Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-06-19
MR.. RJTCHIE.


Nerhany, on the part of the employees of the
Union office, presented him a silver pitcher
Whatever we may think of the retiring editors
course, his politics, his mode of directing public
opinion, or his style of dealing with political ad-
versaries, we cannot deny that he throws up his
pen very gracefully. His parting counsel touch
ing the true nature and design of our federative
of it. His philosophy of life is equally pl: asing
and commendable. Notwithstanding all his edito-
rial sins, and particularly his repaired inus-
tice to some of the most eminent and most viruous
men of the nation, we must award Mr. Richie
high praise for the frmness, and for the most part
the fairness with which he sustained the measures
of adjustment. His services to the country dur
ing the last Congress cannot well be too highly
appreciated.
The following is the extract:
What may be my future destiny is beyond my own
conjectures. Whether shall retire to that GLORIOUS
old Commonwealth" you so justly call her. or whe-
hefa1 shall remain with you in this beautiful and hosp
table metropolis, where should leave these two hos
ages alludng to his daughters who present. oil
retire to my own vine and my own Jig tree to pass the
rest ofmy days, is in the hands OF Congress That
L
should have no apprehensions; nor will for
| ment question the justice of country. None know
well yourselves how anxously and how faithfully
have carried the contract which has subjected me
to severe losses involved me in serious debts and threat
ems to cloud the remnant OF my days. Yet, take my
word for it, gentlemen, that whatever be my lot, shall
not prove myself unworthy of the friendship with which
you have honored me.
Time has yet extnguished all my spirit. Those
who knew my intentions TO retire srom the press pre-
diced that should perish the victim of ennui, and
faftp Tho of in
citing branch OF the public service, should sink under
the Incidence and inactivity of private life. But fear
not, Fortunately, have no ambition for ofiice-"that
last nfirmity Of noble minds" and, let me boldly say
it, the besetIing sin OF most distinguished men,
Let my humble example go for what it is WORTH l will
attempt to show the ambitious politician that man
may yet be happy in private lie who has books to read
the studies OF his early life to revive, and who still
WELD pen.
have thus been communicative on my own affairs
because you pleased TO take an interest in But
in other respects your Partially has betrayed you into
excess. You haye'pad me many extravagant compl
mens in the address which you have made. You have
been pleased to associate my humble with those
OF Jefferson and Madison-that constellation OF illus
trious whose brilance surpasses the boosted ga
lazy OF any other horizon. l.bow with reverence to
their genius Like every other American, [ may have
attempted to catch solitary ray from their op Mons
and actions. But far be from me the vanity to believe
that in point OF service, or talents virtues have the
slightest preensons to vie with those distinguished
men, am mot worthy to unloose the atchet oil their
Shoes"
My highest claim is, that, for long life and in a
most arduous profession, have attempted to do my
bst to my country. have spared pans, de-
clined no sacrces to support the principles profess
am devoted to those glorious institutions, and to that
neslimable Union which constitutes the most brilliant
achievement of the age in which we live. 1t s not the
fleeing car nor the rapid sieamboat-it is not the
lightning telegraph, nor all the wonders which Ait and
Science now achevng-it is not the augmentation
ofour numbers the extraordinary extension of our
agriculture into the western deserts tn rise of
cities like SO many exhaations, which much the
objects of admiration IS the political instu
tons nnder which our country has performed all these
miracles OF greatness. 1t is not the miraculous
organ OF the press whose praises you have chauned
with much beauty and eoquence. Great as are its
blessings-powerully has contributed to produce
all the wonders you have enumerated-yet we must
look still higher TO more general causes and that is
the inestmabe institution OF federal republic. 1t is
the liberty of the people, the union OF the States, and
the rights OF the States, which form the three great
pillars Of our prosperity You especially praise
too highly the value of our Union. Your kindness
has overraed any little service may HAYS rendered
wards the preservation OF this glorious Union. l will
not pretend to compare myself with the distinguished
men by whose side and under whose banner ! have
fought during the late arduous contest. But take my
word for it, that unless the great principle OF consu
tona construction which constitutes the Jefersonian
school be religously carried the federal GO
vernmeu be strictly confined its specified and leg-
mate functions, and the rights of the States and the
rights OF the people be carefully guarded against en-
croachment this glorious Union cannot stand. Take
my word for it, that unless the federal government
should avoid any future interference with the peculiar
nsttu,on OF the South, except it to carry out the
distinct acquisitions of the constitution this noble con
federacy cannot withstand the shock of the tempest
Take my word for it, and though the danger reduced
ills not yet over-that unless the compromise system
be carried ont in its length and BREADTH and unless
the fugitive slave law shall be energetcaly admins
tered by our brethren of the North, and unless the
States ofhe North shall respect the rights Of the South
it is in vain that have weahered the storm which
has shattered the sails OF gallant ship. Free soil
ism must be put down. or it will put down the Union
The rampant spirit of discontinued party in the South
can only prevail through the tumphs OF the fanatics in
the North.
Excues me- srs, for presenting these grave refec-
tons at the present moment; but they are, in fact
drawn forth by the too complimentary remarks you
have made on the course which have pursued. Yet
be assured that whatever mite may have contributed
preserve the Union, leave ADLER and vigorous
champions to take my place. There are sentnels
enough on the watchtower to sound the alarm in the
of an enlightened people,
have already said more than enough upon the gen.
eral topics which you have presented But l cannot
close without addressing few words to yourselves
The tone in which you speak TO encourages me 10
treat you friend You all OF you younger than
myselt-some OF you much younger-though l am
sometimes tempted, In the spirit OF very convenient
philosophy, 10 measure age not much by time as by
temperament. | have at least seen many years
than the Oldest OF you and claim the privilege OF lay
ing before you some OF the fruits OF my experience if
not OF wisdom. There are OF talents among you,
who have right to aspire to the direction OF the public
press In act, what post OF distinction may not a
man OF talent and enterprise attain in Tree country,
wkere any man can be anything of which he is wor
thy Should you remain as you are still you can be
prosperous and happy if you preserve those virtues of
selt-command prudence, and industry, which grace
every station 10 the republic Never yield to despon
dency, my friends, but always attempt 10 view things
the bright side "NeSer despair of the republic
OF your fortunes. Do your duty in whatever lott
may please Providence to cast you and take my word
Tor it, thai satisfied conscience is the best treasure you
possess.
But should it be your destiny to become the conduc
tor the associate of political press the sphere OF
your duties and responsibilities must become enlarged.
GU must make up your minds encounter the s1cr-
will no, sleep upon bed of roses You will have to
nerve yourselves to The contest You cannot do too
much for such free and unparalleled country this
your standard OF excellence high Take every care TO
form your opinions on the basis Of truth /; and when !