Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-04-06
TIE EDITORS.
COMMUNICATED.
SKETCH OF COL. BENTON.


Coi. Benton was cleo ed = Senator TO CONGRESS-
by he Legislature of Ms curl. Having taken lbs
seat IT the Senate, he bad before him wide f.l
OF useiune-s-and iair opportunity to accuire
rapid aud universal fame to become not only
servant but benrf ctr or the western connfry-
to make ali those WHO should become members of
the community of Missouri, 10 cherish cou
| scious feeling Of gratitude TO his genius 90 q,
Ia such way, that when he ceased 10 serve he,
hs should leave her II zee institutions aud nm tho
frame OF her society, the deep and lasting impress.
OF his labOufs aad "IsdOm. True genius Z, hen !,
Is -us aimed by spirit OF en'elprize seldom fails
10 perceive and TO seize upon occasions when no.
nofaole distinction can be laTly acquired. No in
Sehuous mind can Withhold lis praise of the bene-
a 5 which Benton is endeavouring 10 acbiere for
the eliaTe OF the West-nor iorbear to rank In
the highest degree the marked and decisive indn
ence winch his eflots III the Senate Is exertIns
over the views OF every enlightened 81 atesinan -
an Influence derived from his personal character
MS earnest and Impressive exertions, the value of
which will be aitesfed Ivy The gradual and conc,u.
sYe testimony OF results, which sooner or later
must occur The situation, interests and polIcv
OF the u. States, with reference TO their domain in
the West, be has enforced with cogency of ar
g1ment. and copiousDess Of iilusration Of which
no other mao has thought proper to furnish an
example jn this department Benton stand. alone
aud above all competition The people of his own
and the Legislature OF a sister State have dons
hun no more than justice IN approving OF his plan
ior disposing OF the public lands and applauCJ,ng
bis manly and enlightened efforts IN favour Of us
adoption.
Neither TO solci, public Offices, nor 10 shun
ihem' but when they conferred to execute
their duties diligently, fearlessly, AID conscien-
iIousIy, Is not the prevailing spirit Of these times
In the higher departments OF the government.
power j. secured IA opposition TO the will of The
people, not by palpabe violation Of the PLAIN pro-
visions Of the Constitution, but by intrigue bar
gam and Management"
II Is too clear TO be questioned that in Tie dis.
charge OF what think 10 be theu dnty. they
ought not to allow themselves 10 be Influenced by
me interests OF their o~n ambition, nor even by
tho'e sentiments OF private attachment and arsu-
'ude' winch are often ines strongly fell. Bu tho e
VINO luSt alter powef desire To- PER- etuate u.
itence every kind Of effort is male by those in
aa'hoTny: the whole legal and illegal influence of
me nstIon IS exertsd all its patronage il welded
Tor 'beH support The whole machinery Of the
SLATE, ordinary and extraordinary, is required 10
sustain men 30 stustsL The promise of Office
'euuces crowds, who, tor pay, are willing to fight
nnder aoS nag. Those who arc governed by
sprit Oh independence aud consistency. are perse.
cuied and prescribed.
"A selfish ambition is substituted foy the terope.
rate and judicous Management Of tie interests and
The peaceahle and prudent maintenance Of the
rights OF The people The honour and welfare Of
the country are ~scrifieei 10 ire nos, de.picsb,e
passions, snd tie yjisst purpos"s 81 isctiou Col