Year: 1860

but they assert (lor.ifed b. the highest
jddicial tribunal in the Union) the plain
duty of the Federal Government, in all
It's departments to secure when necessary
to the citizens of all the states, the en-
joyment of their property in the COM
mon territories, as every where else
within its jurisdiction The only logical an.
swer to this would seem TO be to claim
sovereign power for the Territories or to
deny that the Constitution recognizes
property in the Sc vices Of negro slaves, or
to deny that such property can exist


lneXorable logic, which works its steady
way through clouds and passion, compels
the coutry to meet the issue. There is no
evasive middle yrourd. Already the
signs multiply of fanatical and growing
party, which denies that under the Consti
tuition, or by any other law, slave property
can exist; and ultimately this struggle
must come between this party and the
National Democracy. sustained by all the
other conservative element in the Union.


think twill be impossible for a can
did man to discover hostility to the Union
or q taint Of seclionaliSm, in the resolu-
tions adopted by the Convention. The
Constitution and the Union repose on the
equality of the States, which, lies
like broad foundation underneath our
political structure. As ! construe them,
the resolutions simply assert this equality
They demand nothing for any State or
section that is not cheer!ully conceded to
all the rest. 1t is well to remember that
the chief disorders which have afflicted
our country have grown out Of the viola-
ton of the State equality, and that. as
long as this great principle has been les.
pected, we have been blessed with harmo-
ny and peace. Nor will it be easy to per-
suade the country that resolutions are sec
tional which command the sopport of a
majority of the Estates, and are approved
by the bone and body Of the old Democra>
cy. and by vastmass of conservative op>
ion everywhere, without regard to their
party.


1t has been necessary more than once in
our history to pause and solemnly assert
the true character of this Government
A memorable instance occurred in the
struggle which ended in the civil revolu-
Of 1900 The Republicans of that day
like tke Democrats of this. were stigmati-
zed as disunionists, but they noblv conduct
ed the contest under the Constitution and
saved our political system. By a like
struggle it Is intended to assert and es
tablish the equality of the States as the
only basis of union and peace. Wher
this object, so national, so constitutional,
so just, shall be accomplished. the last
cloud shall disappear from the Americ5
sky. and with common hearts and hands
the States and the people will unite to de-
velope the resources of the whole coun-
try, to bind it together with the bands of
intercourse and brotherhood and to ime
pei it onward in its career. The Constit-
uton ard the equality Of the States.-
These are symbols of everlasting union.
Let these be the rallying cry Of the peo-
pie


trust that this canvass will be conduc-
ted without rancor, and that temperate
argument will take the place of hot words
and passionate Arguments. Above all, |
venture humbly to hope that Divine
Providence, to whom we owe our origin,
our growth and al our prosperity. will
continue to protect our beloved country
against al! danger, foreign and domes.
tic.


! am, with great respect, your friend,


JOHN c.. BRECKENRIDGE.
Hon. C, Cushing, President of the Demo.
cratic National Convention.