Democratic banner., 1851-02-17
rTbs following is from the Detroit Free

ID The following Is from the Oetroit rec
Press, a paper which was the standard
bearer of Gen. Cass during the last CAM
paign, and which has aided infsxibly by
Democratic principles. up to this time
We should add, too, that it fought bravely
for the fugitive slave bill against a powerful
combination of Wings and free sellers dur.
ing the recent ele ctions in Michigan.
"WhiIe we regret that a Democrat could
not be returned, and regret still more, the
cause which led to the result, we find some.
thing over which to rejoice, in the defeat Of
Mr.. Benton. The '.svil day" which has
dawned upon the Democracy Of Missouri
has been hurried by his action, and for the
disastrous result of the recent election, he
is wholly responsible. Sustained by the
Democrats Of that State for more than thir.
ty years-ho1ored always far beyond his
deserts-he should nave been the last mar
to cast q frebrand into the midst of that
political organization, or set on'foot move
ments calculated to impair its efficiency.
This mar-plot disposition has been grow
ing upon Col Benton for years. Ever since
his election for the Senatorial term now
chasing in disgrace, he has seemed partic-
ulsrly anxious lie involve himself in q%uarrels
with the leading Democrats Of the body Of
which he is a member, and has lost no OPP
portunity to stab at the interests of the par
Is to which he had been so long attached
Arrogant alwsys-insolent in debate, and
overbearing in his personal demeanor; ii
needed but a dissent from any opinion he
might choose to advance, to call forth from
him a TRADE of vindictive personal abuse.
and an egotistical eulogy upon his own Off
cial career. His erratic political action
attracted the notice Of Gen. Jackson before
his death, and called forth from him the re-
mark that "Col Benton had never scover-
ed his senses since the accident on board
the Princeton"
'.his course in reference to the Demo
cracy IF the State that has SO repeatedly
honnred and so long sustained him. has been
most unwarrsntable. The Legislature saw
fit to adopt resolutions Of instruction which
the Col. absolutely refused to obey. In
stead Of quietly awaiting the sober second
thought Of the people aud their representa-
.~,ives, he openly. denounced members Of the
Legislature who voted for the resolutions
as demagogues and traitors, and made ad-
lie sion 10 himself the test Of Democratic in
.tegrity. The natural result followed. The
Democracy were upon the instant divided
into Benton and anti. Benton parties, and
the most Acrimonious feeling engendered
between the different sections Of an hereto
fore united and victorious party. Colonel
Benton's appeal from the Legislature TO the
people Of Missouri has resulted in what
must be to him a most notifying defeat
To succeed him 10 the position in which
through the confidence Of Democrats, he has
grown grey, a Wing has been elected. and
in addition TO this Reputation Of his course
by the people Of his State, he finds arrayed
against him almost the entire body Of the
Democracy ofthe Union. From being a
lie ader Of a powerful political organization
he has fallen TO the position off leader OF a
mere local faction, and that a faction daily
growing smaller.
"We trust this election of a Wing will
have the EFFECT Of Fastening the Reunion OF
1he DttnocTocy IN missouri. ~ - W '"e"
a practical exempliicstion Of the folly Of
intestine qusrrels and DIVISIONS lession
frsught with meaning. and with warning a.
gsinst dragging into the political arena sny
such issue as the preferment or defeat OF
an individual member of the party. 1t may
admo"ish them that i, is only by a strict sd-
herence to principle that any party can sue
coed, and that an abandonment Of the old
land marks ofthrir organization is but strlk-
ing their party flag. end surrendrring to a
common enemy. Meanwhile, for the action
Of the Wing Senator elect the Democracy
cannot be held responsible. He is not with
them nor ofihem. He can do them infinite
ly less mischief than could have been &C
complished BY Col. Benton, and we sincere
ly believe that for the accomplishment Of
that mischipfhe has still less disposition.-
Al open enemy is better always than an
unsound Or %treacherous friend"
u John n. Quitman, Governor Of Missis.