Democratic Banner

SENSIBLE TALK
The following communication we cheerfully assign a place in the Banner, and commend it to the consideration of all claiming to be Democrats. Knowing the author, as we do, to be talented, influential, as well as one of the most inflexible supporters of Col. Benton, 'through weal and through woe,' in Pike, or the 2d Congressional District, we are convinced that the skies are brightening and that the 'gober second thought' is prevailing with the people:

What will it avail the Benton men of this District to bring a man into the field and support him with all the strength they possess? Is any one so blind to facts as to believe that he can be elected, with Henderson and a whig in the field? No, not one. Then what spirit would induce any man, calling himself a Democrat, to venture upon a hope so forlorn? A desire to prostrate the party in Missouri, and to elevate the standard of whiggery upon its ruins, alone could induce such a step. These are the legitimate results of such a course, and the actor alone would be chargeable with them. In vain may the 'wolf howl' 'disunion,' 'nullification,' be pleaded in extenuation of such a course, unless such an aspirant is prepared to take issue with the great national conservative party of 'non-intervention' with the question of slavery. On all other measures, the national Democracy are united; the Barnburners and Abolitionists of the North alone dissenting to this. The great majority of the supporters of Col. Benton in Missouri still adhere to the land marks of the party, and deny that their leader has deserted them. It remains to be seen whether these men will ultimately go where they so stoutly deny their chieftain has gone.

But to the communication mentioned. It shows the writer's heart to be in the right place, and promises that his vote will also be right.

For the Banner.
Mr. Editor: If you will grant me space in your paper I will say a few words in relation to our chance of success in this Congressional District at the next August election. We have hitherto elected our candidate without any difficulty, and at one election, I believe, without any regularly organized opposition. Some may say that those triumphs were achieved in times of quiet, when harmony prevailed in our party, and no disruption had taken place upon a subject of vital importance to the Union. That is all too true to be denied, and too well known to be concealed. That there existed then the utmost state of good feeling and concord in the party, is admitted by all. But can we not during this campaign and at the polls next August have the same fraternal feeling for each other, and give the same zealous support to our principles in the coming Congressional election, that have conducted us to success on former occasions? Most certainly we can.

It may be proper for me to say here, lest I should be considered an Anti, writing for an Anti, that it has been my misfortune to differ with Mr. Henderson in relation to Col. Benton's appeal. Though we have stood on opposite sides of the ditch (to use a popular phrase) I can see no just cause why I should not extend to him a cheerful, a cordial support. I have ever found him an unflinching Democrat, always ready to battle in defense of those great principles of government which lie at the foundation of our country's prosperity. He is patriotic in his views and courteous in his conduct. I therefore hail his nomination for Congress as the beginning of a better state of things in our party, and most earnestly hope that the Democracy of the District will rally to his support. Other views aside from those of a political nature are involved in the election of Mr. Henderson. Left an orphan boy at a tender age, destitute in a great measure of means, and having the care and responsibility of providing for younger brothers and sisters, none could anticipate for him more than an humble mediocrity, while many feared that he would be unable to surmount the obstacles presented in his path. Escaping the snares and vices which beset the pathway of youth on every side, with a mind originally strong, now well stored with political history and classical literature, and already distinguished by his services in the last Legislature, he is presented by the action of a Convention as a candidate for Congress.

It is for the Democrats of this District, at the polls next August, to say whether they will commend the course of this young man, already distinguished by his industry and talents, to the youth of the country. Let no one frown upon his humble life and uns
of a tallow chandler, and Sherman ergbe maker. Young men of energy and ability who have risen amid the most adverse circumstances, are those in whom the public delight to confide.

I did not intend when I sat down to have this communication so lengthy, but the occasion is one grateful to my feelings and I only regret that I am not capable of doing justice to it. In conclusion I wish the Banner, I desire the success of the Democratic party in this District and hope to see it rally with an undivided front. Henderson is the man for the occasion. Let us unite in a hearty and cordial support of the candidate, and the hopes of our opponents will again prove deceptive on the day of trial.

A Benton Democrat.