Democratic banner., 1849-08-27
BENToNS' SPEECH IN ARKANSAS.

BENToNs'sPEECH IN ARKANSAS.
The following just expression in regard to
Col Benton's free-soil Speech, is takenfrom
the Little Rock Democrat, the acknowl-
edged organ of the Democracy of Arkan-
sas. 1t seems that there is but one opinion
at tIn South, in regard totha movements of
the Great Western BaInburner, and that is,
that he has gone into the abolition harness
for the Presidential candidacy in 1852
metropolitan.
awe are, at last, in receipt of Benton's
great speech, delivered at Jefferson City on
the 2Sth of lest month. The ostensble OBJ
iect of this speech was to explain to the
people of Missouri the position which Mr..
Benton occupied relative to the resolutions
of instructions adopted at the last session
of the Missouri Legislature; but the true
purpose of this demonstration, as is plainly
TO be seen, was nothing less than an effort
on the part Of Senator Benton to erect a
platform upon which he might present him.
self to the people of the country as a can
|didate for the Presidency of 1852. This is
evident, not only from the great desire which
he ~evinces to demolish MI. Calhoun, but al
SO from the great pains which he takes to
let the people of Missouri understand that
he is endorsed by the dying declarations Of
Gen. Jackson, "as an able and distinguish
ed statesmen, and q warm and sincere patri-
OF to whom the country is under great obli-
cations" What these matters have to do
with Senator Benton's duty to his constlt.
|uents we are at a loss to discover; but If this
speech is to prepare the way for his candid
AZURE in the next Presidential contest, then
they are very proper; since he might deem
It desirable not only to kill of MI. Calhoun,
but also to show that there could be no truth
lin the remark said to have been made by
Gen. Jackson in reference 10 the effect pro-
duced by the bursting of the big gun on
board the Princeton!
We have usually perused the speeches Of
Mr.. Benton with much satisfaction. The
originality Of thought and vigor Of style
which usually pervade his efforts, recon.
mend his remarks upon almost every occa-
sion to very general attention; but in this
last speech, We fine nothing remarkable,
except his peculiar position in regard to
slavery in the territories-the bitter de-
nuncistions which he hesps upon all in
Missouri who have dared TO oppose him;
and the acerbity Of the abuse which he Law.
ishes upon Mr.. Calhoun.
This speech, a. reported in the Saint
Louis papers, occupies about fourteen
closely printed columns; but the whole sub
stance Of it may be given in about fourteen
lines. He refuses to obey the instructions
Of the Legislature, and appeals to the peo-
pie. He is a Wilmot Provisoist; declares
the Proviso to be constitutional; and that
should sach q law be applied by Congress
to New Mexico or California, resistance to
it would be treason to the United States
and punishable with death under the laws
of the land; and lastly, that by the adoption
of this proviso by Congress, Mr.. Calhoun
~looses his whole stock in trade, and is forced
into political bankruptcy, and Benton will
not have him to contend against iu the race
for the next Presidency. The Missuori
Senator does not add this last remark; but
the inference is so plain that no one can
fail to see it."
C-,- n. CT