Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-10-20
OFT the Presidential chair as completely within his

term MIR. Adams aud Mr. era rfo,d ,ye. aisra,ed ne
candidates; but neither were supposed be popular in
pennsylvania, the Western South states. The
expressions of kindness (nteuded as only
by the people oft the West toward Mr. Calhoun,
gsty converted by him into pledge of support for any
Office lac might Seek and, the asonShnent of the
nation he was declared be candidate for the PcSiden
cy press was established at Washington at enor-
nous expense. Many thousand papers gratis
into every part of the Union, full of hgh-wrough encom
the Secretary War, and calumnes against the
Secretary of the Treasury, (NIr Cawiord) whose popu
arity in the South it thought necessary destroy
Every art was pctsed 10 gain Pennsylvania and the West
ern states, without avail The Western people spontane
ousy presented to the nation the claims of that distinguish
ed statesman, Mr. Clay, for the Office, and they could
not ne induced to abandon their earliest aud best
Tor the qualification OF young asprant, of e7uvocal po
ilicS ana unsettled principles This expression of prefer
ence for Mr. c. Immediately brought upon him vengeul
ire of Mr. Calhoun (hherto from motives of
poicy) Presses were subsidized in every Western State
to traduce Mr. Clay and the laborers worthy the
cause Seine of them ndiscree to charge
upon Mr. Clay, as crime, that he voted for esta-
hsiment of the u. S. Bank, when it was known to the
whole ma ton that Mr. Calhoun himself most zeal
Gus advocate of the measure then in Congress-Nr CAL
houn at length, convinced that he could obtain the
support OF single Western eecor, hetook himself his
old plan of producing Division aud succeeded. General
Jackson was nominated by Tennessee, and divided the
west Unluckiy, Pennsylvania the strong hold of Mr.
Calhoun immediately osook him, and, secondng Tennes-
Sec became the camorous for the election Of the
General Fooled in all his Efforts he began make pre-
parations for securing his He first proposed
coalition with Mr. Adams and his friends, and re-
Jeced After several other experiments resource
he united with Jackson, and by that
aHict inns nation as Vice President This Office however.
does not nil the of his ambition, equal his own
estimate nf his claims. He evidently still abors under the
same deluson which first urged him become candidate
lie still believes that if MIR. Clay had cand-
date, he would himself have obtained the votes of the
West He kIlOUS, that If Mr. CLAY had not been nominal
ted General Jackson would have been brought
ward; and he supposes, that he light then obtained
me votes ot Pennsylvania, added South Carolina, the
eS nn1 perhaps New Jersey North Carolina and Ma
y!and. AT all events, he have been one of the
nd
management would avail. Mr. Cay'S having been far
in favor with the people be nominated for Pre-
dency, and his Ia wing the obstacle Mr. Calhoun
promotions is an offence not to be forgiven.
Such the materials of which that motley combina-
ton called the opposition is composed Men, disappointed
OF peermest-some, heretofore pofessedly the friends
internal improvements, OF manufactures, and of liberal
policy in relation the Spanish American epuhlics-and
those who have heretofore openly assaulted them a-have
made common against the Administration, the Pa
mama Mission, Roads and Canals, and the protection of
Domestic Manufactures.
But may be said, that one, least of nnst active
ana Jealous members of the opposition, Col Benton
friend of Mr.. Clay. Let examine how that matter
stands: That he claims be the relation, and was once
the friend of Mr. Clay, is conceded. In 1922, is under
stood, he attended at ST. Charles, while the Legislature
was in session, and urged his nomination Presidency
From that period until 1924, nothing further heard
from COL Benton concerning the Preside ntal election he
being during that time At his residence in Virginia. the
latter he made his constituents the celebrated
visit of inclination and duty and during summer and
l ne displayed some ZEAL both ia ecctoneeng for Mr..
Clay against General Jackson, and in revng Mr. Barton
his colleague, who then candidate for reelection to
the Senate deadly hostility is known have existed
between Gen Jackson aud COL Benton They were lite
rally daggers' points and were supposed 10 he i'm
placabc. General jackson and Mr. CLAW we're TO say Tho
least not eady, since the latter impeled by sense
of duty, spoke of the conduct of the in the Seminole
war, as he thought it deserved reconciliation as sudden
as 1T unexpected, has been effected between Col BEN
ton and the General, and which yet mystery to
those who familiar with the character and disposition
of holh gentlemen.
The Presidential election Terminated in purali,,- of
OF he seviIe
y between him and Mr.. Adams. in tue House of Repe-
sentatves; and the parzans of the former shouted in an
tc!pauon OF the triumph Of their fax His adherent
at Washington affected encrtan doubt ofhis success
1t was time indeed, the men looking for
ward to Executive favor: it required steady hand to adj
Just the balance of probabilities Barton had long in
favor Of Aams and Col. Benton declared for Jack
SON Then came the tug Of war-the of our repre-
sentative being the subject of 1t was given 10 MIR
Col. Benton and Mr.. Scott dissolved Mr. CLAY
after nominated for the office Secretary Of
State. Col Benton, indeed, voted ratification of
his nomination but the opposition then organized
nor was Randolph its present supreme Director then the
Senate.
In the spring Of 1926 Col Benton revisited Missouri
The Calhoun and jackson presses then teeming with
abuse of hr. Clay, he openly charged corruption
in obtaining his appointment, and with wing purchased
and sold the votes of the Western States. These libels
rPpubshed here with additions nd the relation nd
friend o Mr. Clay observed, throughout his visit mvse
rious silence He who year before ha been eloquent
in his praise, would silently have suffered obloquy to settle
on his name. SIT is almost criminal hear a worthy
traduced without attempting luis Justification, as to
be the author Of the caumuy against him" If Col Ben
ton had been the Hiriend indeed Of Mr. Clay he would
not have heard him vilely abused without aud lust
indignation less would he have with those
who full o "cnvy malice and all blcessD
towards that distinguished citizen. Fortunately Mr.. CLAW
had reliance in the confidence and affection the
people of Missouri than the kindred aud friendship Of her
Senator Col Benton returned Washington, became
the personal friend and close ally OF AIessrs Randolph
and Calhoun. His first public opposition to the IA
vorite policy of Mr. Clay and the people of the West
His next an accusation against MIC lay, of hay wing palm
ed upon the Senate false translation of important
public document Mr.. Clay is the advocate Of internal
Improvement, and Col Benton voted against tic bill for
repairing the great Western avenue, the Cumberland road
that highway, upon which he declared ne wrought
since its commencement, and would continue work until
II reached the confines N this state or perhaps
the mouth NJ Columbia Mr. Clay is friendly the pro-
lection OF domestic manufactures; and Mr. Benton has
announced his intention Of voting for reduction
Tariff now but shoIt time IN operation, passed by
the ard OF his votc.t II cannot be disguised that Col.
Benton participates in the feelings o his friends Cal
noun and Randolph aud seconds all their plans. Mr. Ran