The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-08-03

any previous period since the dreadful confagra-
tion took place. Still 80 large part Of the build
ing season has been lost in consequence of the cpl
denic, that, comparatively speaking, but a small
portion will be rebuilt this year, 70 what would have
been accomplished under more favorable circum-
stances and the absence of the cholera.
Telcgraphic accounts will have reached YOU ere
this wlll OF the open rupture and collision that has
ensued at Liberty, Clay county, in this State, be-
tween the friends and opponents Of COL Benton.
They will, however, give you but faint idea of
what actually TRANSFERRED, judging from the private
accounts have seen from both sides TO Democrats
IN this city Ii was Locofoco squabbe entirely.
and so far as our political friends were concerned
they were bound to prof, by the fight no matter
which of the two factions triumphed. ltappears Col
Benton had been invited and consented TO address
the Democracy of Clay county on the 18th instant.
In the time the faction Of NulIifers, or Cal
houn consPirators, headed by Judge Birch, had de-
termned, 1t possible to break up the meeting, or
to smuggle through, by some hocus pocus known
only to Locofoco morality and tactics, resolution
sustaining the action of the Missouri Legislature
and condemnatory Of Col. Benton and his course
upon the slave question. This was concealed from
the friends of Benton until the morning of the day
upon which he was to speak, when for the first
time, they were informed that Judge Birch expect-
ed to meet sod Bullion" in debate Upon this in
tlmation being communicated to him, Col Benton
refused not only to speak before or after him, but
even within mile Of where said Birch might ha-
rangue the people This refusal on the part Of Ben
ton ne placed upon the ground that Birch had no
reputation, either moral or POLITICAL and could re-
ceye no notice at his hands. Benton was to speak
at two O'Clock in the afternoon, and at ten in the
morning Birch and his friends took possession of
the courthouse, which had been previously as
signed to Benton, and retained it until near the
hour when Benton was TO speak. So great, how
Aua uynO IL. LII ~ -.
Benton proceeded to grove within about mile
of the town, whittier he was followed by the mass,
and to whom he spoke for about three hours divid-
ing his speech into two propositions similar to
those discussed by him at Lexington, and an &C
count Of which have already furnished you
AT the conclusion of Benton 8 speech the crowd
dispersed-the farmers TO their respective homes in
the country and the citizens their residences for
the purpose of taking tea Taking advantage OF
this condition Of things, Birch and his friends slip
ped OH to the courthouse, where he attempted re-
ply to Col. Benton, and where not over one or two
hundred were present Birch had prepared reso.
luton sustaining The Legislature and condemnng
Colonel Benton, which he announced he should of.
fer at the close of his speech. This was commune
Gated to some of Bentons friends in town, who i'm.
mediately repaired to the courthouse to protest
against any action upon resolution Of that nature
when It was well known that seven tenths of the
Democracy who had been present during the day
had gone home. All propositions, however, were
declared out Of order by the presiding officer of the
Birch faction, and the resolution declared passed
Colonel Benton's friends that were present first
Withdrawing from the meeting, which left but beg
carly account of empty seats to take action on the
resolution. The most spicy scene in the melo-
drama is, however, yet to be described.
Previous to Judge Birch concluding his evening
harangue, he took occasion to denounce every man
who conceded in opinion with Colonel Benton as
an Abolitionis and northern fanatic. This brought
Mr.. Routt, decided Locofoco, but warm friend,
TO his feet, who, approaching towards Judge Birch,
told him he must take back that assertion or he
would pull his (Birch's) nose for him. Birch,
not anticipating knock-do,cn argument, replied to
Routt that he did not mean 10 include him in his re-
marks Routt reioined that the disclaimer did not
60 far enough, but that he must extend il to all the
citzens of Clay county, or he (Routt) would put
his threat IN execution Judge Birch took '.sober
second thought" and yielded to the demand of Routt
by withdrawing the charge in toto to the citizens
ofClay county. give you the account as it has
reached this city in letters from Democrats to d mo-
Gratis, and of the truth of the statements have no
doubt This assault upon Benton has strengthened
him with his political friends amazingly. An early
indication of it is perceptble in another change OF
the vane on the Union Office in this city, that now
points more directly than ever towards Colonel
Benton. See the editorial in the Union of to-day
Want of space compels me to close.
SPARTACUS.