he United States, and supported him with all the natural
enthusiasm of youth, and remember yet my sorrow when it was at last
known that he was defeated. I also knew Mr. Crittenden from 1846,
when, as a young lawyer, I visited Washington, and saw much of him
in the later years of his life. I also held close personal relations
with Mr. Ewing and Mr. Corwin since my early boyhood, and shared,
as much as youth can share, the benefits of their council and
confidence. I am justified in saying that during the memorable
period of thirty years of political conflict through which we have
passed, I have steadily adhered to the lessons they have taught,
by supporting the measures adopted from time to time by the Republican
party, while the majority of the people of Kentucky, with equal
sincerity, no doubt, pursuing their convictions, have landed in
the Democratic party. What I would like to find out is whether it
is you or I who have switched off from the councils of our political
fathers, and whether the causes of the difference of opinion still
exist."

I closed as follows:

"I freely confess that the great mass of the Democratic party are
patriotic, law-abiding citizens, yet I believe the elements that
control that party, especially in the northern states, are unworthy
of the confidence and trust of a brave and free people, and that
the Republican party, although it may not always have met the hopes
and expectations of its friends, does contain within it the elements
of order, safety, obedience to law and respect for the rights of
others, with well-grounded principles of public policy, and can
fairly be trusted again to manage our national affairs.

"My heartiest sympathies go with the gallant Republicans of Kentucky,
who, in an unequal fight, have shown the courage of their race and
the patriotism of their ancestors. Let them persevere in appealing
to their neighbors for co-operation, and they can fairly hope that,
as the passions of the war pass away, Kentucky will be, as of old,
on the side of the Union, the constitution and the impartial
enforcement of the laws.

"Is not this a good time to try the experiment of a Republican
representative from the Louisville district? Our Democratic friends
seem to be in a bad way about the choice of a candidate. If what
the opposing factions say of their candidates is half true, you
had better take shelter under a genuine and fearless Republican
like Mr. Wilson, who will be im