Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-02
PROVIDENCE.
SKETCHES OF OPPOSITION PRESSES.
No

The WASHINGTON TELEGRAPH.-The
history of the Washington Telegraph, affords
an abundant theme for amusement; and it is
as curious as it is singular. Like the Phd'hix it
rose from the ashes; and like thousand 9TH
er noxious things, it was picked from the rub
bish and dust Of defeated enterprze; and by
the cxertions of a few of a faction, has been
rubbed up, not Furnished; and a name and
a fame attached to it, which no ono possessed
Of an honorable mind, could wish to support.
1t processes unbounded independence--rant
about the liberty of the press, and the rights Of
the people, whilst its operations are calculated
to bring the Press into disrepute, and to strew
the seeds Of disorder among the people and
is at the same moment, one oftbe most servile
tools, faction ever commanded, and is bound
down hand and foot, TO serve few desperate
and hair-brained spirits, who seek their own
aggrandizement, at the expense Of their coun-
try.
A Mr.. Jonathan Elliott, man Of small tai
ents, and easily led by the nose, is its legitimate
parent, and whilst it was under his manage
mcnt, it was known by the title Of the Wash
ngton City Gazette, and was edited most of the
time, by Mr.. JOHN B. CoLvIN, gentleman.
who for many years held clerkship in the
Department of State, and from which situa-
ton he was ultimately removed by Mr.. Adams,
whilst that gentleman was at the head of the
our diplomatic relations, in consequence Of his
vicious habits, and utter disregard for the du-
ties assigned him to perform.
| Whilst Mr. Colvin was its editor, and Mr..
| Elliott its publisher, its course was exceeding
| ly capricious, indefinite and uncertain - at one
moment it indicated the administration, at
the next abused tat one time it was the ve-
hemcnt advocate of Mr.. Secretary Adams; at
another it vilely traduced him; and pursuing a
course Of conduct so uneven and uncertain, it
lost the confidence of it's patrons, and finally
succeeded in driving away all, who were dis
posed to lend it their aid. About the time OF
the last Presidential election, it was controlled
[ by few desperate spirits, such as George Nc
Duffie, John II. Eaton, Samuel d. Ingham and
George Kremer, and its columns tcemed with
the vilest abuse; and it was devoted to the
business Of libelling Mr.. Clay, and even had
the folly to undertake to say, that the then
Speaker Of the House of Representatives, wa,
not only deficient in moral and political integ.
rity, but was utterly destitute Of the sccom-
| i oTt tba Ct,ta
that he was mere political spouter, and un-
worthy Of the distinction which is generally
awarded to a County Court Lawyer. But as
the faction was not then organized, and as the
chosen few; who had led Mr.. Elliott astray,
discovered that he could not be depended
upon, and that he would not answer their
wishes, they suddenly deserted him at an in
auspicious hour, and left him, like Cardinal
Woolsey, upon the wide world, " naked to his
enemies
Beholding himself left thus desolate and for
lorn, Mr.. Elliott began to repent his folly, and
finding himself abandoned by all parties, he in
stantly, and without reflection, threwa back
|
most strenuous advocates of the present ad-
lninistration, and tho humble and enthusiastic
admirer of Mr.. Clay. In doing this, he probably
supposed he should gain the patronage Of the
government; but the bait did not take, and
mortified and chagrned with defeated hopes.
he once more opened his columns, and made
his third appearance sthc libcllcr Of Mr.. Ad-
ans, and his administration.
In this posture Of his affairs, bowed down
with grief and wan with despair, he was ap-
Piled to by the agents of the opposition, Messrs.
Nc Duifie, Eaton, Ingham, and company, who
were authorized by General Jackson and his
partizans, to make overtures for purchase,
and an extravagant price was offered for a
transfer of his paper, with its list of patronage,
fame and blushing honors, which was accept
cd: and sinking the Washington City Gazette,
il was instantly adopted into the family Of the
faction, and was by the sponsor, called the
United States Telegraph, and General Duff
Greene was selected TO preside over its con-
duct. That the people may know who the
present editor Of the Telegraph is, we will
afford slight sketch of his history; and it is
full Of political interest, and shows with what
astonishing facility, gentlemen can accommo-
date their opinions to the times, and how ca
silly they can shuttle to get into notice, and to
keep in the ranks Of those who are supposed
TO be exceedingly popular.