The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-06-04
THE SPEECH OF HON. JOHN c. BRECK.
INRIDGE.

The announcement that ex-Vice- President Breck-
| inridge would speak, drew the greatest crowd to
the Court House that ever assembled in this city
to bear political address. Long before the hour
arrived, the City Hall, which it is said will accom-
modate four thousand persons, was densely
packed, and thousands could not find standn 2
room. That all might hear the gifted Kentuck-
ian, it determined that he should speak from
the steps of the Court House, where for nearly
two hours he held the vast crowd enchained by
his powerful argument.
Mr. Breckenridge discussed the issues now be-
fore the country patriot and statesman. He
did not seek to infame the passions of men by
that wonderful eloquence of which he is the CON-
piete master, but rather appealed to their reason
and patriotism by argument. He declared his
purpose of following the fortunes of his State,
which had so often honored him with places OF
honor and trust. But above ALL he pointed out
that Kentucky should be united, whatever posi-
tlon she mi ght assume.
He showed that if Kentucky remained in the
Federal Union, although she might desire to be
neutral, that she would have to furnish millions
of dollars per year to aid Liucoln in subjugating
the Southern people, to whom we allied by in
terest and blood Certainly Kentucky has done
right in refusing to send soldiers in response to
Lincons CALL and it necessary to decide
whether she would pay tribute to sustain Lincoln
In mad and unhOly war.
He favored arming the State in all events. He
did not believe that state of armed neutrality
could long exist. Kentucky was already in a
state of rebellion Gov. Magofin's action in re-
fusing to call out troops endorsed by the peo-
pie. and he believed it universally applauded
by Kentuckians. The idea advanced in the late
meeting here, that Kentucky was going to fight
for neither Lincoln nor the South, but for the
Union, was ridiculous. Our proud old Common
wealth must play manly part, as she has ever
done. In his judgment, the whole fifteen slave
States ought to unite, and this may save us from
the horrors of civil war; But if nothing would re-
strain Mr. Lincoln from his reckless purpose, he
had no fear of the result. Thirteen millions of
people could not be subjugated. They might be
exterminated-b conquered, never, never.
He begged that all party differences and rancor
be forgotten in the midst of these distractions
Maledictions had been poured upon his devot-
ed head, and unustly, but he had further re-
membrance of them Our safety and security re-
quired one sentiment, action-let there be
division in councils.
He thought Kentucky ought to call a Conven-
ton before the 4th of July, at which time Mr.
Lincoln would convene his Congress, and that her
people may determine her future action. He de-
pIored civil strife, but it was necessary that
should be prepared for any emergency, and there
fore the State ought to be armed. Intestine
was fearful, but does exist, and we had to look
the dangers bravely in the face. If we had to
fight, we would fight for liberty and honor,
Mr. Breckinrige was frequently interrupted with
rounds of applause, and his speech created deci-
ded sensation.-LouisUWe Courier.