The Arkansas banner., 1845-02-05

but, last night, was arrested, and is now in prison
 Mir. Benton has presented the instructions of the Legislature of Missouri, on the sub feet of the annexation of Texas, and express ed his determination to carry them into full effect.
 The bill for the establishment of Land Office, in the Southern part of Arkansas, was, this day, ordered to third reading, equlva- lant to its passage.
 Yours, Be.
 CHESTER ASHLEY. EXTRACT OF LETTER FROM A GENTLEAN, ON AYIsIT AT WASHINGTON, TO THE EDITORS
 < WASHINGTON, Jan. l9, 1845.
 There are several propositions before Con gfess for the annexation of Texas to the United States. In the House of Represent tatives there has been, as is still progressing, some of the best debating upon the subject which has occurred for several years. In the Senate, nothing of decided character has taken place; but it is anticipated that, next week, the debate will commence, and, no doubt, will call forth the best talents. It is matter of speculation what course Mr. Benton will take, since the Legislature of Mo. has instructed her Senators to vote for the immediate annexation, unrestricted.-But am of the opinion that he will obey the will of-sae people, thus indicated.
 Mr. Foster of Tennessee, and Milton Brown of the same State. introduced, simul- taneously, propositions of the same charac- ter, for annexing Texas prohibiting slave i tl>o lat thifty-six degrees thirty minutes; and am inclined to think this proposition will suc- ceed; as it will bring, to the aid Of the friends of annexation several Senators who are oth- erwise opposed to 1t This proposition does not meet, fully, the wishes of the Democrat ie members but when the alternative is pre- sented to take It thus, or not at all, pre- sume they will not hesitate. When this shall have been accomplished, the South and West will have a sullieeney of territory to sustain themselves in any event But 1t Is d rich hope 10 every mind that duly appre- ciates the institutions of the country, that nothing will ever occur to make 1t necessa- " that this glorious Union should be diyi- ded. But 1t seems to a mere spectator, hay ing no other feeling than to see all portions of the country advance in prosperity, that the time is not remote when that mag occur l During the annexation discussion, the slave question has been introduced, and t always operates as a fire-brand; and then disunion Is talked of as familiarity, as fl 1t Was of small importance. Were 1t not for the slave ques- tion, Texas would be annexed with accla- nation.
 Y our Representative Judge CRoss0 is very active, in urging upon the members the importance of immediate annexation. Tho he has not, us yet, made speech upon the subject, he IS acting more efficiently, than fl he had; and am sure it will gratiiy you to know, that his judgement is as much relied on as that of any member of the House. Polite to all, he Is firm and devoted to his principles and party, as well as to the best interests of the country. If the House was i filled with such men, we would have no ag- ltation upon dangerous and improper ques- ] tlons-no disunion, but the rights of all would be protected, and the best interests ol the country advanced.
 presume 1t must appear strange to the British cabinet to witness the divisions among our statesmen, as to the policy of receiving, almost as gift, one of the fairest, and most important portions of the valley of the Mis- sisslpPl, when they declare, war withouthaving Just eause-sack cities-and commit the most violent outrages upon the civilized world, 10 acquire territory-and are, no doubt, at this time, using their utmost exertions to prevent Texas from becoming a part of the United States. The truth IS, we are not only sur- rounded by other nations jealous of our rap- Id advancements in the arts and sciences-in the virtue and intelligence of the people, and of the effect our free institutions are produ- cing throughout the world; but we have those in our midst who are not Americans in feeling and principle, and ought to be regar- ded as enemies of the country-these are the men we have most cause to dread Were 1t not for the conservative power in the vir- ture and intelligence ofthe people, operating through the regular forms of governmen, 1t might be feared that the days of the repub- lie were numbered-and those wick ed and ambitious men might subvert the liberties of the people. But that principle of Democra- cy which lies at the foundation of the gov ernment, and forms part of the constitution ot the American people will perpetuate it for ever.
 Ii is the wish of a large portion of the Democratic party that Col. SEVER should be appointed Secretary af War His loca- ton in the West-his knowledge of Indian affairs, connected with commanding talents, peculiarly qualify him for that station- Should it be done, the country would hail 1t with rapturous applause, and that depart ment would be conducted with ability and fidelity, Respectfully, &c.
 
 EDucATIoN.-A better safeguard for liber- ty than standing army. Ii we retrench the wages of the sehoolmaster, we must raise the wages of the recruiting sergent.
 Nor BAD.-A Methodist preacher. ex- pounding en his own al1fhnrilr. in T cnnntr,.