The Oxford intelligencer., 1861-05-29
Speech Of Hon, John G. Breckenridge.

The announcement that cx-Vice President
Breckenridge would speak, drew the greatest
crowd to the Court house that ever assembled
in this city TO hear a political address. Long
before the hour arrived, the City Hail. which, it
is said, will accommodate four thousand persons,
was densey packed, and thousands could not
find standing room. That all might hear the
gifted kenthckian, it was determined that he
would speak from the steps of the Courthouse,
where; for nearly two hours, he held the vast
crowd unclaimed by his powerful argument.
Mr. Breckenridge discussed the issues now be-
fore the country as patriot and statesman. lie
did not seek TO inname the passions of men by
the wonderful eoqucncc Of which he is complete
master, but rather appealed to their reason and
patriotism by argument lie declared his pur
pose 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-.
ton she may 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 Lincoln in subjugatiDg
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 re-
Spouse to Lincoln's call, and it was now ncccs-
sustain Lincoln in mad and an unholy war.
lie favored arming the State in all events
lie did not believe that state of armed neu-
trality could long exist. Kentucky was already
in a state Of rebellion. Gov. Magollin's action
in refusing to call out troops was endorsed by
the people, and he believed it was universally
applauded by Kentuckians The idea advanced
in the late meeting here, that Kentucky was GO
ing to fight neither for Lincoln nor the South,
but for the Union, was ridiculous Our proud
old Commonwealth must play manly part as
she has ever done. In his Judgment the whole
fifteen slave States ought to unite, and this
might save us from the horrors of civil war
But if nothing would restrain Mr.. Lincoln from
his reckless purpose, he had no fear of the re-
suit Thirteen millions of people could not be
subiugated. They might be exterminated-but
conquered, never, never.
He begged that all party differences and ran
cor be forgotten in the midst of these distrac-
tons. Maledictons had been poured upon his
devoted head, and unjustly; but he had no fur
Their remembrance of them. Our safety and
security required one sentiment, one action let
there be no divisions in our councils.
He thought Kentucky ought TO call a Con-
vention before the fourth Of July, at which time
Mr.. Lincoln would convene his Congress, that
her people may determine her future action
He deplored civil strife but it was necessary that
we should be prepared for any emergency, and,
therefore, the State ought to be armed. lntes=
tine war was fearful; but war 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.. Breckenridge was frequently interrupted
with rounds Of applause, and his speech created
decided seBsation-Lo Bistille Courier.