The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-01-31
For the Southern Press.
The Washington Union and the Census
Printing.

Believing that there was an understanding be-
tween Major DoNELsoN and certain poitica
partisans, that in case he purchased the Wash
ington Union, the printing of the census would
be given to support that paper, and supposing
that arrangement was known to Mr.. RITCHIs
and that therefore, in surrendering the paper, he
asked afl would receive additional compensa
ton, in case the arrangement was consummated
the Telegraph insinuated, by way Of inter.
r0gatory, that Mr.. RIToHlR had contingent in
the printing of the census. Major DoNELsoN de-
nounces this insinuation as a falsehood and to
prove it SO, publishes letter from Mr. RITcHIE,
which concludes as follows:
The only pretext which may exist for such a
report, is the fact that after my contract with Mr..
Donelson had been executed, l expressed the be-
lief that the purchase money ought to have ex-
ceeded Wv ,0OO and in fact nothing but the ne
cessites Of my situation, arising principally from
my unfortunate contract, could have prompted me
to take such price. Mr.. Donelson refused to
vary the contract, but had the kindness to state
that, if the profits Of the press were such as be-
lieve3 they would be, he would have no objection
to an additional payment Of $4,000 but that he
was unwilling to bind himself to do SO by con-
tract he had but little faith of the calculations
presented to him of profit, and certainly was moi
disposed to speculate on any such calculations
(Signed) THOMAS RlTCHIE."
Now, beg the reader to bear in mind that
the material issue wac, was there an under
standing between Major DoNELsoA and certain
other persons, that if he purchased the Union
newspaper, they would exert their Influence to
give the printing of the census?" Whether
Mr.. RITcHIE was to have contingent interest in
that printing, was a matter of but little conse-
quence. 1t will be seen, however, that SO far
from proving that the insinuaton was false
hood, Mr.. RITcHIE's letter proves that he is to
be paid three thousand dollars more, if Major
DoNELsoN gets the printing; and no one &C
quainted with the facts, can read Mr.. Richie s
letter, and entertain doubt upon the subject.
Mr.. RITcHIE admits that he urged claim for
greater compensation, upon the ground that the
profits of the press would justify his demand
Mr.. DoNELsoN agreed to give him So 600 more,
it Mr.. RITcHlE's expectations were realized, but
he refused to change the contract, because he
was not disposed to speculate on any such calcu.
lations." Now what were these calculations
presented by Mr. Richie? Were they not
the chances of Mr.. DoNELsoN's getting the CEN
sus printing! Mr.. Richie had tried to break
down the contract system, and failed. He re-
inquished the Union, because he had become
satisfied that he could not get the census print
ing, but did he not urge Major DoNELsoN to
allow him more for the paper, upon the ground
that DoNELsoH could get the printing, although
he (Mr. RITcHIE) could not? IF this was not
the calculation on which he relied for 4profts
of the press" upon what did he rely?
Major DoNELsoN and Mr.. RITcHIE both care.
fully dodge the main issue--neither of them
have denied that Major DoNELsoN expected to
get the census printing, nor have they denied
that the effort now making to give him the print
ing is an effort to pension his press, in accord
ance with previous understanding. And does
Major DoNELsoN suppose that he can dragoon
or wheedle the States Rights party into the
support of press, pensioned by such means, to
calumniate them and their principles!
DUFF GREEN.