Gazette and sentinel., 1860-10-06
superlatively Ridiculous

The idea that an man, running for any Of
fce-to say nothing Of the d~ignifed one OF
President of the United States-should be
called to account or. in any wise be subject
to c~ensure, because forsooth, in one single
speech, defending himself from foul aspersions,
he does not take up all the censures, all the
interrogatories, spread out in the hundreds
of newspapers in the Union, and reply to and
answer them, is certainly the most superla-
lively ridiculous idea Of a political character,
il seems to US, that was ever started in a po-
litrcal canvass. The following paragraph in
the Lafourche Cnion-not the only paper,
by the by, which reflects upon Mr.. Breckin-
ridge for not answering what was never ask.
ed him, and which probably never required
to his mind during his speech-introduces
these remarks to our mind:
Notwithstanding to appear
anccS, one might, with as much show of
reason, entertain the idea of circumnav-
igating the world in a wash-tub, as TO
expect that John G.. Breckenridge Will
ever dare TO answer the questions which
were put 10y a Breckenridge elector at
Norfolk, Va, to Mr.. Stephen \. Douglas,
and answered by him with a lraukness,
manlimess and boldness worthy of all
praise. Breckenridge has been reques-
ted by q large number of respectable
Democratic papers, South as well as
North, TO answer these questions, but
he chooses to keep as silent as a mummy.
This fact it is well TO bear in mind.
1t is scarcely worth while, one would think,
to defend Mr.. Breckenridge from so weak and
so ridiculous a charge. He appeareds!upon
the stand, not to notice or pay attention TO
the thousands of falsehoodS and questions
that appear in the papers respecting him
but he appeared there at the suggestion and
earnest request Of many prominent gentlemen
Of his Congressional District, that an oppor
tunity might be given him to explain or con-
tradict the odious charges against him made
by his compeers, Senators Crittenden and
Douglas, who from their high position, un-
contrad Ycted by Mr.. Breckenridge, might have
some influence with the people. 1t is well
known that Mr.. Breckenridge was physically
Frustrated, and actually sank into his chair
before he was able to conclude his remarks
upon the speeches and charges of those gen.
tiemen.
1t is not shown that he refused or hesitated
to answer any question that was put to him.
And there is not a particle Of doubt that he
would have been as ready to answer the ques-
without doubt to our mind purposely got a
friend to make the question, that he might
make a good hit in that region) as Mr.. Doug
las was. Whatever might have been the an
swer Of Mr.. Breckenridge, to such o question
had t been asked him, there is too much real
courage, manliness and unselfiShness in his
composition-too much love for the Union and
States Rights-.to make us d ubt that such an
swer would have been otberw Use than worthy
Of himself and his great party.
But were Mr.. Breckenridge to place him
self in the position of Douglas, speaking to
he people of the Union in his behalf as a
candidate for the Presidency-blowing hot
and cold to suit their prejudices-getting up
questions purposely for him to answer them
then indeed would he give good cause to the
people to doubt his soundness and sincerity,
and his entire un6tness for so digniied and
independent On Office as President Of these
United States.