The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1875-05-26
BRECKENRIDGE.

JOnn ". brecKlnfluSe naS uleo a'
the age of fifty-four' When we re-
member that the last ten years has
been spent in complete retirement,
we shall properly estimate the vigo-
rous intellect that could promote its
possessor so young in years to the
various positions held by him. A
member of the lower house of Con-
gress-Vice. President Of the United
Observation-Disclosures for the
Presidency before he was forty
Major General in the Confederate ar
my-Secretary of War of the Con-
federate States of America-what a
list of brilliant positions for one man,
and all filled with acknowledged
ability.
The Democrat gave in it's issue OF
July 4, 1860, a description of the man
and his career and we reproduce it
now as the wreath we lay upon his
grave:
4 4
He is virgihian by descent, Kentuc-
khan by birth, and the offspring of COM
mingled virtues, both head and heart, OF
an exalted character. There is no page OF
hisrory of his American ancestry that
bears the shadow of u stain. They had
morality to guide, wisdom aud learning to
control and piety and patriotism to stimu'
late them. They have been Identified
with every worthy enterprise. and there
never was made a call upon the chivalry
of Breckenridge that ne failed to res.
pond to it.
The grandfather of our standard beare,
was the first Senator from the State Of
Kentucky and was the author of those
well-known resolutions Of l7S3-99-the
ground work of that Democracy which
John G. Breckinridge has advocated and
sustained with such consistency and
ability.
The favorite of Southern Democrats had
the advantage of the best home aud AGA
dcmlc instruction. He was graduate o.
Centre College at Danville, Kentucky, o.
Princeton College of New Jersey, and af
forwards of the Law Department of Tran
sylvania University at Lexington, the seat
of his native county, Fayette. He took
high rank at the bar of that city which
was then remarkable for the talents of it,
members.
He served in the Kentucky Legislature
was Major of Kentucky volunteers il
| the war with Mexico distinguished for his
generous treatment of the men under hi
command and especially for his watchfu
care of the sick and his professional advice
given gratuitously to soldiers in difficulty
In 1851 he was elected to Congress from
Henry Clay's District, strongly Wing as il
was, and in spite of the opposition, ant
was recognized as leader. Two years af
forwards the Wings of the Ashland Dis
trict vowed solemn vow, that he shouli
not be returned. Their most astute poll
tician, Ex-Governor Letcher, who had van
quished his antagonist in every encounte
for thirty years, and who was believed tx
be invincible, was called to the tielt
against Breckenridge. The contest was .
memorable one and aroused an intense in
terest throughout the Union. Our yOunl
hero met the political giant without hest
tation, invited him to the discussion of tn
questions there at issue. and proved tn
victor in every encounter. The result wa
that he was returned by an increased ma
!jority, and served until March '55. Du
ring this last session President Pierce ten
dered to him the Ministry to Spain ii
place of Soule, but he had reasons for de
clining.
At the Cincinnati Democratic Convcn
ton of 1856 Breckinridge was nominated
for the Yice-Presidency by reclamation
and bis popularity in the West and il
Pennsylvania, and the judicious and e.e
giant speeches made by him in that cam
paign, contributed vastly to the fortunate
suppression of Fremont and his Black Re
publican followers. In Pennsylvania "a
we know in part from personal observa
tion) Breckenridge was welcomed in tina
campaign with the greatest enthusiasm
and nowhere in the North has his inflrl
ence and popularity taken deeper roo
than in the Keystone State.
As Presiding Officer Major Breckin
ridge has displayed great ability. Hi
readiness in settling points of order all,
his uniform dignity and urbanity have hat
o marked influence His form, bearing
grace and singularly felicitous style o
speaking will command respect as well a
in the most intellectual and able legisla
tive body on earth, as our U. s. Senate, a
in the most tumultuous gathering Of tn
people.
At the late session of the Legislature o
Kentucky he was elected member of tn
United States Senate for six years froI
March l, 1861.
Ix