Democratic banner., 1851-03-03

on the first; this is, in effect, q provision BY
law for the nomination Of candidates by the vo-|
themselves, which WILL RELIEVE THE
OF THE CORRUPTION AND
INCIDENT TO THE CAUCUS
Or CONVENTION SYSTEM, and will pro-
cote individual independence, whilst it pre-
serves popular power.
The above resolution is taken from the batch
passed atthe Benton meeting in st. Louis, on the
I'D February. 1t expresses just such senti.
ments a. we have for sometime thought were
by Col. Benton. This meeting was
gotten up by his peculiar friends and agents in
St. Louis, and the views expressed, no doubt,
have been prompted directly by him.
Ever since the nomination Of Polk, and conse.
quent overthrow Of the infamous schemes cos-
cocsed by him and Van Buren,, Col. Benton has
beengraduallg Withdrawing from the Democrat
ic party. He denounced the convention and the
nomination so soon as It was made. But, still
their plans might succeed at the close Of
POlk'e administration, Mr.. Van Buren, disguised
his chagrin as well as he could, and pretended
to be satisfied with the decision Of the conyen.
ton, the better to ~consummate the ends of his
ambition in future. So too with Col. Benton,
who had laid his plans to succeed Van Buren, in
the Presidency. Notwithstanding he subdued
the violent outbursts of his rage, it is we'll
known fact, that bib ardor in the advocacy of
principles long sanctioned and taught by him as
q member Of the Democratic party, was greatly
cooled. Consequently the great measures Of that
administration were sometimes openly denOunc-
ed, and always cody received by him. He took
upon himself q stubborn and naughty demeanor,
which clearly evinced the vengeful feelings that
ranked in his bosom.
When the Convention assembled in lS4S, and
Gen. Cass, who was clearly the choice
the party, all hopes Of accomplishing the grand
Of eight years scheming was dissipated, and
disappointment drove the parties TO desperation.
Mr.. Van Buren, now took exceptions to the same
declaration of principles which constituted the
upon which he stood when a candidate.
He found objection to the resolution in relation.
to the subject Of slavery. though he was silent,
from motives of policy, four years before, when.
ths same doctrine was laid down Is an important
Determined to ruin the party, be-
cause it refused to honor him longer, he consult.
only his anger asking for revenge, and con-
to the wishes ofthoss nalcontents, whose
glory depended upon the success Of Gun.
ming but wicked schemes, devised in fraud Of
the popular will, he declared himself a candid.
ate with the sole object Of defeating Gen. Cass.
From that day to this, every act of these men
is proof more convincing still Of their determine
ton to PROSTATE II possible, through mere re-
venge, the party to which they were once at
tached, and which once delighted to honor them.
Hence comes this unfounded and unreasonable
opposition to National Conventions. It 10 IN sf.
to distroy the national character Of the party
intended to divide and conquer it.
No objections can be urged against the pres
ent mode of selscting candidates. Since its adop-
ton, able, pure and patriotic men, have been
nominated and elected triunphaDtly BY the Re-.
party. This proves the wisdom Of the
Il is the plan recommended by General
Jackson. Experience has demonstrated It's cor
r~ectness, and the almost uninterrupted success
Of the party for a long series Of years, has hal
lowed its use. Gen. Jackson once said, 81 am
in favor of . National Convention, composed Of
delegates fresh from the people, to nominate
Democratic candidates" 1t is the only plan by
which the choice Of the party can be sscertained
and its union secured. A few years ago, how.
ever, Col. Benton predicted that no National
Convention would ever again be held; and, true
to his word, he is beginning to stimulate his
friends to an active and energetic opposition to
that mode Of selecting candidates, which could
never prove beneficial to himself. He thinks
there might be some hope for him in case the
should be thrown into the House Of
Representatives, where corruption, bargain and
intrigue, would reign supreme over the wishes
and interests of the people. At least, amidst
confusion and schemes of ambition and self int.
rest, there might exist a hope for the political in
who merits nothing at the hands Of the
e. E.Mr Renton continues hie neruL.orst;ss