Democratic banner., 1851-01-27
D RM0GRIFTGBAEEER
LOUISIANA.
The LegisIatnre.

For the last ten or fifteen days nothing has
beer. done in this body but to ballot for United
States Senator. The vote has remained about
the a for the three candidates in nomination.
Each party is holding on 10 its choice with the
hope that sufficient strength may be obtained from
one or both of the others, ultimately to succeed
in an election. From the signs of the times, it
is not likely that such a result can be accomplish
cd. The Benton men have resolved to 60 for
Benton "frst, last, and all the time" They seem
TO think that a total and abject subserviency to
Col. Benton, constitutes the essence of true De.
mocracy.
Notwithstanding he has occupied the position
Of United States Senator from this State for thirty
years, and in addition to his utter disregard Of
the wishes Of his constituents, has pursued q
most insulting and tyrannical course Of conduct
towards them, assuming rather the character Of
a petty despot, than that Of an enlightened and
generous representative yet the most strenuous
efforts are being made TO elect him again, as il nc
man could be found among the supporters Of Re
publican principles worthy Of the support Of our
party. Even if Col. Benton's course had been
such.as to merit the continued confidence Of the
people Of the State, yet his term of service has
been long enough to satisfy the most unbounded
ambition. No man in our country can boast off
longer or more uninterrupted prominence than
he. At this day, the measure Of his fame should
be full. His opportunities to show his devotion
10 correct principles, to manifest his patriot
ism in the promotion of the welfare ofthe Union
and entitle himself to an ever ending name, by
the honesty and integrity Of his political career,
have never been surpassed by those Of any 9th.
er American statesman. Iii his own fault thai
these opportunities have been slighted-that du.
plicity instead Of candOr. corruption instead Of
honesty, andtreaehery instead Of fidelity, should
thus have forfeited the confidence of men and
shrOuded his name in infamy.
The Democratic doctrine of rotation in Office,
once cherished as q great conservative principle,
10 now abandoned when the first notable instance
has occurred in the State requiring its applica.
lion. It was founded upon . knowledge of the
frailties of men-their prOneness to obtain pow
or, and the ultimate arrogance, pride and indif-
ference to the rights of the people, resulting in
variably from long and prominent Official station.
These things have been witnessed in Col. Ben.
ton. The ssiishness of his nature began to dis
play itself, SO suon as his vain Imagination had
conceived his powerto b impregnable. He had
already lost the feelings of a Republican repre-.
sentative. He arrogated to himself the wisdom
OF the State, ana treated his constituents as Nero
treated his subjects. He had forgotten the SOW
tereiguty Of the people, and his dutyto obey their
wishes. Long exalted station had bewildered
hi. judgment, and taught him to believe that off.
oisl honors we're secured to him BY hereditary
right. His will was thwarted, his ambition
checked, his pride was offended, and consequent.
ly his efforts to sink the party to which he was
indebted for his uumeritsd honors.
Is II moi now the duty Of that party to fall back
upon its old principles, to rebuke ingratitude, te
cast off Col. Benton and his ~free-soil heresies,
and vindicate the principles of the party and the
hopor Of she State, By the election Of q sound
Democrat, who will reflect the will Of his con.
s~titueHts in the Senate Of the United States.