Year: 1860

ical answer this would seem to be to
claim sovereign power for the Terrific
ries, or to deny that the Constitution
recognizes property in the services of
negro slaves, or to deny that such prop
erty can exist.


lnexorable logic, which works its
steady way through clouds and passion
compels the country to meet the issue.
There is no evasive middle ground.
Already the signs multiply of a a fanati.
cal and growing party, which denies
that under the Constitution or by any
other law, slave property can exist.
and ultimately the struggle must come
between this party aud the National
Democracy, sustained by all the othef
conservative elements in the Union,


think it will be impossible for a
candid mind to discover hostility to
the Union or taint of sectionalism in
the resolutions adopted by the Conven-
ton. The Constitution and the Union
repose on the equality of the States,
which lies like broad foundation tin:
derneath our whole political structure.
AS l construe them, the resolutions
simply assert this equality. They de-
mand nothing for any State or section
that is not cheerfnlly conceded to ali
the rest. 1t is well to remember that
the chief disorders which have afflicted
our country have grown out of the vic.
lation of State equality, and that as
long as this great principle has been
respected we have been blessed with
harmony and peace. Nor will it be
easy to persuade the country that reso.
lntions are sectional which command
the support of a majority of the States,
and are approved by the bone and
body of the old Democracy, and by q
vast mast of conservative opinion evel
rywhere, without regard to party.


1t has been necessary, more than
once in our history, TO pause and sol
emnly assert the true character of this
Government. A memorable instance
occurred in the struggle which ended
in the civil revolution of 1880. The
Republicans of that day, like the De-
mocracy of this, were stigmatized as
disunionists, but they nobly conducted
the contest under the Constitution, and
saved our political system. BY a like
constitutional struggle it is intended to
assert and establish the equality Of the
States, as the only basis of union and
peace. When this object, SO national,
so just, shall be accomplished, the last
cloud will disappear from the American
sky, and with common hands and
hearts the States and the people will
unite to develop the resources of the
whole country, to bind it together with
the bonds of intercourse and brother
hood, and to impel it onward in its great
career ~ ets 9L Ffu


The Constitution and the equality of
the States These are symbols of ev-
erlasting Union. Let these be the rail-
lying cries Of the people. S


/ trust that this canvass will be con-
Quoted without rancor, and that tenn
perate arguments will take the place of
hot words and passionate accusations
| Above all, / venture humbly to hope
that that Divine Providence to whom
we owe our origin, our growth and all
our prosperity, will continue to protect
our beloved country against all danger,
foreign and domestic. se9t .Iif
am, with great respect. your friend. sas


JOHN G. BRECKINRIDGE.
The Hon. G. Cushing, President of
: the Democratic National Convention.