Democratic banner., 1849-11-05
From the Hannibal Courier.

From the Hannibal Courier. O.
BENTONS SPEECH-THE DICTATOR IN
THE DITCH.
In imagining, as he declared, that his visit
to this portion of the State would "crush'
all opposition, Col. Benton but held a word
of promise to his ear, which was destined tc
be "broken to the hope" All who witness.
ed his effort at this place Of Friday last, and
the reception it met with from the crowd,
are fully convinced that
0Benton is a used up man."
have seen a more convincing proof
of q mans appropriately and condemnation
by the people than was exhibited on that
occasion. When we announced his appoint.
ment, we asked that the people should come
forward, give him a respectful hearing, and
then decide the merits Of the case. We did
so in the full confidence that the enlighten-
ed judgment Of an intelligent people would
unhesitatingly condemn his recreancy to
his party and to his State. The result has
shown that we were not mistaken in oiiI
expectations, and he himself must by this
time be fully aware that his
."vaulting ambition has developed ITSELF"
He commenced his speech in front Of The
Brady House Immediately after dinner, and
continued until. the sun had set, vith the
palpable intention of preventing q reply
He knew that the Hon. James S. Green was
present, by invitation froth our citizens, to
answer him, and he determined, if possible,
to avoid it, by speaking against time. But
it was no co. The people waited patient
ly and listened attentiyely, though Standing
In the open street for near Eve hours. The
tebuke which followed, was indignant aid
decisive, and the triumph Of Mr.. Green,
complete and overwhelming. tas :
OF the matter of Col. Bsnton's speech,
we will not attempt even a synopsis. II
was throughout but a reiteration of his late
published speech, with the exception Of the
episode which prefsced it.. in regard
to his vote on the Oregon bill. He said he
had an unpleasant duty 10 perform, and that
was to fix the GLE" upon four members Of
Congress, who had been given to him for
colleagues. He then p~fohonncsdi their
names in a loud voice-"Green, Atch,so4,
Jameson, HaH"-and attempted to prove
they had classified the records to mis-
represent his vote. The evidence he read
was such as to convince every one present
that he had actually voted to give the right
suffrage in Oregon to tthe male descend
ants Of all white men," even if by negro or
Indian w,ves! His denial, however, was
bold and bitter, and his revilihgs ~efe fierce
and opprobriouS. The conduct of Mr..
who occupied . conspicuous posi-
ton in the crowd, under this load of insult
ing yituperation and still more insulting
manner of Col. Benton, was admirable
His demesnor was calm and unrufled and
ne looked steadily in the eye of his tiger
like assailsnt. There was nothing of the
~bragadocio; not even defiance in his look !;
if anything the prevailing expression in his
countenance was pity that one so aged
so disgrace his exalted position by
exhibiting the conduct Of a bully and black
When he had exhausted himself on
This topic, Col. Benton proceeded with his
,peech-the old story about notification,
disunion, Calhoun, &C., &c. When about
half through, he saw from the expression Of
the crowd, he wal hopelessly SIN the ditch"
and from its lowestdepths, he cried Justify
10 the Wings to lend him a helping hand
He begged, coaxed. aattered, and sfored
hem the hand @polticaiE riendahip.'. But
al would not do; the Whigs were immova-
They were 'all unused to praise from
'uch lips, and we're not to be cajoled in that
way. They gave him no token of assent,
sign of encouragement, and throughout
his whole speech he did not once r~ecsive|
The slightest applause. When he concln.
led and left the stand, perfect silence reign
ID IN the crowd. As sooh az he had %eIfl
it, however, q shout went up forJ
sGrsen! Greenps Immediately Col Benz
ON bounced back into the stand, and re-
that "tiat cry reminded him of
something he wished to say" He then went
IN to complain Of thaefofts that were made
10 reply to bis speeches and said his oppo-
rents would not even give him aday to him.
Ielf for peaceful intercourse with, Che poo
,le. He gave q strong hint to the crowd
leave the ground, By relating an anec-i
tote of somebody attempting to answer him
. school-house at st. Charles, but who
the room Of its occupants faster thar
( ever had been evacuated BY the magic