The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-09-18
Extract efa letter from friend an the Vest

81 am sometimes quite amused at the self-comps-
cency with which the Metropolitan potcisns make
their arrangements for the regulation Of the affairs
the nation They seem TO think that Richmond Is the
State. and small junto about the Capitol are the
people. But they will find themselves most wofully
mistaken. Rebellion is already rearing her horrd
crest in Western Virginia. A deep scheme is now ~
agitation there, which, If il be properly matured,
will strike terror into the hearts Of Mr. Richie and his
cirque Yes, strange as you may think la piot-
aye, plot! is now foot, which is intended to con-
troll the Presidential election in 1874, and TO secure
that exalted station TO 7. II. Benton! He is bsd,
daring man. and is preparing TO strike for the
Crown. He knows full well the Importance Of attach
ing Virginia TO his carand Lenee bis exertions are d.
rected 10 this important point He knows, moreover,
that he could find favor with Richie and the
Richmond polisicisns-ther associations forbid IT,
They may use him for their purposes, but Benton
has sagacIty enough to know they will never support
hum for the Presidency hence he is adopting deep
lad policy He intends proceed upon the principle
which Jackson adopted to break down the Senate. He
IS gong IN The interior, Despairing Of The metropolitan
press, he will make all his advances TO the provincial
or county gszettes He knows that IL he can enlist
them thoroughly be force Richie, through his dread
Of minority TO chime IN with what will be the
popular sentiment in his avor-and IL he does sup
port, at least forbear to oppose him
Benton knows, too, how important It Is to get the
start Of his competitors ard hence be is taking the
field thus early. You can see that he has already
mounted hobby which he expects 10 ride over the
Western States Il is the Salt Tax Look into the
ST. Louis Argus or any of his mouth pieces, and you
nothing but Salt. Salt! Salt !! But the West
is not sufficient The South is to be gained, and one
step towards that is TO secure Virginia. The mode
taken TO effect that. 10 ingenious enough The attack
10 be made indirectly The FIRST raiying point is to
be on the Senatorial election. The Bentonians, with
certain notorious Senator from South Western Virginia
at their head will bring forward Ben,on's brothern-
law, James Mcdowell, Esq, their candidate for the
United States Senate They will invoke Western
feeling, the Internal Improvement interest," and perad
venture the abolition interest in the Allegheny
country. 10 sustain him, and they will sustain him
through thick and thin To advance this object, the
party about Lexington have subscribed money enough
to buy press aud have established paper called the
Valley Star, at Lexington. This paper is edited by
young protegee Of Benton, and is devoted to his ine
II has placed the name OF Nc Dowell ut its mast
head. and will retain il there the last Col Bees
paper at Lewisburg has done the thing, and as
am informed. has the Fincaste, the Rockingham and
the Shenandoah, and probably other Western papers
These papers will become thoroughly enlisted in Nc.
Dowels interest," and then the transfer TO Benton will
be easily accomplished, The struggle to cleo. Nc
D----,i l--r---.-a---. L--l --L-. ..y -
That the pivo, upon which Bentons destnies in Viz
GINA TO turn. The party would be almost as much
graveled by the election Of Judge Tucker Mason,
as Of Rives or Wing They are going for Interior
objects and hence this election such peculiar
importance in their eyes Benton is now at I.exmg-
ton. What he is about, know not, and You guess
well as /. might extend these speculations much
further. Lest you should become wearied, must bid
you good night "-Reh Wing