Democratic banner., 1850-06-10
Letter from James g. Green.
WAsH1seros, April %, 80.

Letter frOfn James b. Green.
WAsHIseros, April %, 80.
Editor of the JMetropOlitan:- have Just
seen Col. Benton's published letter, of March
I22, 80, addressed to James Lnsk, editor of the
Inquirer, referring to certain statements aledged
to have been made by me, and which are de-
nounced by him as false, in coarse and rufian-
like language.
Without condescending to noticelthe low and
vulgar epithets, which readily suggest the appli-
cation of the sacred truth, that "Out of the album
dance of the heart the mouth spesketh;" deem
lit proper to make brief statement of facts, in
justice to myself and the public, and then leave
it for Col. Benton to take his own course, and
lcontrovert it, II HE DARE. .5f
In December, l847, first called on Col. Ben.
ton, In this city, and ststed to him that would
be glad to have an interview with him, and OBJ
tain his advice with regard to the controversy
between Missouri and Iowa. He replied. CAL
ways engaged. sir--always engaged, sir-al-
ways engaged"
Being thus repulsed and denied, mentioned
the subject to him no more, until the month of
January; 1849, short time before the trial In
the Supreme Court, when. for the first time,
ascertained that the Hon. Thos. Ewing was en-
ployed on the part Of Iowa, to assist Judge Ma
son; and my associate, Judge C. Wells, not be-
ing present, I thoughtit would look like temeri-
ty to take up the case without some assistance.
| therefore consulted the whole Missouri dele
cation, as to the proper course to pursue. Judge
Bowlin advised me to call on Col. Benton to as
si.t me. did so, but be declined doing it; and
said:
"The case is in competent hands, sir, fully
competent. Missouri is in the wrong--all
wrong, sir. 1t is rapids in the Mississippi that
are intended-the Des Moines rapids Of the
Mississippi. Such thing as rapids in the riv-
er Des'Moines ives never Thought Of at the time.
I was living in St. Louis, and have knowledge
on the subject, sir. tits all blunder Of Scott's,
sir-all blunder ofScott's. Missouri is wrong
sir; but SCOTS blunder may give technical ad.
vantage in the language-mere technical, SIR"
This is Substantially what he said. and wheth-
er he was against Missouri or not, leave it foI
the people Of the State to Judge. It struck me
with astonishment at the time, and /, on the same
day, communicated to others, in confidence, what
Col. Benton had said; ard after he had tried tc
injure me in consequence Of the decision oi the
court, l frequently repeated the above converse
tiOn to citizens Of Missouri, In vindication ol
myself; and no other different statement Of facts
with regard to that matter, have ever made on
any occasion. know nothing Of the motive,
that induced him to take position adverse to
the interests Of Missouri, and in opposition to
the strong and unanswersble evidence adduced
in our behalf. That will always be matter Of
inference, and not question of fact.
After the above conversation was over, ] still
insisted on some counsel 70 assist me, and he
concurred in the course that was pursued. And
whatever he may say to my prejudice, little
regard, and the public will duly estimate it,
when they recollect that he is now carrying Out
his preconcerted plan, to fulfil his threat made
last summer, to ''crush me-" and ''grind me to
dust" The letter before me, is but ONE of his
many desperate and reckless efforts. From him
l shall be surprised at nothing. Since his effort
to escape from his "free negro" vote, by garb-
Hing the evidence Of his own witness, am pre-
Ipared to expect anything. The Hon. Mr.. Thurs
ton, Of Oregon, told me himself that he believed
the language of the 10th section of the provis.
ional government of Oregon, was broad enough
to entitle mulattoes If descended from white
person, to vote and hold Office in Oregon. And
this am prepared 10 fhovE. Yet, Col. Benton
voted for it, and voted 10 strike out the words
Stree white," and has the hardihood to say II
would not entitle that class of free.negroes to
vote and hold Office; and then asserts thai he has
proved his case by Mr.. Thurston; but takes care
not to ask him that question, knowing that his
witness. Mr.. Thurston, would decide Il against
him: The man that will suppress part Of the
. truth, in order to produce false suppression,
will make any statement calculated to promote
his purposes; and the want of moral principle,
evinced by the act, has sanctioned the well known
equity: "talsum in uno, talsuns in omnibus"
j Very respectfully,
JAMES 8. GREEN.