Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-04-24
THE SPEECH OF UON. JOHN c.
RR ECKINRIDGE,

From the Louisville Courier, 2lJ.l
The announcement that Ex-vice-Presiden
Breekinridse would speak, drew the creates
crowd to the court house that ever assemble
in this city 10 hear a political address. Lon.
befsre the hour arrived the city hall, which /
is said viii accommodate four thousand per
sons, wssdsnsely packed, and thousands eouI
not find standing room. That all might bea
the gifted Kentuckisn, it was determined tha
be would speak from the steps Of the cour
house, wherssfor nearly two hours, hs beld ID
vast crowd unclaimed by bis powerful argu
ment.
Mr.. Breckenridge discussed The issues nov
before the country as a patriot and a states
man. He did not seek to iDfame the passion
Of men by that wonderful eloqusnce OF vbicl
be IS the complete master, but rather appealed
70 their reason and patriotism by argument
He declared bis purpose Of following the for.
tunes Of bis State, which had so often honorec
him with places OF honor and trust. But above
all be pointed out that Kentucky should BE-
uni ed, whatever position she might assume.
He showed that If Kentucky remainedin the
Federal Union, although she might desire 10 Be
neutral, that she would have to furnish millions
Of dollars per year to aid Lincoln in subiugat-
ing the Southern people. to whom we are allied
By interest and BY blood. Certainly Kentucky
had done right in refusing to send a soldier in
response to Lincoln's call, and it wasinow nee
essary TO decide whether she would pay trib-
ute to sustain Lincoln in a mad and unholy
war.
He favored arming the State in all events.
He did not believe that a State Of armed neu-
trality could long exist. Kentucky was alrea-
dy 10 a state Of rebellion il Gov. Magofin's
action in refusing to call out troops was indor-
sed by the people, and he believed it was uni
versalIy spplsuded by Kentuekians. The i3es
advanced in the late meeting here, that Ken
tucky was going 10 feht neither for Lincoln
nor the South, but for the Union, was -idicu-
loss. Our proud old Commonwealth must
play a manly part, as she has ever done. In
his judgment, the whole fifteen slave States
ought to unite, and this might save rs from
the horrors Of civil war indeed, matters bad
gone 30 farthat 10 alone could avert war. But
il nothing would restrain Mr.. Lincoln from
lis reckless purpose, be had no fears Of the re-
sult. Thirteen millions Of people could not
be subjugsted. They might be exyerminated-
but conquered'never.
He begged that all party differences and
rancor be forgotten In the midst OF these dis
fractions. Msledictions had been poured upon
bis devoted head, and u~njustly, but he had no
further Temembrance of them. Our safety
ana security required one sentiment, one ac-
lion; let there be no divisions in our councils.
He thought Kentucky ought to call a conYen-
N9iOt0 le IT VI Jul51 az winch tune NI.
Lincoln would convene bis Congress, that her
people may determine their future action. BE
deplOred civil strife, but it was necessary that
we should be prepared for any emergency, and
therefore the State ought to be armed. Inferno
cine war was fearful; but war does exist, and
We had to look the dangers brsvelyin the face.
If we had to fight, we would fight for liberty
and honor.
= Mr.. Breckinridge was frequently interrupt
ed With applause, and bis speech created a
decided sensation.