Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1861-05-17
THE SPEECH OF HON. JOHN G. BRRRcK
INRIDGE

The announcement that EEx-Vic President
Breckinridge would speak drew the greatest
crowd 10 the Court lIouse that ever assembled
in this city to hear political address. Long
before the hour arrived the City Hall, which it
is said will accommodate four thousand per-.
sons. was dens.ly packed, and thousands could
not find standing room. That all might hear
the gifted Kentuckinn. it was determined That
he would speak from The steps of the Court
House, where, fur nearly two hours he held
the vast crowd enchained by his powerful
argument
'Mr. Breckenridge discussed the issues now
before the country as patriot ani statesman.
He did not seek to infi ,ine the passions of men
by that wonderful eloquence of which he is
the complete master, but rather appealed tn
their reason and patriotism by argument. He
declared his purpose Of following the fortunes
Of his State, which had 30 often honored him
with places Of honor and trust. But above
all, he pointed out that Kentucky should be
united, whatever position she might assume.
He showed that if Kentucky remained in
the Federal Union. although she might desire
to be neutral. that she would kave to furnish
,''''N'" VI oSAi0Ao FSl cav " utu
in suhjugating The Southern people, to whom
we are allied by interest and by blood. Ger
tniniy Kentucky had done right in refusing to
send a soldier in response 10 Liucoln's cnll and
It vas now nee ssary to decide whether sho
would pay tribute to sustain Lincoln in a mad
and unholy war.
He favored arming the State in all eretAs.
He did not believe that a State Of armed ner,-
trality could long exist. Kentucky was al.
rendy in a-state of>rebellion. Gov. Msgofins
action in refusing To call ont troops was on
dorsed by the people. and he believed it was
universally applaudsd by Kentpck inns. The
idea advanced, in the late meeting here, that
Kentucky Yaa going to fight neither for Lin.
coin nor Stle South. but for the Unions was
ridiculous Our proud old Componweahh
must Playa manly part, as she had ever done.
In his Judgment the whole fifteen slave States
ought to unite, and this might save us fan
the horrors Of civil war. But If nothing would
restrain Mr.. Lincoln from his reckless purrqae
he had no fear Of the result. Thirteen mill
lions Of people could notbe snhjngated. They
might be exterminated-bqt conquered, now
er.
He begged that all party differences and
ranoor be forgotten in the midss Of these dis.
fractions. Maledictions had been poured uR.
onth is devoted head, and unjustly bat he had
no further remembrance Of them. Our. ssisty
and security required ene sentiment, dns
action /; .lstFshere be no disisions in our eoup-
ellis. .;so
He,thought Kentucky ought tp call con.
yentiqn before the fourth OF July, at viiioh
time Mr. Lincoln would convene his 7Congrsss.
that her people may ds,ermins their future &C.
.tlop. He deplored civil strife; but Z ~ass No.
!esassry thas4w we should be prepared for any
emergency, and therefore the, State ough. ts;bs
armed. Intestine war was fearful bat wss
does exist. and we had to look the dangers
b'syeIy in the face. If we had TO fight we
4ould fght for liberty and honor. sa -
Mr.. Rreokinridss was frequently interrupted
With repRdsof applause. apd his speech srsa-
ted 9 decided ssniation.- Lssaspiiie Courier
81 a %H-,ly