Thomas H. Benton.
373
ate, outside of his legal arguments on ques occasion Jackson met the company, but be tions of constitutional law, we see or hear ing too weak by reason of illness to preside, little of the lawyer. For nearly thirty years placed the "Chief Expunger" at the head of he represented Missouri in the Senate con the table and retired to his sick chamber. It tinuously, and during that time made a rec was a proud day for Benton. ord unexcelled by any other man. Although Mr. Benton was a man of wonderful in devoted to his state and ever faithful to her dustry and memory, and in the investigation interests, he represented more the nation at of subjects seemed to exhaust all available large. This is manifest in his attitude on the sources of knowledge, and to bring to the great questions agitated during his public discussion of questions under consideration service. His public acts are a part of the a wealth of information. Although he had history of the country; and it would not be traveled comparatively little, he had, aside permissible within the limits of this article from books—by contact with others, by con to attempt to recount in detail such acts, or versations with explorers, Indian chiefs vis even to mention all the measures he advo iting Washington and others—become well cated and assisted in shaping. He was at no acquainted with all sections of our country; time sectional in his feelings. When once he by this means he knew more than any other made up his mind about a measure, he did man about the resources of the great West. not stop to ask the question, is it politic for No man was better posted on the political me to do this thing? Had he been a mere history of the country. This was conceded trimmer or politician, he could easily have by Mr. Webster, who said that Benton knew remained in the Senate to his dying day. On more political facts than any man he ever the contrary, he took a broad, a national view knew. Indeed, Benton's "Thirty Years' of all measures proposed, and espoused or View," from 1820 to 1850, giving "a history opposed them conscientiously, in view of the of the workings of the American Govern paramount interest of the whole country. ment, prepared by him in the latter years Believing, as he did, that President Jack of his life, is the most complete and exhaust son was right in removing the public depos ive work of the kind ever written by any its from the United States Bank, when the one. He was often engaged in spirited and Senate by resolution denounced Jackson for usurpation of power, it was Benton who im acrimonious debates with others, and espe cially with Clay, W'ebster and Calhoun. At mediately gave notice that he would intro duce a resolution to expunge the hateful times these controversies were of such char acter, and so bitter, as to interfere with their record against his chief. It took years to ac complish this result: but neither cast down, personal relations. Mr. Webster said that nor discouraged, by repeated failures, at for a long while he and Benton were not on length victory crowned his efforts, and he even bowing terms; that they passed each had the proud satisfaction of seeing black other in silence day after day, only speaking when absolutely necessary officially; that lines drawn around the objectionable resolu tion, and across the record, in the presence they had no social relations. However, dur of the Senate, the words, "expunged by order ing President Tyler's administration an event of the Senate." This victory was the more occurred which seemed to change the cur gratifying because Benton had to fight Clay, rent of their lives. At a gun explosion on board the "Princeton," a war vessel, Mr. Webster, Calhoun and other powerful influ ences. Jackson greatly appreciated the effort Benton was present as a guest. Just before of his friend, and gave a banquet at the the gun was fired some one plucked Mr. BenWhite House at which all the "expungers" ton on the shoulder, and called him aside to and their wives were present. On the happy speak to him. He was somewhat irritated
