The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-09-05
CORRESPONDENCE.
New York, August 80, 1898.

|
DEAR Sir The Evening Post is at present the
only daily newspaper in this city, (with the excep-
ton of one or two small papers,) which sustains the
policy of the National Administration The Post,
its title imports, is published in the afternoon. 1t
has been long established, and was conspicuous dur
ing the administrations of Jefferson and Madison as
able but vindicve assailant Of all the measures of
| the National Government.
William Colman its then conductor, was an I'M
compromising Federalist of the High Tory stamp
and the late war, with all its glorious results, was
the subject of his unirng hostility After it passed
into the hands Of its present editor and his late
ciate il soon shifted SAIL and like all new converts
exhibited its devotion TO its new creedby sustaining
the most ultra radical doctrines. Although have
nopersonal knowledge OF the political faith which
the present editor of the Post originally embraced
yet common report assigns him at that period a sta
ton in the ranks of Federalism In abiding to his
former creed, must not be understood as attrbuting
corruption to every change of opinion. While,
however, many change from conviction of the error
OF the former faIth-not few will be found aposta-
tiZing for the leaves and fishes which are disribut-
ed BY successful party and hence the dstrust of
the motives of those who join the cohorts of power
IT. therefore, the editor of the Post suffers odium in
consequence Of his somerset, he may console him
self with the reflection that patriotism Of similar
stamp has ever met the like reward.
But whatever be the reasons for his conversion
certain it is that he battles manfuy in his vocation
Surrounded by skilful and wary antagonists, whose
prowess in political warfare is undoubed, the Post
quails before its enemies but is always found
with harness on, ready to give blow for blow The
editorial lucubrations of the Post usually heavy
and dull, particularly its political leader. There is
a certain in its political dissertations which
render them generally undressing. That the edi-
tor possesses talent of high order not disposed
to deny but it is not the description of talent which
is available tor political purposes.
Its selected matter not unusually partakes Of the
somniferous character of It's editorials. There
occasional instances when the fine taste Of the editor
is observable in his selections but the general tone
Of his extracts is decidedly embarrassing
A theorst, in this most extended sense, the con-
ductor of the Post--in common with those who pur-
sue the phantom of abstraction, reckless of the abb
surdes which obstruct their path-has reared
political idol and calls on all mankind 10 fall down
and worship at its shrine. Beneath this unhappy
zealotism the better qualities of the editor are
smothered, and those not acquainted with his talents
and refinement would be led from his political dis
serations 10 doubt the existence Of either.
In poetica composition the editor Of the Post has
few supcriors but unfortunately for his fame he has
almost abandoned the muses., to seek fellowship with
those with whom he has few sentiments in COM
mon.
The heavy and labored political essays of the
Post sufficiently indicate the fact that the writer's
heart is not in his vocation. Selfdoomed to do bat
tie for the dominant party, the editor strikes right
and left at his antagonists, but frequently exPends
much force TO little purpose. The Post, although
the only champion Of the Destrucves in this city,
does not possess an extensive influence. This may
be partially traced the fact that the editor minges
little with the idle and reckless politicians who com
pose the leaders of the party in this region. Maugrc
his apparent devotion to the Radical creed he is not
prepared to hold converse with the disreputable
loungers about town, who are the High Priests Of
Executive Idolatry
The circulation of the Post is understood 10 be
limited and If il was not for the support furnished
in the shape OF Government patronage, have no
doubt it would anguish and expire.