Democratic banner., 1850-03-04
From the Southern Democrat.
THE POSITION OF THE DEMOCRATIC
af'+ PARTY.

ME ROSlltON VI LIE EVnOOhA1I
2ra PARTY.
I'm to the time that Col. Benton had made
his appeal, perfect union and harmony pre-
vailed 10 the democratic ranks in Missouri.
We had gotten over the shock given the
marty BY means of his disorganizing course
on the Texas and Oregon question, and had
Just borne the democratic banner in the
mos gallant style in triumph, In the late
States and Presidential canvass. Some few
disorganizing spirits in st. Louis, had, it is
true, endesvored to excite division, and
slnuggle their incendiary Barnburnsr doc
trines upon the District, through the Fred
ericktown Convention. But it was emo CO."
The plot fell still low, notwithstanding the
high name Of Col. Benton had been invok-
cd, in a pamphlet, widely disseminated,
signed by some fifty Of his fast friends in St.
Louis. Still the country could not realize
the extent of his detection, until he came in
person, and exploded his appeal, which fell
like a bomb shell upon the country; produc-
ing unqualified amazement, Left to them
selves, the BarnburneIs could do nothing;
aided by him, some impression has been
made. Some who professstrong opposition
to the Wilmot Proviso and the Barnburner
movement, yet under strong delusion, ab-
here to Col. Benton, its main stay and sup
port In the Southwest.
Up to the time of his appeal, the party
was united throughout the State; since that
appeal, and in consequence of it, it is divi-
ded, and threatened with the evil conse-
quences of Observation-Disclosures and dis
grace. This state of things appeals strong
~ to our patriotism and wisdom for a RENEE
dy. What is to be done? There is but
enc course to be pursued to save the party
to unite on a platform ofprinciple, and let
men stapd or fall, according as they are for
or against principle; that is, let our County
meetings and District Conventions, promul-
gate a platform Of principle, nominate suit
able men, and unite and harmonic upon
the nomination, without burdening the can
vass without any issue as 10 men aside from
principle. Through this course the party
win Observation-Disclosures it must be defeat
ed, and the State government, and the Re-
representatives. in Congress pass into the
hands of the wings.
And to whom will the party be indebted
for the calamity? Certainly to Col. Ben
tyn-no one else. The Legislature had in
structed him, in accordance with public SEN
timsnt throughout the State, so recently
manifested in the State and Presidential
contests, to oppose the Proviso and support
the Missouri Compromise, as it had seen on
his part the manifestation of strong sympa-
Thy to say the least, with Barnburnerism on
the Territorial bill of l84S. 1t was his du-
ty to have obeyed or resigned. Yet he
boldly appeals, saying Che Legislature had
given him a command" which lie 'scould
not obey" He commenced his canvass to
convert the State; but saw too soon that
this was "no co." Now it is said thathe will
obey his Instructions, and vote against the
Proviso! What rational object then had he
in view by his appeal? Why could he not
quietly have oheyed in the FIRST ~instance?-
Now that he has convulsed the State with
his incepdiary and infammatory~ harangnes;
and divided and distracted the party; we are
10 be told that at last he will obey his in
sstructions! The extent therefore Of the
wrong which he has wantenly inflicted up
on the country and his party, can scarcely
be measured. = III a '-,
He therefore can make no satisfactory
apology for the evil he has done, by SO wan
tonly dividing and distracting the democrat
&c party. s.f.t
Let US therefore organize without refer
ence to him or any other man, or set Of men.
q upon the old platform of principle, and a.
gaia bear our banner sloft and in triumph.
No other issue is worthy Of democrat, and
whoever blindly forces any other, may ex.
psct defeat, HMeasures-not mem should
be the motto a. IN olden time.