The republic., 1851-03-17
The Union.

Union newspaper of Saturday morning:
s'Having purchased the Washington Union,
take the liberty Of announcing to its readers and to
the public that shall take possession of it the
18th Of April next, by which period will arrange
my private affairs that they will not interfere
with my duties as editor. General Robert Arm
strong, Of Tennessee, will be associated with as
equal proprietor of the establishment.
"In becoming the purchaser of this paper, fear
that assume task, as its editor, greatly too much
for my poor abilities; but could not decline it,
pressed upon me, it has been, by the friends of
the Democratic party, and constrained, as Mr..
Richie conceives himself to be- to retire from the
PRESS cannot flatter myself that can bring to
this service power equal to that Of the veteran
whom succeed, but hope, by my industry and
ZEAL not to dsappoint altogether the hopes OF those
to whose counsels have yielded.
"I% is not intended this occasion TO say more
than is proper to apprze the public of the disposi
ton which has been made by Mr.. Richie Of the
paper he has 80 long and 30 ably conducted and
which has been devoted with 30 much zeal to the
cause of Democracy. When placed in possession
of the establishment. shall state at length the
general principles which will control its political
action. These principles will, hope, have terr-
dency to promote the union of all good republi-
cans, and heal those divisions which have threat
ened not only their party organization, but the
peace and harmony of the whole country. In the
mean time throw myself upon the indulgence Of
the great Republican and Democratic party for the
support which may be due TO who can pro-
mise so little to justify the confidence which has
been given him in advance.
"a. J. DONELsON.'
In the course of the next month, therefore,
Mr.. RlrcHIE will retire from the political press
after service of forty seven years. Before
taking leave, he will prepare valedictory
communication to his countrymen on the topics
of the day. Meanwhile he reprints portion
of an article from the Union of December "a /,
charging Mr.. j. C.. RIvEs with efforts to defeat
his application to Congress for relief from an
oppressive contract, and concludes his card by
complimentary notice of the gentleman who
is to succeed him in the establishment:
al repeat, was willing to remain at my post,
though more willing to retire. But, in fact.
the last has become the only alternative which was
left to me. Congress have thrown an immense
quantity Of work upon my hands, even in the
piring days of its last session, although attempted
to persuade them to assign the printing hand to
another office. had really no conception of the
quantity until had looked into the budget since
their adjournment. Already plunged into debt by
an unfortunate contract-though indebted to the
most liberal creditors whom could have--I
could not command means enough, consist
emily with my previous obligations, to carry
on both the newspaper and the public print
ing. Obliged by my contract to execute the
work in spite of all denial of relief, had to
yield the paper, or comply with my contract. !
have done the former. To this course, also, have
been deliberately advised by the eminent political
and personal friends whom have consulted on an
occasion interesting TO myself, interesting to my
party, and, dare to believe, interesting to my
country; but. fortunately for me. have been able
to obtain . successor who is worthy of the conf
dence of our party and of his country A. J. Donel
son is not stranger obscure man in this coun-
try. With the prestige of Gen. Jackson's adminis-
tration around him--the man whom Mr.. Polk had
selected to be his organ in the event of our not COM
ing to MISUNDERSTANDING with great ability
the anne xation of Texas-the selected minister to
Berlin-and thus covered, too with the prestige of
Mr. Folks name-a statesman of much experience,
of tact, and of talent-of great equanimity and
frmness Of character-a staunch republican in his
principles devoted friend of the rights of the
States and the union of the Statcs--where could
seek worthier successor HA. j. Donelson does
not please the Democratic party, who can, as the
editor of the Democratic organ in Washington?
With such man, would have been willing to sell
my establishment on much lower terms than to a
man whose longer purse had not won the conf
dence of the country.
shall yield the helm, therefore, cheerfully into
his hands When the timo comes for surrendering
my paper to his guidance, shall once more ad-
dress my countrymcn, and then tell them how
much feel and how anxiously think of the condi-
ton and prospects Of my beloved country.
THOMAS RITCHIE.
" WASHINGTON March l5 lS5lo