The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-09-18
SPEECH OF
HON. J. G.. BRECKENRIDGE,
At Ashland, Ky., on Sept. 5, 1856

OF HIS ENEMIES
beg you, my neighbors, friends and old con
stltuents to be assured that feel profoundly CRATE
tul for the cordial welcome you have extended tc
me. The circumstances under which | appear
before you are novel and unusual i do it in ODE
dience to the request of friends whose intelligence
l have been accustomed to observe.
And if it be an uncommon thing for person in
my position to address assemblies of people, can
only say that hope to discuss topics which in
manner not altogether unworthy the attitude
which | occupy. | shall certainly indulge ia no
language which, in my opinion, will fall below the
dignity of political discussion. The condition of
my health and my position, make it impossible for
me 10 extend my voice this vast assembly, but
trust | will become stronger as proceed.
l have been asked, my fellow citizens, to speak
at my own home, because | and the political or
ganzation with which [ am connected have been
assailed in an unusual manner, and charged with
treason to my own country. [ appear before you
to-day for the purpose of repelling certain accusa-
tions which have been made against me personally
and industriousy circulated throughout other States
of the Union and next, to show that the princi-
pies upon which [ stand are the principles Of both
the Constitution and the Union of our country
GGreat applause. And surely, if at any time the
justification could be found by any man for ad-
dressing the people in the position which | occupy,
it will be found in my case
Anonymous writers and wandering orators have
chosen to tell the people that I, individually,
disunionst and traitor to my country; and they
declare, with assurance, that I have exhibited a
treason that makes by comparison with it, Burr a
patriot and the memory of Arnold respectable
But, fellow citizens, before come to those topics,
desire to make and prove comprehensive state
ment in regard to my position in connection with
the Presidency OF the United States [ have been
charged with intriguing for this nomination. l
have been charged with leapng before the wishes
of the people, and desiring to thrust myself before
them for the highest office in their gift.
To that I answer that it is wholly untrue
have written to nobody soliciting support [ have
conversed with nobody soliciting support. l have
intrigued with nobody. I have promised nobody
To these statements | challenge contradiction from
any human being.
| did not seek or desire to be placed before the
country for the office of Presdcnt by any Con
vention or any part Of any Convention. When
returned to the State of Kentucky in the Spring
of 1852 and informed that some partial friends
were presenting my name to the public in that
connection, and certain editor (whose presence
see here) in this State, had hoisted my name for
the Presidency I said to him, "Friend, am not
in any sense candidate for the Presidency" and
desired that my name should be taken down from
the head of his columns 1t was done.
A very eminent citizen of the Commonwealth of
Kentucky (Mr Guthrie) was presented for that of
fee. | was gratifed to see it, and far my
own declarations were concerned, I united cordial
ly in presenting him for the sutfrages of the Amer
lean people; though, at no time, in or out of the
Commonwealth of Kentucky, did | do an act or ut
ter word which would bring my name in conflict
with his, that Of any other American citizen who
desired, or whose friends desired for him that
position. And you took the trouble to read the
of the Charleston Convention, you
will remember that when | received the vote of
Arkansas, one of my friends arose aud withdrew
my name, declaring that | would not allow 1t to
come in opposition to the gentlemen before the
Convention.
When that Convention assembled at Baltimore,
my feelings and my conduct were still unchanged.
After the disruption which took place there, my
name, without any solicitations my part
presented as candidate. Previously, not deeming
such thing possible, | said | ''did not desire to
be presented TO the American people, but | am
content with the honors which have been heaped
upon me by my State and my country, and look
forward with pleasure to the prospects l have Of
serving my country in the Senate Of the L. S. for
the next six years" Ny anne, however was pre-
sented, and felt that could not refuse to accept
the nomination under the circumstances, without
abandoning vital PRINCIPLES and betraying my
friends.
1t is said 7 not regularly nominated, and
that an eminent citizen of Illinois was regularly
nominated for the Presidency; but that is a ques-
ton have not time to discuss to-day, and it has
already been thoroughly exhibited and discourssd
upon before the people, [ refer you to the mas
terly and expanative speech recently delivered by
my honorable friends in whose grounds we are met.
| can only say kat the Convention which assem-
beb at the Front Street Theatre at Baltimore was
devoid not only of the spirit of justice but of the
forms of regularity. The gentleman whom it pre-
sented never received vote required by the rules
Of the democratic organization.
Whole States were excluded and disfranchised
IN that Convention not to speak of indviduals the
most fragrant acts of injustice were perpetrated for
he purpose of forcing particular dogma upon the
democratic organization, and the gentleman who is
The representative of that dogma and principles,
which will be able to show repugDant alike
% reason and the Constitution. Owing to the i'm
oroprety of those proceedings, decided majority
IF the delegates from your own State withdrew
rom the Conv ention, declaring that it was not
National Convention of the real democratic organ
cation. The entire delegation from the D SOUTH
,rn States, and ofCafornIa and Oregon, with large
ninorities from other States, making in whole or
n part delegations from almost two-thirds of the
States of the Confederacy, represented a National
Democratic Convention, depending upon the au-
hority and loyalty of the democratic party.
But, after ALL the great question is, what are the
principles (Which ought to commend themselves