Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1861-06-08
The Speech of Hon. John c. Breckenridge.

The Speech of hon. John G. Breckenridge.
The announcement that ex-Vicc- President
breckenridge would speak, drew the greatest
crowd to the Court House that ever assembled
in this city to hear political address. Long
before the hour arrived, the City Hall, which,
it is said will accommodate four thousand per-
sons, was densely packed, and thousands could
not find standing room. That all might hear
the gifted kcntuckian, it was determined that
he would speak from the steps of the Court
House, where for nearly two hours he held
the vast crowd enchained by his powerful ar
gument.
Mr.. Breckenridge discussed the issues now
before the country as patriot and statesman.
lie did not seek to inaalnc the passions of
men by that wonderful cloqucnce 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, lie pointed out that Kentucky should be
united, whatever position she mightassume.
lie showed that if Kentucky remained in
to be neutral, that she would have to furnisli
millions of dollars per year to aid Lincoln in
subjugating the Southern people, to whom VIC
are allied by interest and by blood. Certain.
ly Kentucky had done right in refusing to
send soldiers in response to Lincoln's call, and
it was now necessary to decide whether she
would pay tribute to sustain Lincoln in a mad
and an unholy war
He favored arming the State in all events.
He did not believe that state Of armed neu-
trality could long exist Kentucky was al
ready in state Of rebellion. Gov Magofin's
action in refusing to call out troops was en-
dorsed by the people, and he believed it was
universally appaudcd by Kentuckians The
idea advanced in the late meeting here, that
Kentucky was going to fight neither for Lin
coin nor tho South, but for the Union, was
ridiculous. Our proud old Commonwealth
must play manly part, as she has cvcr|donc.
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 result. Thir-
teen millions of people could not be suhmgated
They might be Systematically conquered,
never, never.
He begged that all party differences and
rancor be forgotten in the midst of these dis
fractions. Maledctions had been poured upon
his devoted head, and unjustly but he had
no further remembrance Of them. Our safety
and security required one sentiment, one ac-
ton; let there be no division in our councils.
He thought Kentucky ought to call con-
veption before the fourth of July, at which
time Mr.. Lincoln would convene his Congress,
that her people may determine her future ac-
tion. lie deplored civil strife, but it was nee
essary that we should be prepared for any
emergency, and therefore the State ought to
be armed Intestine war was fearful; but
war does exist, and VIC had to look the dangers
braycly in the face. If we had to fight, VIC
would fight for liberty and honor ." )
Mr.. Breckenridge was frequently interrupt
ed with rounds of applause, and his speech
created a decided sensation.
LouisoiWe Courier.