The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1860-08-15

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resentative pledge to the people who had elect
him. A
After four years Of eontinnots sstvies in Con
gress, where he demonstrated hh high quail
ties as statesman, and MS power asa brilliant
orator, he retired again From pubic life aud re.
sumed the practice Of the law.
In the language Of speech made by him in
1865, he said;
"During the past four years, in which he was
wholly devoted to public life, his rriyate affairs
and thc health OF lis family haa so suffered as
so have left him without choice, but compel.
iod him, by the highest obligations he could rec.
ognize, tc retire from position in which he
must neglect the care he owed to one whom it
was his first duty to cherish"
To show how he was esteemed, even by his
politictl opponents, We give the following extra:
from the Louisville Journal, edited by the tai
ented Prentice:
awe believe him to DO conscientious and
honorable as we'll as a most able man. We
have been halfafraid during the canTass, to ex-
press fully our opiRen OF him, lest our whig
friends in his dstrict,and elsewhere might deem
1t untrue TO the interest Of our party.
Breckinridge is pure and noble hearted man,
and a liberal minded politican he has earned
and wca at home and at Washington, as high
u reputation for talents as belongs to any man
OF his age in the United States The
Hon. John c. Brcckinridge, in letter to. his
constituents, declines re election to Congress
He will be much missed in that body. His
great urbanty, his perfect fairness, and his pow
erful talents, made him one OF the very foremost
OF its masterSpirlts. lie has national reputa-
tion, and nobly has he won it."
Mr.. Breckinridge was chosen one ofthe del
egatcs from Kentucky to the Cincinnati Con-
Senticn. The circumstances under which he
nominated by that Convention for Vice Presi-
dent of the United States we give from John
Savages book, styled "Our Living Representa-
tive Men," After the nomination of Buchanan
for the presidency, several men were offered
for the second offce-smong others, that Of
John G. C.Bfeckinridge, proposed by the Louisiana
delegation, through GeneralJ j. L. Lewis. Ac
knowledging the fattering manifestation ofgood
will. Mr. Breckenridge begged that his name be
withdrawn. On the first ballot however, the
Vermont delegation, through Mr. Smalley, be-
iieyihG that no Democrat has right to refuse
his services when his country calls, cast its five
votes for Breckenridge. Many other States fol-
lowed; and OF the total he received fi1v one
votes-second on the list, and only eight under
the FIRST, General Quitman. On the second bal.
lot, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont led off
for Breckenridge; Massachusetts, followed, with
eleven out Of her thirteen votes. Rhcde Island
followed with her four; then the New York soits
gave him eighteen; Delaware, Maryland, Virgin
ia voting in the same way 1t became quite
obvious that he was the choice of that body;
and though several Of the remaining States vo.
ted for other candidates, they quickly, one by
one, changed their votes--thc several delegates
making neat and appropriate speeches in an
nouncing the change. The names of the other
candidates were Withdrawn, and the whole poll
went for John c. Rreckinridge; at which the
Convention rose, and with the waving Of hand
kerchieG and the oudest vocal demonstrations
directed its attention upon the tall and grace.
ful delegate from Kentucky who had been so
unexpectedly nominated for SO exalted post
1t was long before the demonstration subsidized,
80 as torallow a word to be heard At last the
commanding figure OF Mr.. Breckenridge stood
fronting the mighty triumph. II certainly was
time to try young man. He spoke briefly
and becomingly. The result just announced
was unexpected, gard his profound gratitude was
without words. He gave the Convention the
simple thanks OF true heart; and expressing
his appreciation of their choice, and linking his
humble name with that Of the tried statesman
Of Pennsylvania, cordially endorsed the platform,
and sat down amid the boom ng Of cannon and
the vociferous applause OF the multitude out
side, breaking in upon and alnaos! overpowering
the loud cheers within the hail.
BY virrue Of the Office OF Vice President, Mr..
Breckenridge is President Of the Senate, but
can take no part in its deliberations With q
commanding person, full and melodious voice,
and quick perception, no officer has ever pre-
slded over that august body with more graceful
dignity and impartiality is the universal senti-
ment.
Upon the removal Of the Senate from its ole
and time honored chamber to the new and beau
tiful chamber where it holds its meetings Vict
President Breckenridge delivered an address
repiete with noble and patriotic sentiments
clothed in language remarkable for its purit,
and beauty, and closed with the following stir
ring appeal to senators to preserve the Constitu
ton:
"And now senators, we leave this memola a
BILE chamber, bearing with us, unimpaired, tn
Constitution we received rom our forefathers
Let as cherish it with grateful acknowledgment
to the divine power who controls the destinie
Of empires, and whose goodness we adore. TIL
structures raised oy men yield to the corrodn
tooth of time. These marble walls must moul
der into ruin; but the principles Of constitution
al liberty, guarded by wisdom and virtue, un
like material elements, do not decay Let u
devotedly trust that another Senate, in anothe
age. shall bear to q new and larger chambe
this Constitution, vigorous and inyiolate, AM
the last generation Of prosperity shall witnes
the deliberations of Anne :ican States still uni
ted prosperous, and free."
With that modesty and dfidence which eve
chararterizes merit, John G. Breckinridge ha.
never sought any Of the responsible offices ant
distinguished honors which the American peo
pie have conferred upon him, as q willing trib
ute to his talents, his patriotism and his integ
sity. He has rather avoided than courtet
them. In a speech which he delivered in th
Hall of the House of Representatives at Frank
fort, KY, Dec, 21, 1859, after his election a
United States Senator, he eelingy and beauti
fully returns his thanks for the honor conferred
pays just tribute to the merits ofhis compel
itors, and clearly and forcibly defines his view
upon the great and absorbing question Of tn