Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1847-06-21
Chicago Comyem,ion---Mr. Benton.

Chicago Convcntion---Mr. Benton.
The Convention which assemble Chicago the
9Th Of July next, will be numerousy attended, and will
number among members many OF leading Statesmen
OF both political parties. We had occasion. the other day,
IA remarknR upon the speech lately delivered by Mr. Ben
ton ut jefferson city, say, that, that gentleman should
no, h. present il would not be because OF his
renee in the objects contemplated by the authors Of this
movements movement rendered Indispensable in the
op,n,on of the leading supporters OF the Administration in
the States more Immediately interested in the
nnorce great inland seas, with whom the scheme
originated BY Mr. Folks Veto the preceding
sons Congress- Of bills which. both IN principle and IN
detail identical with OF Congress which had uni
fomy received the both of Gen. Jackson and OF
Mr. Van Buren,. To this progressive" step IN Demo
crazy the Western people prepared to yield their
assent And hazard the prediction, that the Chicago
Convention shall resolve make this test question here
AFTER there will be vsioes OF such bills even during
the existence tho present Administration that. "
there shall be- upon the subject will not be vindl
Gated by an alleged want OF constitutional power but hv
the siae OF the treasury, which, exhausted and oyerwhem
ed m debt by the expenditures necessary prosecute the
war land possibly to Ship Canal the
Ishmus OF Tehuanopec,) will be represented entirely
unable the small annual drafts It, requisite 10
the removal from the Western OF the distractions
navigation and the upon their banks and At
suitable points upon the lakes OF harbo for the protection
And security oi our interiorits
MIR Benton it appears by the following letter. in reply
TO special invitation be present. addressed to him by
committee appointed the meeting recently held in ST.
Iouis will not present; but he promises communicate
hs views to the Convention IN writnR-eNpressng how
ever IN advance his it's objects and puT
poses IAN endorsement Says tic ST. LOUIS Republican,
from such n high political source, having potential IN
influence with the Administration, trust, NAV not be
without its influence with Mr. Polk and Congress IN the
future" We Mr.. Bentons letter:
ST. I.ouis. June s. lsI7.
Gentlemen Your letter the Isl instant received I'M
ned,atey after my return from Jefferson City, commands
my acknowledgements, both To yourselves aud 10
the large aud respectable meeting IN ST Louis May the
9qh nm conformity 10 whose resolve AIN honored with
invitation attend the River and Harbo Convention at
Chicago ON the 9Th OF July ensuing Ii hsd been IN 81
Louis nt the ct the meeting, should have done my
self the pleasure To be present and should have made my
blanks upon the spot for the honor done me by the esou
fion which directed be invited and at the same tme
with the indulgence OF the meeting, would have avaed
my self Of the occasion to have made my contribution o
good wishes and best words favor of the objects
vi the meeting II would great pleasure 10 attend
Chicago in company with the numerous and enlightened
delegation ST Louis; but the approach OF the hot
weather requires arrangements for Mrs. Benons
health which imperative me, and which put II out
rmy power be al Chicago the time appointed. Not
being able there and anXious contribute something
the OF the objects OF the Convention, shall
do myself tho honor draw up letter on the subject OF
the lake aud navigation OF the great wes and TO de-
lverit YOU be presented II the delegation from ST
Louis thinks proper, to the Convention.
Respectfully, gentlemen,
Your obedient servant
THOS. H. BENTON.
Ii II be true rs Mr. Polk contends that Congress has
no constitutional power make appropriations for
the convenience and safety Of commerce among the
several States the regulation OF which is as emphai-
caly confdod 10 guardianship BY the Constitution
as Is the regulation ol foreign commerce. and in the
same clause has been scarcely session OF Congress
since the formation OF the existing Government in which
that instrument has been violated IL is true, that
appropriations the Improvement of the Western rivers
and lakes are comparatively OF modem date but from the
very origin OF the Government Congress has exercised,
without any doubt authority the power 60 provide
facilities by the improvement OF rivers and harbors Tor the
transportation and security Of foreign commerce IN the
Atlantic States; and the principle consequently was with
hesitation, applied the Western waters as soon as
the increasing population OF the States bordering upon
them and the introduction Of navigation demonsra
ted that IL both necessary and proper" 10 extend
Them ITS benefits The distinction attempted TO be drawn
between foreign and domestic commerce. and between
fresh and salt WATER absurd for argument and only
be met successfully by rdIcule In ruth, Is supTemey
iarcical the present Administration attempt defend
exercise Of power by afco,aon OF
for the prohibitions Of the Constitution "An Admin
istraton which tn the orcbo language Of the National In
tegence) derive from the Constitution Of tho United
States power the President establish governments
foreign territories, and 60 nairazo entire populations be
yond the limits Of the United States OF bang
ing them Tor Teason-and which see nothing IN that
prevent the President from cyyug taxes at
hs will and pleasure and other citizens in
foreign land from eApendng the proceeds taxes
his arbitrary discretiou'itw would 10 O plain
UNDERSTANDING need sickle nothing. Much less can d
hope after having authorized sanctioned such thngs "a
be credited for sincerity, when affects have
queTabs sctules carrying into effect the mosi
clearly expressed purposes OF Constitution IN the pro-
motion Vi OBJ an which ntrinsIcay MOI
important, powerfully appeals the justice aud 10
.ihe patriotism OF the whole country.
We shall await the publication OF Mr. Bcnt,n's promised
exposition Of this subject with te curiosity. writer
the Washington Union, supporing that Mr. H. would be-
present the Chicago Convention, c1ngatuiiss the editor
the "pan talk" which he would address 20 that body
writing evidently under the presumption Mr. would
throW obstacles way. rather han the pro-
nonon Of designs. Mr. Benion's late speech NJ well
his uniform the senate ought 10 have unde-
cevcd all who supposed, that question in which be
constituents have deep interest he could be- willing o.
sacrifice that affected Presidential scruple'
Tie DiH rivo them plain talk" doubtless bot like hiB
remarks upon the Oregon sud Terss questions It will be
any thing but palasbe tho President and TO the small
portion Of his parry which with bm upon this
question.
~ The New York journal Of Commerce. while ,t BE-
40 favor Of depending national money only tor nation
81 ohecis, -demufs,iu making appropriations Tor The Inn.
provomcn Of Hk,s and harborr aiding any work oi