The Arkansas banner., 1844-06-26
BENTON,s BILL.

After voting against the treaty of annexation on the Sth, Mr. Benton asked leave to introduce the fol- lowing bill on the 10th instant:
 A bill to provide for the annexation of Texas
 to the United States.
 Be u enacted by the Seaafe and House oi Representatiresof of the United Siatcsof Amer ica ia Congress assembled, That the Presi- dent of the United States be, and he hereby is. authorized and advised to open negotiations with Mexico and Texas for the adjustment oI boundaries, and the annexation ol the latter to the United States, on the following basis to wit:
 l. The boundary of the annexed territory to beln the desert prairie west of the Neuces. and along in the highlands and mountain heights which divide the waters of the Mis- slssppi from the waters of the Rio del Norte, and to latitude 42 degrees north.
 ?. The people of Texas, by legislative act, or by any authentic act which shows the will of the majority, to express their assentto said annexation
 5. i State, to be called "THe Siafe of 1eras,o with boundaries fixed by herself, and all extentnot exceeding that of the largest State in the Union, to be admitted into the UNION by virtue of this act, on an equal foot ing with the original States
 1. The remainder of the annexed territory to be held and disposed of by the United States as one of their territories, and to be called s.IHc SoatlageSi Territory"
 5 The existence of slavery to be forever prohibited in the northern and northwestern part of said Territory, so as to divide, as equally as may be, the whole of the annex ed country between slaveholding and non slayeholdmg States.
 6. The assent of Mexico to be obtained by treaty to such annexation and boundary, or to be dispensed with when the Congress of the United States may deem such assent to be 
 z. Other details of the annexation to be adjusted by treaty, so far as the same may come within the scope of the treaty-lnaking power.
 If evidence were wanting, other than that furnish ed in his published letter and speech. of Mr. Ben toms inconsistent positions, and factious opposition to the annexation of Texas, it surely may be found in this Bill Here have him, on the Sth instant, voting against annexation, when the measure was intirely and easily within our reach; and, on the 10th, proposing a bill for annexation, but clogging it with such conditions as he was well aware would prevent its passage Both in his vote, and in his bill he, alike, manifested his opposition to annexa- tion In this, we say the positions of Mir. Benton have been inconsistent; and his opposition factious. It is his boast that for quarter of cen ury, he has been in favor of annexation. That he was so previous to the conclusion of the Treaty. by Mr. Tyler, all the country believed; and al the friends of annexation expected, as they had right 0 expect his active aid and cooperation in the ac of that great measure. Before the conclusion of the Treaty, the Globe. at Washington which is mainly edited by Mir Benton, aad the Mis- ouran, at St. Louis, which is understood to be his organ at home, were both in favor of annexation, tHd regarded as champions, in tie cause. So soon however, as the Treaty was concluded out came the etters of MT. Van Buren and Mir. Benton; and i'm nedately followed the cry of the Globe and Missou- ian against annexation. Can any one pretend that uch course was consistent Did the Globe and reflect the views of Mr. Benton previous 0 the conclusion of the Treaty? If so, then was
 
 md Mssourian now reflect the views of Mir. Benton! surely they do; for he speaks through them, in ! ditorials letters. speeches, and votes Then he is opposed to annexation. And then he is glaringlv, ulpaby inconsistent Is it said that 1t is not neon istent, and surely not cupable to change position ! regard to any measure of public policy, when ] ood reason can be assigned for the change: WeI dnit it. But no such excuse can sustain Mr. Ben ,n, or justify his coarse in this instance If for quarter of century, he had been the ardent and ntiring advocate of annexation, why is he so sud enly converted 10 oppose it Where, during all his time, while this sman of head and thought ,as studying the queston-where were the rights | f Mexico, of which he is now so tender-where | ,as the danger of war; Of which he s now so fear ll-where were the faith of treaties, and our national onor, ofWhich he wbines so sanctimoaiously? Dur lg his ardent advocacy of annexation, for iteeat- ue years, he wanted either the sagacity 10 perceive T the honesty to acknowledge if he did perceive Il these obstacles in the way of annexation But, | ow in the tw-inkling of an eye they are suddenly | syealed b him. Sudden and wonderful illumiHa- on of "head and thought1' Doubtless, we 1aust gard him as political Paul on his ronta to Damas. IS, receiving sudden illumination, or as factious ppositonist. Until the conclusion of the Treaty, 9 gave every reason to believe he vas in favor of but so soon as he fouRd that others, hose more prominent and favorable position enabled lem to do so, were about to accomplish this great leasure,-Presto change he opposes it; and with violence, too, which shews the influence of per 'na feeling, as the controlling motive of his con uct We would noteabate one jot from the just lerit of Mir. Benton, and have no pleasure in sas- ecting him of improper motives; but under the circumstances, we cannot resist the conclusion that is principal motive4er opposing the Treaty, was le fact that t was the work of John Tyler and John !. Calhoun. He was unwilling that they should ave the credit of adding an empire to the Union, nd Gibraltar to the South" How else can his onosif;o,, ba oNynlai,tad3 In foVor of o,,,o.,,f,