Democratic banner., 1850-09-02
benton and the Free soiiers.

men, tended only to The patriotic end Of preserV-
ing the Union. His constant cries about disun-
ion, have aroused fears and averted attention from
the dangerous course he has been pursuing.--
There must have been some p,etcxt for so great
g change. Indeed, this change has been going
on in his mind ever since the day when he con-
lceived that Calhoun was in his way to the Pres
idency.
When the administration of John Tyler, with
Calhoun as Secretary of Stale, determined upon
the annexation of Texas, Benton saw that the
success of thi, measure, under such auspicies,
would tend to strengthen The South, and give
even greater prominence TO the name Of Calhoun.
This would plant a bearier in the way Of his in
tended predecessor--the ungrateful magician Of
Lindenwald. Consequently hi, opposition to
the treaty CT annexation. and the letter Of Van
Burer. 1t was vainly thought that such infu-
lences would retard the progress Of anne ~xation,
until it could be carried under the administration
|of Van Buren, or Thomas H. Benton. There
fore it was said, 'fhe pear was not ripe, let it
|ripen, and it will fall Of Notwithstanding, no
doubt, that it would come to maturity during the
administration of himself or his friend Van Blu
rem. And when the course Of Van Buren, had
precluded the hope Of his election to the Presi-
|dency, and James X. Polk was selected as the
standard bearer Of the national democracy in that
sharp contest, Col. Benton was chag:ined and
mortified. 1t had Frustrated some of his bright
est hopes, and deranged an admirably concerted
scheme. His anger and Disappointment could
not be suppressed. He wrote a letter d%enounc-
ing the action Of the Baltimore Convention, and
pronounced it nulliication-a word that seems
TO possess a rich charm in his ~distempered mind.
1t was then preferable that the whole "party
should have been sunk fifty fathoms in He'll FIRE,
than to have made such t. nomination." The
democracy DESTROYS rather to uphold principles
than promote the schemes of ambition, sustained
that nomination by achieving a victory over the
greatest champion of the opposition-the gifted
and eloquent Clay.
But Col. Benton never rendered any effective
aid to that administration. Sullen. gloomy and
silent, he watched its progress amidst the cheers
and confidence Of the country, but still the dis
appointment ranked in his bosom. When the
war commenced, he again perceived a ~glimmer-
ing Of hope. Civic honors had been Of no avail,
and the breath Of military fame might yet wait
him to the Presidency. The position of Lieu
tenant General was asked. The supreme con-
troll of the army was demanded, and a position Of
rank to be extended over the old and heroic Off
GERS. who had long borne the tolls of the army
and patiently awaited the honors that must at
tend their skill in arms.
This refused, but excited his anger and tend
ed to goad to desperation. Ola age was coming
|on-his plans had been frustrated. and others
were reaching the goal ofhis ambition. General
Cas- was nominated against the wishes of Van
Buren,, and, by consequence, against those Of
Benton. The little magician when silently sub
hitting to the nomination of Polk, still cherished
a hope Of success in '4s. The time came, and
he was doomed to disappointment. The trial was
too great for his endurance. He then uncovered
the veil of his hypocrisy and stepped forth a de-
formed trickster--a contemplate free-soiler, up
on the Buffalo platform. His hopes are now dis
and ali ungratefulhear tried 4, its damn
ing ingratitude, still beats its pulsaiions to the
Of correct principles.
When he took this stand, he. was Justly repu-
dated by the party. But who does not know
hat an attempt was made in our own State to get
a ticket for him. A free-soil paper was start
ed in st. Louis. An address was shortly after
wards published by a squad of abolitionists in
hat city, sustaining the principles of that Buffalo
Convention; and circumstance since justify sage
rumor in a~scribing its authorship to Col. Benton.
The time had come when another desperate ef-
must be made to raise a storm and ride upon
It's wings. Silas Wright was dead. Martini
Buren, would be friend, so far as the treach-
cry Of his heart could tolerate friendship. Agi-
Lation was up--the North was the stronger par.
philanthropy and a sentimental reli-
zion, the progeny of hell, all oouspired to add
strength. |:
Silently Col. Benton begins 10 cast his strange
inexplicable votes in the Senate. He gave
10 explanation Of his acts, but his name standine
q connection with those Of Baldwin. Davis. Carl,