The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-04-22

the ascendancy which the so-called nuliica-
ton party was thus acquiring, Col Benton,
in 1852, made more direct appeal 10 the
people in the Congressional Distric, in which
he, resided, announced himself candidate
for Congress, and was elected over all oppo
sition. In the Session that followed be at
first gave warm support to the Admin
istrati0n Of President Pierce, but that soOn
falling under the control Of the adherents Of
Mr.. Calhoun, Col Benton withdrew his sup
port, and the Administration in turn making
war upon him displaced from Office all his
friends throughout Missouri. Soon the re-
peal Of the Missouri Compromise was moot
ed, and became party measure in the shape
Of the Kansas Nebraska bill. Against this
Col. Benton exerted himself with all his
strength, delivering memorable speech in
the House that did much to excite the cOun-
try against the act. but foiled to defeat its
passage. The next election coming on in
1884, Col Benton was defeated in his own
district by combination OF his old oppo-
nents with the new American party that had
just arisen, and Mr.. Kennett was returned
in his stead. Retiring from active politics,
he then determined TO devote his leisure to
writings and study more congenial to his age;
but was prevailed upon by his friends to suf
ter his name TO be used as candidate for
Governor Of Missouri 10 the election Of 1856.
Once more laying aside the pen, and starting
forth TO canvass the State, be was received
everywhere with enthusiastic applause. In
mense masses Of people gathered to hear
him, his old political friends rallied to his
standard, and his course became trium-
plant procession. But a third list of can
1II!saassss wae. in the Geld representing the
American party, although most Of its men,
bers sympathized with Col. Benton, and
those who did not voted for his adversary
instead Of the candidate Of their own party.
Mr.. Trusten Polk National Democracy was
thereby elected by a triiiing plurality. The
result OF Col. Benton's canvass, however,
was to restore, in great measure, the con-
sentative feeling Of the State, and to prepare
the way for a more liberal policy upon all
domestic subjects. His friends up to the
hour Of election were sanguine Of his success
He himself was never so, but felt himself
fully repaid for all his toll by the impress he
had made upon public opinino, and the rcac-
ton he had effected against disuniOn politics.
In the Presidential election of November,
1856, Col. Benton supported Mr.. Buchanan
in opposition to his own son.in-law, Col. Ere
mont. The reason assigned by him was a
confidence that Mr.. Buchanan, if elected
would restore the principles of the jackson
administration, and the apprehension that
the success OF Col. Fremont would engender
sectional parties fatal to the permanence OF
the Union. He soon after saw occasion to
change both opinions. and although in re-
tirement, he zealously opposed the admins
tration of Buchanan and inclined to unite
with the opposition that presented itself in
the Republican party. After his defeat in
1856, Col. Benton devoted his time again to
literary pursuits. Even before that time be
had begun his Thirty Years View" of the
working Of the Government. This was com
pleted and published in New York in 1854
Ii is a retrospect of the period during which
he held seat in the Senate OF the United
States, and presents connected narrative
Of the times from Adams to Pierce, deyel-
oping much OF the secret history of the men
and politics of that epoch. No sooner was
that off his hands than he engaged in the still
more laborious task OF condensing, revising
and abrldging the debates OF Congress frOE.
the foundation Of the government TO the
present time. In this work, although at the
advanced age Of &c, his daily labors were al
most incredible. and such rs lew men in the
prime of manly life could support. Thi,
was accomplished in great part by means OF
"a robust constitution, temperate habits. reg
ular exercise, and daily resort 10 the cold
bath. His health was still US perfect his
mind as unimpaIred, and his interest in pass
ing events rs absorbing as ever. He also
wrote, in an interval Of leisure. review oil
the decision of the Supreme Court in tn,
bred Scott case, which has attracted great
attention.
With strong, Industrious intellect, a
dominating character, aud quick apprecia
ton OF men. Col Benton exercised a prom
inent influence upon national affairs. In
Missouri his power was at on time bound
less, aud throughout the West he moulded
public opinion 10 his will for many years
While adherlng 10 strict party lines, he was
able TO effect almost every thin- he attempt.
ed, aud often standing forth alone BE- drew
his party with him, against the will of Pres
iicnts ami cabinets. In his last attempt OF
this kind, he Lailed AMI was forced TO relin
quish Office As a consequence but this crown
.ng struggle was u testimony 10 his indepen.
dcnce and sene OF duty that will contribute
10 less 10 his fame with posteri,y than the
honors which he received through party al,
lcgianee. Col. Benton was married, after
becoming Senator, To Elizabeth. daughter OF
Col. james Mcdowell. of Rockbridge Co,
Va. His surviving children are four dasgh-
ters-Mrs. WG. Carry Jones. Mrs. jesse
Benton Fremont, MIS-. Sarah Benton Jacob;
and Madame Susan Benton Boileau, low at
Calcutta, wife OF the French Consul General.
Mrs. Benton died in 1851. aud from the
time OF that calamity her husband Was ney,
er known To 20 10 any place OF testiyity or
amusement.
Nr. Buchanan at ths Death-i'ed OF Col.