The Constitutional [Alexandria, LA], October 20, 1860
After a vast outlay of means, the long anticipated procession of the Breckinridge party was made a reality on Saturday evening last. For the past two or three weeks extensive preparations have been going on, and no little labor expended in the way of drumming up recruits to make it a demonstration every way worthy of the “unterrified” Democracy. All ages were brought into requisition to fill up the ranks, but notwithstanding all their efforts, they were only able to display about equal numbers with the late demonstration of The Constitutional Union party.
Well! taken altogether it was certainly a very creditable demonstration. The display of lights and transparencies, of which there was a great superabundance, of course, had a most pleasing effect. The music from the band was very entertaining, and served to enliven the otherwise solemnity of the occasion. There were several rockets thrown off, but unfortunately the whole of them exploded—rather a forewarning for all Union men to separate themselves from the dire schemes of disunion. It is said the caricatures were all taken from the “Rail Splitter,” a Black Republican sheet published in the North. Whether or not true we cannot say; if so, however, it gives great weight to the charge of fusion between Breckinridge and Lincoln.
The great efforts put forth here by the Breckinridge party are truly very commendable, and well worthy a better cause; but we are sorry to say we cannot wish them success, and thereby obey the precept “rejoice with them that do rejoice.”—Doubtless were the success of Mr. Breckinridge dependent upon the parish of Rapides he would be our next President, but unfortunately this parish is but a small speck upon the wide extending plains of Columbia, and we think the gloomy prospects of Mr. Breckinridge elsewhere are rather calling for lamentation than exultation, which indeed draws out our sympathies in the sad duty of condoling with their sorrows. We cannot rejoice over disunion; our only motto is that simple grand and glorious one of John Bell, “The Union is our only safety.”