Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1844-12-31
EDr The ENQUIRER,
U TIC LWI
TO THE PITRTIc

II may be affirmed that the character of a
community is reflected by the press supported by
its patronage; but, as 10 al general rules there
are exceptions ! am happy in believing that the
proposition is not irne Of the patrons OF the Rich
mond Wing. A few weeks ago that paper bold
~ avowed, that in the event the New York De-
mocratic Electors would, by deliberate lreach-
cry, cast the votes of that State for Mr. Van
Buren,, at would seem like special act of Pro-
violence" About The same time il came out with
an earnest recommendation 10 its patrons 10 pro-
scribe all Democrats and 10 give TO none Of them
any manner Unemployment. Il was specially vio-
lent too in isdenunciations OF certain "Rey gen.
tleInan Of this city," who had the patriotism and
moral courage TO vote for the man Of his choice
as Presden, Of the United States: and from that
time TO the present. the GREY. gentleman" has
been the theme Of its oboquy. All this can do no
harm, where it is understood, that the Genii who
direct The Richmond Wing are licenced char
acers-licenced 10 joke and make sport Of the
gravcst matters. But what will be thought
abroad OF that people whose favorite press pub
fishes articles like the following for their amuse-
meni and edfca,ion?
From the Richmond Wig, Dec. 10.
"'To THE PrBLIc-There will be a lecture on
Astronomy delivered al the Thunder Gust Church,
on Sabbath evening nexl, at II o'clock by the
pastor DR.. Quixot. This lecture is expected 10
be very interesting as DR.. Quixot has very
surprising apparatus and will be able 10 point ont
10 his audience The various planets, and DR.. G.
thinks he has discovered the planet which is at
this time The residence Of Mlly Mcpherson, and
they will have the great satisfaction of knowing
where Milly is. II is hoped The public will attend,
as there will be no charge made, money not he
ing The object DR.. q. has in giving up the preach
ing of the Gospel and leciuIng upon various
subjects, bn, hopes thereby 10 gain no,oriety and
draw crowd alter him"
It must not be supposed that am defending
Or. Plumer. | have seen him in terrific
"Thunder Gust" calm, collected and unmoved-
He will hardly be blown from his course By the
breath Of broken-winded political jades. trust,
and believe, that all the wiles Of Satan 10 lessen
Dr.. Plmmers influence as a preacher of right
eousness will be batiled. He is armed in the
whole panoply of the Gospel. His God is the
Lord OF Hosts II is therefore no part Of lny pur-
pose 10 defend hi7,-bul rather 10 make serious
appealto Richmond 10 consider her responsibility
in encouraging such paper as the Richmond
Wing. II is great mistake TO suppose The
whole responsibility rests OH the Editors. The
aiders and abeiiors cannot escape any more than
they can avoid The amenlable consequences that
must ensue from sustaining press whose daily
avocation is to infuse poison and the bitter wa
Ter. of strife into The springs of social intercourse
and domestic happiness.
[ trust the Editors of the Enquirer will not de-
cline to publish this brief article from motives Of
professional delicacy. The writer has no perso-
nal mctiye either OF il-will on the one hand, or
Partially on the other. He believes it is time
that public opinion should be called into action
in the high duty of Censorship Of the public press.
Whenever specifications like those above set
forth can be brought against the Enquirer, you
shall again hear from CENSOR.