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


ner ~ W effect its repeal 10 directing ad-
venture " explorations IN the far West, IN
fixing the attention Of Government upon the
early occupancy of the mouth oil the Col
nmbia. in encouraging overland transit from
the Atlantic " the Pacific, Col. Benton WAS
also prominent. lie had previously devoted
himself 10 these subjects and written largely
upon them in 1919, and no sooner had be
taken his seat Ia the Senate than he made
direct efforts tol engage Congress and the
public in the great enterprise. From the
researches Of Clark and Rogers, from the
suggestions OF Jefferson from reports Of
trapprs and voyageurs, and from the courses
OF the continental streams, he first elaborated
the project Of over and connection and AZ
science expanded, and knowledge Of the in
terycning wilderness became more definite
his views took form in the proposals which
arc now ~ largely occupying public attel,.
ton for great central railway. The route
urged by him "a preferable 10 all others, is
through the passes Of the Rocky Mountains
discovered by Fremont known IA the Coo
chetope, and debouching upon California
through gaps in the Sierra Nevada. For
many years he was the leading advocate and
support in the Senate Of the whole scheme
Of Western exploration. II will thus be
seen that Col. Benton became, almost at
the outset Of his career, the exponent Of
Western interests, and though largely par
ticipating in all the great measures and po-
litical struggles that separated parties, he
never neglected what was due to his own
immediate constituency. The SUCCESS which
has already attended land reform the estab-
lishment Of presumption, the graduation Of
price, the donations 80 works. 81 pahIie IN
provcment, all trace their origin TO his con.
tinuous labors. In subordination TO these
leading objects, he likewise did much TO
open up and protect the trade with New
Mexico, TO encourage the establishment of
military stations on the Missouri and
throughout the interior, 10 cultivate AMIGA
bic relations with Indian tribes, and TO favor
the commerce Of our inland eas that now
bear such wealth Of frcights. The mark.
ing out Of post.roads, and securing appro.
prlatiOns for their maintenance, was cspe.
cially work Of his own undertaking and its
benefit has been deeply felt in every branch
Of Western trade. Upon the wider theatre
Of national politics the career Of Col. Benton
was equally remarkable. In the currency
disputes which attended the expiration of
the charter Of the Bank Of the United States.
the rcoharter aftcrward and the final veto
message OF Jackson, Col Benton addressed
himself To consideration Of the whole au,s.
ton Of finance, circulating medium and OK.
change, and brought forward his proposition
for gold and silver currency az the true
remedy for existing embarrassmcnts, and
the only rightful medium for government
disbursements and receipts.
Upon this subject ho made many of the
most elaborate speeches OF his life-speechcs
that bctray great research close study Of
finance, and u full knowledge Of the evils
that 80 often attend expanded paper issues.
In Europe, rs well ~ in America, his expo
stious attracted great attention, and cSten
did widely his reputation as u debater, n
thinker, and practical statesman. At this
time his manner Of Oratory was deliberate
and unnip assioned his matter full TO over.
flowing with facts, figures, logical deduction,
and historical illustrations but almost wholly
devoid Of that exuberance of wit and rac,.
ncss OF huInor which characterize his later
dscourscs. The elaboration which he gave
to these views paved the way for subsequent
legislation upon the national finance. and did
much 90 consolidate the sentiment of the
Democratic party IN tayor ol the Sub1'ru
sury system, which was eventually adopted,
Il was from the financial policy which he
thus enumerated that he derived the sohuriunct
OF Oid Bullion" which has never forsaken
him and which, also, he never forsook.-
Throughout the long and critical struggle
between tue Administration Of Jackson and
the advocates Of the rechartcr of the Ma
tonal Bank, he WAS the mainstay and sup.
port oil the President in the Senate, and
acting in strictest unity with his party, held
high place in their affection aud confidence
The records oi his lahors IN that behalf will
he found upon almost every page Of the dc
bates OF Congress. A the mover OF the
" cxpnnging resolutions" Col Benton ma,e
himself especially obnoxious TO his political
opponents, but finally achieved success, and
gained u great personal triumph The mo
ton was 10 strike from the journals Of the
Senate resolution Of ceaSurc upon Gen.
Jackson. and the passion of partisans clothed
the contest with an importance at the time
FAR greater than will attach TO it in the iu
ture but Us an exhibition OF many traits Of
Col Bcntons character, pcrsistcncy. keen
S,gacious insight. stubborn devotion Ia the
fame Of his party chief unqualIing courage.
aud confidence OF success IN the face Of an
adverse majority, M act OF his life wiz more
striking,
Daring the succeeding Administration OF
Mr., Van Buren. much oiCol Bcnton's time
was devoted 10 the defense of the new tnan.
ciai policy, then being inauguratcd. Upon
the questions rlating 10 the Oregon bound,
AIRY, the annexation of Texas. and various
other important matters growing out Of our
iorcign relations between the Presidential
terms OF Tyler and Taylor. Col. Benton
took a leading and influential part. On the
first OF those he differed from the Democrat.
ic Administration Of Mr.. Folk, which had
declared for the line OF "a de-, so min. bu,
the powcrtul effort of Col. Benton. In which