Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-05-01
From the Louisville Courier.
The Speech of Hon. John g. Breckin-
ridge.

The announcement that Ex-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 Hall, which il is said
will accommodate four thousand persons, was
densely packed, and thousands could not find
standing room. That all might hear the gifted
Kentuckian, it was determined that he would
speak from the steps of the Court house, where
for nearly two hours. he held the vast crowd en-
chained by his powerful argument.
Mr. Brecknridge discussed the issues now be-
fore the county as patriot and statesman.
He did not seek to infame the passions of men
by that wonderful eloquence of which he is the
complete master, but rather appealed to their
reason and patriotism by argument. He de-
clared 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 position she might 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 subugating
the Southern people, to whom are allied by in
terest and by blood. Certainly Kentucky had
done right in refusing to send soldier in response
to Lncoln's call, and it was now necessary to de
eide whether hewouid pay tribute to sustain Lin
coin in a mad and unhOly war
He favored armng the State in all events He
did not believe that a state of armed neutrality
could long exist Kentucky was already in a
state of rebellion if Gov Magoffin's action in re-
fusng to call out troops was indorsed by the peo
pie, and he believed it was universally applauded
by Kentuckians. The idea advanced in the late
meeting here, that Kentucky was going to fight
neither for Lincoln nor the South, but for the
Union, was ridiculous. Our proud old Common
- I..1
done I'm his judgment, che whole fifteen slave
States ought to unite and this might save US
from the horrors OF civil war; indeed, matters
had zone so far that it alone could avert war
But if nothing would restrain Mr.. Lincoln from
his reckless purpose he had fear of the result.
Thirteen millions of people could not be subju
gated They might be extsrminated-but con
quered never.
He begged that all party differences and rancor
be forgotten in the midst of these distractions.
Maledctions had been poured upon his devoted
head, and unjustly, but he had no further remem
brance of them. Our safety and security required
one sentiment. one action; let there be no divis-
ions in our councils.
He thought Kentucky ought to call conven-
ton before the Fourth of July, at which time Mr.
Lincoln would convene his Congress, that her
people may determine their future action lie
depiored civil strife but il necessary that we
should be prepared foE any emergency, and there
fore the State ought to be armed. Intestine war
was fearful; but war does exist, and We had to
look the dangers bravely in the face. II we had
to fight, we would fight for liberty and honor.
Mr.. Breckinridge frequently interrupted
with rounds of applause, and his speech created
a decided sensation.
- Lincoln ordered out seventy five thousand
men. and then JEFF Davis, It is said, ordered out
hundred and fifty thousand. We suppose Lin
coin will now order out half a million, and that
JEFF. will then order out million.-Lou. Jour