The republic., 1851-03-20
The H.rmon,.. OF Democr.cy.

We have nothing to do, of course, with the
quarrels of our Democratic contemporaries; but
we published recently an instructive portion Of
the sem-valedictory of Mr.. RIrcHIE, and we
feel bound to extend the same courtesy to Mr..
RIvEs. This we do as a chronicler of the
times, ''mere looker-on," as General CAss
described himself to be during the last twelve
hours of the recent session Of Congress. We.
wish to enable the public to understand the re-
lations existing between the branch Of the De-
mocracy represented by Mr.. JOHN WENTWORTH
and Mr.. RIvEs, and the branch represented by
the "elitc Of the distinguished Democrats of
Richmond and Mr.. RIrcHIE. i.
In the Globe of Monday morning we find an
article from Mr.. RIyEs, entitled "Valedictoi
ries." 1t is parting shot at his venerable
Democratic contemporary of the Union. The
first paragraph we shall quote from it is about
as bitter as any thing that we have recently
met with; there is nothing for bitterness to be
compared to quarrel among friends:
KNIGHr-ERRANrRY AND KNAvE-ERRAKTRY.
ssMr. Richie announces that he has sold his
newspaper concern to Major Andrew J. Doncl-
son, and will abandon his editorial career in April
next. 1t is sad enough to give up this scribbling
life which keeps body 30 much in the eyes and
mouths Of men but for pair Of doughty antago-
nists--Don Quixote and the knight of the Mirrors
and the Moon to quit the scene of their glory at
the same time, not only without one kind farewell,
but with foul reproaches. is disgrace to editorial
chivalry. In my earlier passages at arms with the
Knight OF the Rueful Countenance, was really.
disposed to play the part of tho good friend and
rrbb he Go r. aoef ?
and deliver him from his madness. thought
him de ceivcd and imposed upon by others when
he wronged me in our money dealings, and for
gave him. But whom suspicion arose, upon
repetition of injuries, that there might bo more
knavc-crrant than knight crrant in it, determined
to have nothing more to do with my troublesome
neighbor." b 4aio esi.s
In another paragraph Mr.. RIvrs speculates
on the causes of Mr.. RIrcHIE's retirement from
the Union:
mR. RITCHIE's RETREAr.
"In my defence against Mr.. Ritchic's renewed
and wanton aggressions much light was thrown
on tho iniquity covered up in the dealings of the
contractor for the Congress printing. This was
made more and more manifest by all his attempts
at explanation. The result has been a second de-
feat in Congress, loss Of reputation, and retreat
from the position of the organ of the Democratic
party, which would no longer tolerate such rep
rescntative. Considerations growing out of long
connexion with it would have brought some sym
pathy to cover this retreat if the wrong doer had
not in the very act of closing his career renewed
the outragcs which had provoked bis fate. Fore
aecng the inevitable end to which tho disclosures
IN Congress must bring him, ! ceased long before
the session closed to notice his repeated fings at
me; but would argue too little respect for him if
ana not advert in my valedictory to the very pun
gent paragraphs which, after being passed over
when put forth the frat time, he now again serves
up Tor me as sort of parting pleasing"
Mr.. RIvEs. then goes on to show ,ha, be has
never himself been an applicant for relief from
any contract. This may be true enough bu,
this we do not understand to be the burden Of
Mr.. RrTcHIE's complaint. The substance Of
the complaint is, that Congress voted to com
pensate him for work that he had done as
pohnteer, and without any contract. This is
substantially admitted by Mr.. RIyEs. We dare
say that he was not paid a remunerating price
for his work, but Congress had not agreed to pay
him any thing. 1t is difficult to distinguish be-
tween the payment Of money which party was
under no obligation TO pay and grastaiu. We
aPprehend that such payment is gratuity in
every sense OF the term. To be sure, Congress
had taken and used his Daily Globe--but there
was no agreement to pay him for it-and sub-
sequently for his reports in that paper Congress
did pay him 81 SO column, price which the
inteiigencer deems insufficient to paw the ac
tual expenses. But we will proceed to the con-