Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1850-09-28
= Letter from Washington.
of the %Picayune.]
WASHINGTON. Seuteasl

WASHINGTON, September II, 1850.
We had quite an exhibition of egotism in
| the Senate Yesterday. Mr.. Benton took occa-
| sion on the final passage of the bill abolishing
the slave trade in the District of Columbia, to
| remark that the whole slavery question might
have been disposed of four months ago but for
| the unreasonable construction of the Omnibus
that he, (Thomas Hart BentonD had forseen
the difficulties which were to surrender an oin-
nibus, and that if others had seen as clearly as
he saw, we should not have encountered half
the difficulties in settling the question. No man
but Mr.. Benton could make such a speech
there is not anther person in Congress that
could muster sufficient brass for it. Mr.. Clay
rose, and in his usual dignified manner, rebuked
the grent humbugger by stating he rejoiced at
the passage of the bill, and cared very little
whether they passed singly or in omnibus fash
ion, so the country enjoyed the benefits of the
settlement. He t9l 10 credit TO himself more
than any other Senator for having contributed
his share towards the adjustment. Mr.. Foote
made a few very pertinent and happy remarks,
which cauaed quite a storm Of applause in the
galleries, and discomfitted Benton. Mr.. Foote
said that the omnibus rallied public sentiment
all over the country, so that when it was defea-
ted the voice Of the people from every part of
the Union demanded fresh action in the premi-
ses and overruled the individual objections of
Senators and members. This is undoubtedly
true. The probability is, that if seperate bills
had first been introduced, they would have been
defeated, and an omnibus would have been con-
structed to convey them in a body to their res
pecttve places Of destination. The Omnibus
being tried first, reversed the issue, and brought
in the separate bill. No bill introduced at the
commencement of the session could have been
got through. 1t was the effect of the loss of
the bill, on the public mind, which aided the
passa re of the next best measure that could be
brought forward. Mr.. Foote very properly, l
think, alluded to Benton in a ~favorites quota
ton: "The tyrant is laid in the dust-Rome is |
free;;" which caused the clapping of hands in
the ladies galleries as aforesaid, and the some
what boisterous token Of approval in the repor-
ters' gallery. The fact is, Mr.. Benton has fin
ished his career as a national man; and Foote
has commenced his under the most glorious aus
pices. Col. Jefferson Davis said something a.
bout Mr.. Foote not being supported in his State;
but I rather think Col. Davis is mistaken, and
that Gen. Foote'S patriotic craftsmanship will
go quite as far in Mississippi as Col. jeff. Da-
yis's. Sum caique.
With the exception of half dozen madcaps,
l luuSb Say tLldk Tic uibIdS, NoIbl anu SOubll,
are reconciled to their fate; though it is but JUS
lice to the South to say that they have set the
best example of forbearance under the circum-
stances. Hale, who is the wit and jester of the
Free Soil faction, observed yesterday, laughing
", to a gentleman known to be an ardent lover
IF the compromise, "Things are going on well:
We shall get rid Of the fanatics before the end
Of the session" Seward doespot bear his rever,
quite as we'll; though, as a shrewd gambler
in politics, he endeayors to conceal his NORTH.
,ation and his hand.
The news of the harmonious action of the
New York Democratic Convention, at Syracuse
nd of the determination of Barnburners and
Hunkers in the Empire State, has created quite
sensation here. The wise ones believe that
he union is not yet SO complete but tina. it may
,e severed again on a presidential canvass; but
hat, | think, rather doubtful. Some of the
may become dissatisfied, but the masses
be moved without an issue. The prob
lbility is that the Wings Of New York, by the
movements of Gov. Seward, will find them
in the same perdicament in which the
Democrats found themselves in l84s. Chaque
! SON tour.
It is doubtful whether the Bounty Land bill
will pass the Senate. LIE DIABLE TTEUx
% From the cradle to the grave, we are the