Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-08-08


OF Gen. Jackson's ambition for power, have
proofs in my possession, that he is not very scr-
pulouS "f the means he makes use of t. crafty
That dangerous passion, l have also proof and
may IN time produce it. But would save his
laurcls- he has done the state some service--and
I would rather smooth the down. hill path of his
life by urging HIM to seasonable retirement,
than be compelled to plant thorn in the pillow
of his age. Can Mr.. Richie, with all his rene-
,ubie synpathies about him, venture to say as
much?
The occasion and character of the following
correspondence Is soon explained 1t ia well
known, throughout this state, that, Immediately
upon my rejection by the Senate, the legislature
of Pennsylvania transmitted to the President a
unanimous request for my appointment to an of
tcc of equal magnitude. This gave rise 10 much
negotiation on the part ofMaj. Lewis Mr.. Jesper
Harding 81 others, in the confidence Of the Presi-
dent, u full history of which must be deferred to
future day. Suffice it at present to say, that
bad no reasonable cause to complain of the con-
duct of the President in respect to Office In the
progress of this business, MIR. Harding stated that
MAJ. Lewis remarked, that MIR. Richie had inter
posed his ''voto" against my denomination to the
Senate-and declared that his State would scceds
from General Jackson if was again sent to the
Senate! Major Lewis represented this the solo
obstacle 10 my appointment. A story proposter-
Gus naturally excited incredibly; and, from
knowledge of Major Lewiss character, pronoun-
ced it Pigment of his own brain. TN satisfy Mr..
IuIulnH OF 1uct determined TO address let
ter to Mr. Richie, the venerable and editor
of tho Richmond Enquirer, which resulted in tho
following correspondence. The reader will not
fail to remark, with what indifference Mr.. Ritch-
ie replies to the charge of General Jackson
having arranged" the Inquirer-and how tender
ty he soclts me to correspond with Major Lewis
on tho sublect-or in other words, continue in
the party and receive consideration for concealing
mapractices, that ought to shock even the calious
nerves of the Patriot Rtchie!"
Copy Of letter from Stephen Simpson to Thomas
Richie, Esq.
PmLApELrHA, May 10, 1891.
Having boon given to understand, through chan
nell entitled to full credit, that YOU have been con-
suited by some friends of the President as to the
influence which might be produced in your state by
my re-aPPontment to an office within the circle of
senatorial confirmation, and that your opinion waa
unfavorable to such an appointment, which you re-.
presented calculated to Virginia; permit me
to tresspass so far your candor and poteness rs
to inquire, whether you did give such an opinion
and if you did, upon what ground you formed that
opinion7
My object in thus inquiring is far from being ono
OF idle curiosity; it aims much vindicate you
from what believe unjust imputation, az to
afford me true and proper perception of the con-
duct of others. You have not, to my knowledge
publicly avowed the opinion that TO have been once
connected with the Press creates disqualification
to hold Office during life / now desire to know
whether you hold this doctriuc, and whether un-
der it's impression, you have given advice to any
of the friends of tho president, (say Major Lewil
solicited by them7
In case my information should prove correct will
you do me the additional favor of stating your req
sons for the conclusion you have assumed that Viz
ginia concuTs with you in this opnion7 whether it
is an inference deduced from the conduct of her
senators-whether they identified with the
State-or whether yau allude to the great mass of
her patriotic and intelligent people2 For should
require something more than assertion to induee
me to credit that the latter cherished sentiment
& inf santIm ttarlxy ~
all notions of liberty, and principles of right
and a prescription which party has ventured to
apply to any other class of citizens in the republic
1t therefore becomes incredible that one of our own
fraternity should join in denunciation of his
brethren, and, through them, of HIMSELF
trust you will find, in the nature of this COM
muncatlon, sufficient apology for its frankness.
\ our speedy answer will oblige me.
Major Lewis has been in tins city for some Time
negotiating for the purchase of papern through
the equivalent of government patronage. This
procedure may meet with the appreciation of those
whose fastidous patriotism would object TO tho ap
Pointmontsofa man, who, five years ago, was editor
of daily journal-holding an unchan geable course
for principles and for mens but who never will sac
rihce ono to the other-aa inimutabe good for a
mutable evil.
With respect, am, Sir, your fellow-citizen,
STEPHEN SIMPSON.
Thomas RITcHE, Esq.
Editor Richmond Enquirer.
Richmond, va. J ---
Z. S.-Should circumstances render it expedient,
promise myself the pleasure of addressing you a
series of letters through the public papers.
Thomas Richie, Esq to Stephen Simpson.
Sir--I have recollection of ever having been
consulted by any of the Presidents friends, as to
the effects of your re-appointment to Office, or
ofmy having expressed any opinion, to the effect
1t might have IN ''souring Virginia"
Averse as have been to executive appointments
of editors to Office, have certainly never Pono 80
far to avow, entertain the belief sithat to
have been connected with the public press, creates
a disqualification to hold Office during life."
Each case must depend upon its own circurE-
stances; but j could in wish to exec
utve Office so given, as to mpugn the chastity of
the press. Of the purity of the Presidents mo-
tives, have doubts wish / could entertain
as little of the effect ultimately of comforting SO
many Offices upon Editors.
have no knowledge Of the proceedings you at
tribute to Major Lewis. But hope, and suspect
that you have been msinformed. Would 1t not be
better for you to communicate to him lohat you may
haze Aeard7 Yours THOMAS RITCHIB.
Richmond, May %, 1881.
. This has now beoome a trite and fulsome COM
pliment to power, to ascribe the pure motives to
impure actionsl The appointment of those editors,
who had grossly villi6ed the President and his wife,
could not have been from pure motives. Touching
my own appointment, 1 shall show in the course of
those letters, that it. never would have occurred
but for mydecided and avowed hostility to his I'D
AIr.: NorreH holds his appointment
as Post Master of Detroit on the same grounds
moro of this. hereaJer. Yet Mr.. Richie palavers
about She chastity Sf the press, and the purity of
the Presidents snetives!!
The advice contained in the concluding sentence
was more friendly than puro and how such pollt,