Democratic banner., 1850-06-10
'. From the Atineis State Register.
Mr. Bentou--The Slavery Question.

Mr. BeIltOn--The Slavery Question.
The Chicago Democrat says the democracy
of Illinois are in favor of Col. Benton, for the
presidency. This is about as near as that print
ever gets to the truth, when it assumes to an
nounce the sentiments of our people, The fact
is, no truth is more palpable than that nine out
of ten of the democracy of the State are utterly
opposed to him. His only chance Of carrying
Illinois, is by the concentration Of the wbig aid
abolition party upon him. That this can be done,
appears at this time by no means probable, though
he and hi. factious friends are evidently looking
to some similar organization, in opposition to the
true democracy.
His public course during the present session,
(aside from other obstacles will preclude him
from the confidence and favorable consideration
OF the people of Illinois, whatever his success
may be in other northern States. Our entire
people, with the exception of few lobbyists,
are opposed to Col. Benton's uncompromising
plan for the admission Of California; and his re-
fusal to yield to the measure of adjustment. NOW
before the senate and the country, is ascribed
with much apparent business, to say the least, to
his personal ambition, as other moves Of his in
reference to California are ascribed to propen-
sity for pscuniary aggrandizement.
Col. Benton is a man of intellect, and when,
in vital national crisis like the present, such
man as he refuses to accede to terms Of an hon.
Orable settlement, upon the flinsy ground that it
would be against the ''dgnity" of California, and
infringe parliamentary usage and precedent, he
may well be suspected of selfish ends. He has,
more than any other man, bOasted spirit Of pro-
gressiOn, yet he scruples not now to risk the
Union upon questions of mere time-worn par
liamentary practice and dignity. NOtrue patriot
can approve such empty and untenable pretexts,
when put forth with view Of continuing an agi-
tatiOn which has already well nigh overthrOwn
the confederscy, and still threatens il with des.
ItruetiOn. II Col. Benton expects the vote Of
Illinois, in the national democratic convention, he
must change his course, abandon his dogmatical
and imperious edicts in relation to our new ter
titories, yield TO the spirit Of Cancellation and
compromise which pervades our people--in short,
he must show that he belongs to the genuine
democratic fold. That he will DO this, his pres
ent habitual denunciations of the true democrat
ic party, and especially the democratic party all
over the Union, forbid all hope. He seems 20
be labOring to widen the breach between himself
and the party of which he was once a valuable
champion, and to attach himself more closely ev.
cry day TO those with whom he hopes to con-
summate an alliance, which he in vain imagines
will rebound to his political and pecuniary ad-
vantage.
We have no fears of contradiction when We
say, that at this time the masses Of the people of
this State, of both political parties, desire the
speedy adjustment of the slavery questions now
disturbing the nation, upona basis excluding the
''prOvisO,' and placing it beyond the possibility
of revival in any future political agitation. How
then can Col. Benton's friends expect the sup
port Of our people, while he opposes their senti-
rnents upon this subject, the most momentous of
all to which the mind is now directed? The ex-
pectation would be preposterous. Our people
can frsternizs with no such man, however great
may be his iiams, or however distinguished his
former services to the country may have been.
These can invest no nan with dictatorship in
this republic, nor exempt him from as strict an
obedience to the popular will as the humblest
citizen in the land. Col. Benton seems to think
otherwise, butthe result will doubtless convince
him that his ''thirty years standing" cannot be
balanced against the tranquility, safety and per-
petuity Of our glorious Union.