The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-30
Nationality and ProvinctaIisni.

Ledger The latter it seems, in commenting
upon the late mischievous message Of Governor
FLOYD. and the UniOns laudatory articles
thereupon, alluded in very pointed terms to
Mr.. RTcHIE's uniform habit of viewing
all subjects through Virginia spectacles. He
even went SO far as to call Mr.. Richie
..propuaciai politician" Now, no impartial OBJ
server of Mr.. RITcHIE's course will deny that
this title was well bestowed but Mr.. Richie
himself, strange to say, actually labors under
the delusion that he is national in his feel
ings. He was very angry with "Observer"
for venluring different opinion, and forthwith
came down upon him in style which betrayed
good deal of temper, but not much taste. We
copy below 'Observer's" letter in reply. Our
readers will find it very piquant and suggestive.
We commend particularly to the Unions atten-
ton thatportion Of the letter which points out the
distinction between nationality and pro
vinclalism." 1t conveys some ''usetul know
ledge" which the Union would do we'll to ac-
quire:
Correspondence Of the Philadelphia Ledger
WAsHiNGToN, DEC 25, 1885,
Father Richie has made me a Christmas pre-
sent, which requires to pay him the compli-
menis Of the season. and little more. Mr.
Richie is in a towering passion at my structures
on his late articles on Go. ernor Foyd's message
and. though bred gentleman, iorgets himself 30
far to descend To low ribadry, coarse invective
and malicious charges. Irepel these unworthy
gentleman, as false in every letter, and posi-
lively indecent in him who prefers them
III did not take Mr.. Ritchie's embarrassed situa-
on his age, the services he has rendered his party
and his natural sensitiveness in every thing
lating TO Virginia. into conside ration should say
more, but these considerations and the love bear
his friends make me forbear know that a quar-.
rel with me at this time will do him no good |
know that he can do no harm. My course on
the great questions which came wellnigh severing
the Union is file in every large Atlantic city,
from Boston TO New Orleans; and ! am not
ashamed TO refer TO the records. was not hired
by any body; was the slave of none; / wrote az
an independent man, and my course has been APP
proved by men whose eulogy is even now the
theme of Mr.. Ritchie's eloquence stand in no
need of Mr.. Riches endorsement of my charac-
ter " have any little reputation, it is the fruit
of my al present labor, and not annuity for
which m indebted TO the courtesy of my contem
poraries.
And l would here respectfully inform Mr. Richie
that, though younger may be in years than the
Napoleon Of the Press,''I am his senior as Union
man. ] cha llenge the records to prove that have
ever brcathcl a sectional sentiment that have
used any such phrase GIVE of the SOUTH
"we of the North" &c Ichallenge Mr. Richie TO
prove tl.at ever encouraged sectional organiza-
tiona union of all the South ,or union Of all the
North-aganst the opposite geographical divisions
Of the country. ! challenge him TO prove that
have ever appealed to local prejudices the pride
Of one State resist the real or imagined agrees
sion Of another, or Of the General Government All
these things were unfortunately INDUCED in by
Mr.. Rtchie for long while previous to the com
mencement of the last session, and for a consider
able time afterwards; though Mr. Ritchies yehc-
mence was a good deal tempered by the cooler
judgment Of younger man, now no longer CON
nected with the Union.
When Mr.. Richie the danger really ap-
preaching, he halted, and, at the critical moment
turned his artillery against his own followers. His
cannon did great execution, and the battle field
covered with the wounded and slain For this
Mr. Richie deserves great credit II was an act of
patriotism at the right time; it could not be de
layed minute longer without great disaster to the
country. MIR. Richie jumped on the Union plat
form just the Southern platform began to give
way, and lac jumped gracefully and with great
courage, considering his numerous entan clements
have always given Mr. Ritchio great credit for this
act of devotion TO the whole country Ihave never
tired in his praise have defended him against the
assaults of his enemies. and have personally inter
ccded with members and Senators las / can proye)
to reward his fidelity. But he must not now pre-
sumo 20 far the laurels he has won, and which I
would be the last man TO pluck from his brow, az
from the Union height he has attained, 20 lecture
those who had the good fortune never to stand on
any other. II there be any merit in conversion I
have 1t not IL was all plain sailing with me from
fret to last, and lay claim either to skill or
extraordinary good luck. confess that in these
respects Mr.. Richie has altogether the advantage
| Of me.
What now wish s that MIR Richie may keep
that advantage-that he may remain in his present
proud positou If necessary, against the wishes
/ of the Governor ofvrginia lie knows that Gov.
ernvr Floyd's message has fallen still born from
his council chamber. He knows that IL has crca-
ted very disagreeable impression here in Wash.
ington, and that his recomme ndaton Of a National
Convention, called by the Legisatures of States.
! generally disaPproved Of by his own friends Tn,
fear is that il will lead TO renewed agitation-tha
it will reopen all the wounds which have Just com
menccd healing, and that it will open new arens
| 20 demagogues north and south Of Mason anc
| DiSon's line. And Mr.. Richie might also know
that his own article and comments on that tncs
| sage, published in the Union of Saturday last in
which he is penetrated with admiration for tina
remarkable State paper. and differs only ne 10 tn
time Of holding tho Convention, has given genera
dissatisfaction TO his friends. That srticl
was not written from the Union height of the me
tropois; IL written from Southern, yirgini
point Of view, and considered 20 by some O
Mr.. Ritchies best friends. whom he would nov
whip over my shoulders.
And now will explain TO Mr. Richie what
mean by the term provincial" az contrsdistin
guishod from national, not " imperial" az Mr.
Richie wrongly supposes. ! will fret give hin
my view Of what is national. National is al
that belongs 10 the aggregate Of people, with
out reference to particular locality, town, city, o
even whole department, province or State. Ma
tionai, in the United States, is whatever deserve
the OF American, not what relates parti
cuarly TO Philadelphia, New York, Richmond, o
the States in which these cities are situated w
are known TO the world as Americans, not as Penn
q. syvsnians, New Workers, or yirginians A MAJ