The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-04-06
MIR. RITCHIE--MR. RlyEs.

The Editor Of the Enquirer, in his article
commenting on Mr.. RrvEs' address TO the
people Of Virginia. says:
"When we heard Of the great intimacy which
was said TO lave subsisted between him and Mr..
Ciay--of Mr.. Clay being avowedly in favor Of Mr.
Rves, we confess that every hope vanished, and we
could longer reconcile IL TO political duties 10
&C, upon the system of armed neutrality" This
has been our course--this "the head and front Of
our offending" We never parted with any poli,i-
clan with more profound regret-we might truly say,
with as much"
So, it seems, the objectionable sin COM
mitted by Mr.. Rives, in the eyes Of Mr..
Richie was, that it was reported he was init
mate with Mr.. Clay and that Mr.. Clay was
in favor Of Mr. Rives. We do not know
which Mr.. Richie has professed 10 abhor the
most for some years past, Mr.. Clay or Mr..
Biddle
Has Mr.. Richie heard of no intimacy be-
tween Mr.. Biddle and number Of the mem
bers Of Mr.. Van Buren's cabinet! aye, and
between Mr.. Biddle and Mr.. Van Buren, him
self Has Mr.. Richie not heard that, when
Mr.. Biddle was last in this city, he dined
with Mr. Van Buren,, and received from him
the most familiar and distinguished attentions!
Such, we kno,D, to be the fact Notwilhstand-
ing all this, Mr. Richie is content and resolv-
ed to 9 sink or swim" with Mr.. Van Buren,.
If the Editor of the Enquirer has not cast
aside all regard for consistency, and become
wholly regardless Of principle, we do not
doubt, as he says, that he parted from Mr..
Rives with profound regret" And why !?
Because Mr.. Rives has adhered TO his princi-
pies, while Mr.. Richie has abandoned his
principles, and gone off after a man
Look at the two individuals now--mark
the contrast Mr.. Rives was applied to by
Mr.. Van Buren, for his advice and opinion in
great emergency, on great and important
measure deeply interesting and affecting the
whole country, telling him at the same time,
he was sure they would be Of great service
to him" Mr.. Rives, after due reflection, in
the spirit Of friendship, patriotism and candor,
communicated his views.
The columns Of the Enquirer furnish the
proofs that its editor held opinions and views
in exact accordance with those Mr.. Rives
conveyed TO the President. Mr.. Van Buren,,
however, cast the views and opinions, thus
invited from Mr.. Rives, under the table, and
recommended measures to Congress for
adoption by that body, in direct opposition to
those suggested by Mr.. Rives. What else
could MIR. Rives do, but as he has done d
Was he to turn his back upon himself, and
support the measures recommended by the
President. and thus virtually tell him that, he
was not sincere in giving him the opinions he
had asked from him? Mr.. Rives had too
much self-respect, and was animated by too
lofty and patriotic feelings, to disgrace him
self BY becoming the serriie instrument Of par
ty or the worshipper Of man-pover. He took
his stand openly, boldly, and nobly; and by
maintaining, independent Of party and power,
the measures and principles he had recon-
mended to Mr.. Van Buren,, showed him he
was sincere and honest in giving them. What
was the course Of Mr.. Richie! Exactly the
contrary TO that Of Mr.. Rives. Regardless Of
all professions Of principles, he stands pledged
to sink or s,cim with Mr.. Van Buren,, who has
declared he will sink or s,cim in the measure
Mr. Richie condemned
Which will command the confidence and
respect of the people the honest, indepen-
dent patriot who goes for his country, or the
fa'cning sycophani who deserts his principles,
and follows after men, forgetful altogether Of
country.
nIrp nIcTNrCDEcTEn ANN n.