When under discussion in that branch, a prominent Democratic member from Ohio declared, as one reason for passing the bill, that two of the generals are opposed politically to the Democratic party, and "by their own acts or those of their friends are candidates for the Presidency." The evident basis of this argument was, that the Mexican war being a Democratic venture, no Whig had the right to profit by it.

The bill was fortunately stopped in the Senate, though that body at the time had a Democratic majority.

The measure was killed by one convincing speech from Mr.Badger of North Carolina.

The senators knew Colonel Benton's temper and temperament, and understood how completely unfitted he was for military command, and how his appointment would demoralize and practically destroy the army.

To the end of his life, however, Colonel Benton himself believed a serious mistake had been made.