The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-04-25
,,,,, From the louisville Courier april 221
THE SPEECH OF HON. JOHN C. bRECKIN


80 ---1OA VI 49,. oo1iN y. BRECAlN-
RIDGE.
The announcement that Ex-Vice President BrerL
inridge would speak drew the greatest crovvd tn
the Court House that ever assembled in this city to
near political address. Long before the hour ar
rived the City Hall, which it is said will accommo
date four thousand persons, was densely packed.
and thousands could not find standing room That
all might hear the gifted kentuckian it was deter
mined that he would speak from the steps of the
Court House, where, for nearly two hours he
held the vast crowd unclaimed by his powerful ar
gument.
Mr.. Breckenridge discussed the issues now be-
lore the country as a patriot and a statesman He
did not seek to nfame 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 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 opt that Ken
lucky should be united, whatever position she
might assume.
He showed thatif Kentucky remained in the Fed
eral Union, although she might desire to be neutral
tdat she would have to furnish millions of dollars
per year to aid Lincoln in subugating the South
crn people, to whom we are allied by interest and
BY blood. Certainly Kentucky had done right in
refusing to send soldier in response to Lincoln's
call. and 1t was now necessary to decide whether
she would pay tribute to sustain Lincoln il mad
and unhuy war.
He favored arming Estate in all events. He
did not believe that State of armed neutrality
coud long exist kentucky was already in a state
OF rebellion if Gov. Magoifins action in refusing to
call out troops was endorsed by the people. and he
oeiIeved 1t was universally applauded by Kentucki-
ans The idea advanced in the late meeting here.
that kentucky was going to fight neither for Lin
c0in nor the South, bat for the Union was ridicu-
ious. Our proud old Commonwealth must pIay a
manly part, as she had ever done. In his Judgment
the whole fifteen slave States ought to unite, and
this might save from the horrors of civil war; in
deed, matters had gone so far that it alone could
avert war. But if nothing would restrain Mr.. Lin
coin from bis reckless purpose he had no fear of
the result. Thirteen millions of people could not
be su5Iugated. They might be exterminated-but
'on9" Sgsge hF 3Hdfat all party aluerencss
be forgotten in the midst of these distrae.: "lcor
Maledictions had been poured upon his devoted
head, and unjustly; but he had no further remeul-
brance 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 convention
before the fourth Of July, at which time Mr.. Lin
coin would convene his Congress, that her people
may determine their 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. Intestine war was fear
tui; 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.
MIR. breckenridge frequently interrupted
with rounds of applause, and bis speech created a
decided sensation -