The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-09-05
NEW APPOINTMENTS IN THE ARMY

We alluded some days since to one of The recent
promotions in the Army, in which there had been
apparent oversight of certain charges against the
officer mentioned.
| We are, indeed as much surprised that an officer
in our service could be found who would allow
charges of corruption and NAL practice against him
| TO slumber to be sighted, while his nomination
| was pending for promotion TO higher grade as we
| TO learn that the Executive Depart Of our
Cover ment would permit such nomination 10 be
made and Continued while there were, and are
among the records Of that department, serious
charges Of misconduct against the nominee. Charges
too, which, if subStaniaed would suffice TO cashier
or at least TO suspend the officer from rank.
In the present case, an inquiry into the truth or
falsy of the allegation, is peculiarly called for-be-
| cause Col. Benton has hitherto held responsible
office al ST. Louis, requiring the disbursement of
heavy public funds, in the discharge Of which duties
the NAL practice now mentioned took place; and the
| recent appointment not only reinsates him in his
former disbursing office but gives him higher grade
in the Army, and, OF course increased pay and emot-
| nments.
resident at st. Louis, and its citizens that this mat
| ter was publicly alluded 10 by one of the daily pa
pers of that city in January last in an article en-
| titled "Will party save him" This fact we learn
BY the letter which was published, Of Col. Benton to
Mr.. Poinsett, Secretary of War, in which Col. Ben
ton attempts to exculpate himself from any inerier-
ence on behalf Of his nephew, Maj Brant.
Mai. Brant, (noW promoted to 1t. Colonelcy,)
arrived at Washington in June last, from Florida
| He had been, no doubt, previously informed BY the
War Department, that the charges, now alluded to,
were on file awaiting his return and defence.
| What was then the honorable course to be pursued
| by an honorable officer and Sub-treasurerl The
dignity of the soldier the respect of the man. would
seem at once to demand an immediate inquiry into
| the accusations against him
But was This done mo, On the contrary, the
new bill of promotions was laid before the Senate
| for confirmation. No illusions were made to, nor
was this coordinate branch of the Government ad-
viSed that there charges of official misconduct
against one of the nominees. Aye, the charges
| sumbered, slept and he who should have accepted
the nomination without fear and without reproach,
| was Struggled into the honorable BODY, and nursed
there under the huge cloak of " My Uncle"
IT'S true that these charges have not been substan-
taled and aScerained, but this is because no court
has been instituted to inquire into them; but we are
informed that they are supported nnder cath, and are
| in such form as 10 require investigation
The nomination was made and was confirmed,
| and the present Col. B., with his commission in his
pocket, left Washington via the U. S. Mint, about
the time OF the adjournment OF Congress- for st.
Louis, where he has arrived and has probably taken
| upon himself the discharge OF his new duties and
the circulation of $4,000 in gold among The public
creditors al that station leaving the charges 800
miles in his We refer to these matters as
partizanS, but public journalists The honor of
the army requires that no shall be sustained in
his rank and station against whom there is breath
OF an imputaion or the shadow Of a charge Al the
same time, we mention these circumstances not up
on hereSay or report merely, but upon The repreScn-
talionS and knowledge OF those who are better in
formed than ourselveS-and if Mr.. Poinsett will
continue allow this matter 10 slumber unto DEATH
we are indeed mistaken in our estimate OF his cali
bre and of the fitness for a cabinet ofhcer.-Bdh.
Chronicle.