Rhode Island American And Providence Gazette

Senator Benton—Can the following degrading and disgusting statement from the Missouri Intelligencer be true?

The Missouri Intelligencer, after a brief reference to the activity of the other Jackson leaders at Fayette proceeds, thus:

On this occasion, "His Excellency the Dictator," exhibited himself in his real and natural colours. His identity could not be mistaken.— There was no necessity of engraving on his forehead "This is a man," or, "This is a beast." Having previously well fortified himself, and brought his courage to the "sticking" point, by frequent libations at the shrine of Bacchus, and feeling his spirits rise, he put on his shirt, [i. e. hunting shirt or non-descript.] and providing himself with a trusty knife, of formidable dimensions, sallied forth amongst the crowd, and gave the wondering and gaping spectators a specimen of his Hero-ism by declaring that "he could whip any Administration man in the country, in any way or manner!" This beats the "half horse, half alligator" Kentucky boatman. He then commenced blaspheming and abusing us and two or three other persons (none of whom were present) in a language which none but the lowest and meanest blackguard would have used. Those who witnessed this disgusting and degrading spectacle turned away with feelings that may be readily imagined. His memory, it is well known is very treacherous; which, according to the old adage, is quite a misfortune to persons afflicted with a certain propensity. But it is presumed he will not venture a denial of what is here stated: if he does, a host of witnesses will rise up and confront him. And this is the man who issues his manifesto ordering all the Jackson voters throughout the state to support such persons only as he names!