Democratic banner., 1849-07-23
BENTOliIAC.
From the Metropolitan.

sNS
Mr.. ED1roR: At a crisis like this, and in
view of the independence and soundness Of
your editorial career, the democracy are be-
coming greatly your debtor.
l have Just seen and read with delight
the last number of your paper. Who is
the author of "Bentoniac?"-I want to give
him a cordial shake of the hand. He writes
like a free man and a true democrat. Tell
him to "strike him again." Truths like
those declared by him will ultimately find
a resting place in the bosoms of the Mis-
souri, democracy. Of BentoHs slaves and
toadies, | have no hopes of their reforma-
ton. But of those honest democrats who
are now devoted to the man, and who ar
rive at the truth slowly, / have all conf.
dence in their ultimate orthodoxy. When
an attachment is once formed by some dis
positions, for any object, it requires time and
many startling facts TO arouse them to q
sense Of their duty to extinguish their at
tachment. Hence, the justice Of forbear-
ance to the honest portion of those demo-
Gratis who are yet unwilling to renounce
Bentonism. As yet they see truth, as many
of old saw christianity-they saw s'trees as
men walking" By and by, truth will ex-
tinguish man worship.
Col. Benton and the wings, tell them that
he is the embodiment of democracy. Hem
'ry Clay and many other prominent states
men may, in truth, say the same thing
But where are they now? WHAT is democ-
racy? And how much democracy has Col.
Benton exhibited for the last five yeeIs?-
Indeed, | may extend it to the bursting Of
the Princeton's big gun. Was his democ-
racy exhibited in his opposition to the an
nexation of Texas? Was it exhibited in
his opposition to the late administration Of
the illustrious and now lamented President
Polk? In his opposition to the ten regi-
ment bill? And his %espousing the Mexican
side of the protocol ~humbug? And Goes
he deserve the gratitude of the country for
his opposition to the late Mexican treaty?
And where is the justice of his now Selling
upon the thunder of Mr.. Jefferson 45 years
ago, and more recently Of Mr.. Whitney, i1
his plan for a railroad to California? With
what truth and Justice he can look an intel
'ligent community in the face and say, $50
years ago" Il did" first project and put in
motion this "China road!" "Percy was
killed, and I, Jack Falstaff, was the slayer"
How much of democracy is III all this P
How much of democracy is to be found in
his splendid scheme of internal improve
ments by the federal government, which $50
years ago." he put in motion?
How much of democracy is now found
in his opposition to obeying the instructions
of the Legislature? And what will whig-
gerry now say to his "hecsoring, domineer-
ing and ~insolent disposition ?" Will they.
take it all back? From the tone Of their
press, Col. Benton has some reason for
thinking so. But, vain Oldham, that beset-
ting sin totally beclouds his better judgment.
1t is impossible that the democracy can
further extend their forbearance to this
spoiled and ruined apostate quondam broth
er, without a sacrifice of their cardinal prin.
cipleS.
Let me call your attention to the Rich
mond Enquirer, of the 18th June, and to
the article therein, signed ga Democrat
l conclusion, let me say, God speed your
patriotic efforts. BENTONIAC, ia.
st. Louis, June %, ls49.