Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-06
WHOLE NO. 70.

lieve an unjust imputation, as to afford
me true and proper perception of the
conduct of others You have not, to my
knowledge, publicly avowed the opinion,
that to have been once connected with
the Press creates a disqualification to
hold office during life! now desire to
know whether you hold this doctrine, &
',''ether, under its impression, you have
IN advice to any of the friends of the
President, (say Major Lewis solicited
by them;
In case my information should prove
correct, will you do me the additional ia
vor OF stating your reasons for the concIu-
sion you have assumed, that Virginia
concurs with yoa in this opinion? wheth-
er it is an inference declared from the
conduct of her scnators-whether they
are identified with the State, or whether
you allude to the great mass other patri-
otto X intelligent people' For | should
require something more than assertion to
induce me to credit that the latter cher
lshcd sentiment so proscriptive-a sem
timent so utterly at war with all our no.
ilons Of liberty, and principles of right
and "a prescription which no party has
ventured to apply to any other class Of
citizens in the republic! 1t therefore be-
comes incredible, that one of our own fra
ternlty should join in denunciaton Of
his brethren, and, through them, Of him
self!
trust you will find, in the nature Of
this communication, a sufficient apology
for its frankness. Your speedy answer
will oblige me.
Major Lewis has been in this city for
some time negotiating for the purchase
of a paper" through the equivalent Of
government patronage. This proceed
ure may meet with the appreciation of
those whose fastidious patriotism would
object to the appointment of a man who,
five years ago, was editor of a daily Jour
nal-holding an Interchangeable course for
/ principles and for men; but who never
will sacrifice one to the other-an immu-
table good for mutable evil.
With respect, am, Sir,
Your fellow citizen,
STEPHEN SIMPSON.
THOMAS RITCHIE, ESQ.
Editor Richmond Inquirer.
Richmond, Va.
p S.-Should circumstances render
it exPedent, promise myself the pleas.
ure Of addressing you series of letters
through the public papers.
Thomas Richie, Esq. TO Stephen Simp-
son.
Sir-I have no recollection Of ever
having been consulted by any of the
Presidents friends, as to the effects of
your re-appointment to office, or Of my
having expressed any opinion, as to the
effect it might have in Securing Virgin
ia"
| AYerse as | have been to executive
appointments OF editors to Office, | have
certainly never gone so far as to avow,
or entertain the belief, that to have been
connected with the public press, creates
disqualification to hold office during
life
Each case must depend upon its own
circumstances; but | could in no case
wish to see our executive Office so given,
as to mpugn the chastity of the press
Of the purity of the Presidents motives,
| have no doubt. wish, ! could enter
tain as little of the effect ultimately, OF
comforting so many offices upon Editors.
! have no knowledge of the proceed
ngs you attribute to Major Lewis: But
| hope, and suspect that you have been
mislniormed. Would IL not be better for
you TO communicate 10 him phat you may
hare heard!
Yours, THOMAS RITCHIE.
Ricbponl Nav O3 1891