Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-08-23
WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP

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TEE BLAIR AND JONES CosrRovrRsr.-Ina
late number Of the st~Louis Republican we
find a letter from Richard Taylor Jacob to
William Caret Jones, relative to the late con-
troversy between Mr.. Jones and the Blairs,
concerning the sentiments entertained by Mr..
Benton, at the close Of has fife, towards Presi-
dent Buchanan and the po7isy of his admistra-
ton. Our readers are aware shat the Blairs
sought to create the impression that Mr.. Ben
ton, on his death bed, expressed strong disap-
probation Of Mr.. Buehanan's policy, especially
in regard to Kansas affairs. This, Mr.. Jones
denied, and from this denial originated a cor
respOndence between the parties, which is far
from being creditable to either Of the Blairs !;
while IT bears especially against the character
Of Nh. Blair, Jr., and was probably one cause
Of the large majority of votes cast against him
in the recent election in Missouri. Mr.. Jacob
supports every statement made by Mr.. Jones,
and of course ccntradicts the assertions and
insinuations Of the Blairs. Mrs. Jacob was the
only other person present at the last interview
between Messrs. Benton and Buchanan, which
took place short time before the death of the
former, and, after stating that the interview
was desired by Mr.. Benton, she thus describes
what occurred
{" He took the Presidents hands In his and
said in clear tones, "Buchanan, we are friends !;
we hare differed on manv points, as yon well
know, but always trusted In your integrity Of
purpose. l supported you in preference to Ere
| mont, because he h. AIDED a sectional party whose
success would have been the signal for disunscH.
have known you long, and / knew you Womb
honestly endeavor to do rig ht. have that faith
in you now, but YOU must look to Higher
Tn nnrf and 10 anil nnp
meet In another world i am going now, you
will soon follow. My peace with God is made,
my earthly affairs arranged; but could not GO
without seeing you, and thanking you for your
interest in my child" Much more was said that
is TOO sacred to repeat. Col. Benton was much
exhausted, and Mr.. Buchanan frequently urged
him to spare himself Mr.. Bushanan remarked
to members of the family that nothing had ever
given him greater pleasure. When Mrs. Jacob
returned to her fathers room, he called Ser to
him and said, my child, you are a tcitress Of
Temembsr 1t. L am glad Buchanan came ali Is
peace with me; and can rest"
Mrs. Jacob and Mrs. Jones are daughters of
Mr.. Benton, and as Mr.. Jacob is not a politi-
clan, but plain we'll TODD Kentucky farmer,
who lives near Clifton in that State, it is hardly
probably that either himself or wife could be
induced to make or sanction any msrepresen-
tations in this matter; and that their evidence
mind against the Blairs, and convince every
reasonable person that have shamelessly at
tempted to perpe.Tate a falsehood, respecting
the last sayings Of dying statesman of re-
nown, in order to make political capital for
themselves.
CHANGE OF ORGANIC LAw.-We notice in
the New York Herald the announcement that
at the next annual election in that State the
question is to be determined whether the State
Constitution shall be subjected to revision.
The Herald favors the revisal, and afirms that
unless something of the kind is done. anarchy
will shortly ensue, as the people are retrogra-
ding, politically and socially, although they
have every element of success at hand. ''Nev-
err it continues, twas there more disorder
prevalent among Us than at this present mo-
ment. Crime is rampant; and good citizens
retire in despair from a contest in which cor
ruption and brutal force are constantly victo-
rious." The picture is surely q dark one, and
needs the speedy application of remedies; Dor
is 1t only applicable to that State and city, but
We find the same sad condition Of affairs exist
ing in almost all eur large towns and cities in
greater or less degree.
The principal changes recommended by the
Herald are, first, the institution of a new Judi.
cial system, which, it suggests. shall be nom
elective Secondly, that the Mayors of cities
shall have control of the several corporation
bureaus and heads of departments" and be
responsible for their conduct-this would pre-
vent the disgrsceful antagonism now existing
between the several municipal authorities
Thirdly, change of the State and county
prison system; and, fourthly, that the regula-
ton Of the excise be left to the cities, towns
and villages, respectively, instead of being
under the management of State officers.
There appears to be no doubt of the neces-
sity of change, and We are constrained to re-
gard the Heraid's suggestions as we'll worthy
of careful consideration. Wherever the fault
lies, we hope it may be ascertained and the
remedies effectually applied for although we
are nearly two hundred miles distant from New
York, the immortality and lawlcssness existing
there certainly affects US here; and we shall
also as surely feel the influence of whatever
reformation that may be there experienced. 1t
must be remembered, however, that "all change
is not REFORM" and only such alterations ought
to be made as are prompted by wisdom or OK
perience, and those dictated by speculative phil
Osopby or corrupt politicians should be care.
fully avoided.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM SPECTATOR
ICorrespondenes of the Starl
NEW YORK, Aug. IL, 1858.
Our prospecting expedition, yesterday, result.
ed as we had anticipated, viz In confirming us
In the previously formed opinion that New York