who, say, can believe that he
| is disuDionist or secessionist? My friends,
as well might it be said that fond father de-
sires dismemberment and bitter conflicts in
his family. One statement would be as rea-
sonable as the other. No; Breckenridge is
the best of Union men, and it is gross libel
| to charge him with disunion sentiments or
designs. No man would sooner lay down his
life for the Union than the noble Breckin-
ridge. I know him we'll, and say what
know Of him. And as to myself why, gen.
tlemen, my whole life gives the lie to such q
charge. No man loves this Union more thar
l do; and none would go further or do more
within the power of man to perpetuate it. But
my friends, if you would preserve the Unior
you must maintain the Constitution, for they
are inseparable. If you would preserve thu
one you must maintain the other. TIT
equality of the States is the principle upol
which the Union was made, and withou
which there would have been no confederation
Of Union. The equality of the States-tha
is the principle now at issue before the coun
try; the equality of the States-not partially
not with any reservation, but in full recogni
ton of the original compact. In this you Wi
see that Breckenridge and your humble ser
want are better Union men than those VIII
make the foul charge of disunionism agains
us, because we are for maintaining the Unio
upon the principles ofthe Constitution, strictl
and fairly interpreted, and not interpreted
latitudinarian manner, for the purpose Of pc
litical expediency.
. Are we not, then, the best Union men, ft
the reason that we would maintain it upon til
, principles of the Constitution, while our EN-
mics who make unfounded and base charg'
against US would destroy the Union by sal
ping its very foundations? And now, as
: the party which is identified with and SUI
ports the Breckenridge and Lane ticket Thu
party is not secession or disunion party.
: am not here to defend the past history of mt
: who may now support this ticket, or to off
! excuses for or explain away charges again
individuals; but maintain that our party
Z. par excellence, Union party. If it were nj
e neither Breckenridge nor would be identifi
L with it. The disunionists are really tho
IL who would deny or destroy the equality
; the States, and the equal rights of the citize
g of each of the States in the common Terri
e ries, and everywhere else where the flag
q these United States floats, and the Union W
be preserved to all time, and this great
l. glorious country will fill the most importa
le page in the history Of nations. Let us beju
a deal fairly by every portion of this COUNT
y and by every State Of this confederacy, a
V this family Of States will live together in h
Is mony for all time to come. Now, my frien
et having made these few remarks, in respor
l. to your flattering reception, l thank y
Ill again, one and all, and bid you good night.