Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1858-04-16
Death of Senator Benton.

Hon. Thomas Hart Benton died in Wash
ington. on Saturday, April 9Th. at half past
seven clock In the morning, Of cancer In
the bowels. His remains were carried West
for burial.
Col. Benton was born in Orange County,
North Carolina, March IL, 1852. lie en-.
tered the University Of North Carolina. a,
Chapel Hill. but leis before graduating, and
entered upon the study OF law at William
and Mary College. Virginia. During the
unsettled condition Of affairs in 1910, he
entered the army; but the next year quit
the military profession, and commenced the
practice Of law at Nashville, Tenn. The
tide OF emigration soon after turned his
attention TO the West, and he moved to
Missouri Territory. On his arrival, he be-
came the editor Of newspaper, and after.
ward resumed the practice OF law. In ls2o,
on the formation Of a State Constitution,
after Eve year. residence In the Territory
he was elected one Of the Senator'S. though
he did not obtain q seat until year after
hi. election. Ills course was such that he
wa. retained in the senate for thirty consec-
utivc years, tho longest term ever awarded
to public man in this country. Since he
returned from the Senate. he served one
term In the Missouri House Of Representa-
,i,e.. aud was once run rs q candidate Tor
Governor.
Since escaping the cares Of public service
he ha. devoted his attention 10 a prepara.
ton Of his Thirty Years in the Senate;'
and later to hi. abridgmeni Of the Debates
Of Congress, which he completed 10 1850.
the limit fixed by him, the day previous to
hi. death. lie also prepared last year, an
able review OF the "Dred Scott" decision.
III. labors on these works, have been per-
formed under vas, amount OF physical sui
feripg. under which any bu, mind as pat
rio,ic and determined would have sunk.
His Congressional career has been one OF
extraordinary influence. Iii. industry was
without, parallel, and in his researches he
stored his re,entive mind WITH rich knowl.
edge upon almost every subject. and was
ready to speak upon every point, and he
will be found to be intimately concerned in
the advocacy or unwearied opposition to
aluos, every prominent measure which was
before Congress, for thirty years. His skill,
experience, and ability. made 1t no easy
matter to carry measure against him.
The most prominen, measures upon which
he was engaged, are the Slavery controversy
OF 1880: the crusade Of Andrew Jackson
against the United States Bank. wherein he
eouuselled the removal Of the deposits the
carrying Of the vote TO e,pungo the resolu-
ton Of cen.urc; the crushing Of the South
Carolina Nullihers the Annexation Of
Texas; the Compromise Of 1880; and m
opposition to the Repeal Of the Missouri
COMPROMISE, on the eve Of the expiration Of
his official term Of service.
The course OF Col. Benton, in these meas
urcs, Is we'll known. On the measures,
purely political, he defended democratic
principles, and in the sectional controversies
hi. course was dictated by patriotic love
OF the Union. lie opposed the Repeal Of
the Missouri Compromise, and the evil re-
suits Of that act, which he as we'll as others
predicted, were earnestly deplOrcd by him.
lie died as he lived. A few days before
hi. death he dispatched note to members
Of Congress, requesting ,ha, no Official no.
tee should be taken Of his death. lie gave
directions concerning bis affairs with the
same GOODNESS and elaboration as though he
were on the poin, Of commencing n journey.
On Saturday morning he expired.
A grateful country will ever bear in mind
his eninen, public services, in connection
with the memories Of the eminent man who
were in the Senate with him.