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

! Bee,i ig that there was an understanding be.
tween Major DoNELson and certain political
partsans, 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 kaown to Mr.. RITcHIE,
and that therefore, in surrend ring the paper, he
asked aud would receive additional compensa
ton, in ease the arrangement was consummated
the Telegraph insinuated, by way of inter
rogatory, that Mr.. RITcHrE had contingent in
the printing Of the census. Major DoNELsoN de.
nounces this insinuation as fasehood and to
prove it so, publishes letter from Mr. RITCHIE,
which concludes as follows:
1.-THE only pretext which may exist for such a
report is the fact that after my contract with Mr..
Donelson had been executed, expressed the be-
lief that the purchase money ought to have ex-
ceeded $4,000; and in fact nothing but the ne
cessites ofmy 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 be-
lieveG they would be, he would have no objection
TO an additional payment Of s., 900 but that he
was unwilling 10 bind himself to do so by con-
tract, he had but little faith Of the calculations
presented 10 him Of profit, and certainly was not
disposed TO speculate on any such calculations
(Signed) THOMAS RICHIE"
Now, beg the reader TO bear 10 mind that
the material issue was, was there an under.
standing between Major DoSELsoS and certain
uther persons, that if he purchased the Union
newspaper, they would exert their influence TO
| give the printing Of the census :" Whether
Mr.. RrTcHIE was to have a contingent interest in
that printing, WAS a matter of but little co1se-
quenee. II will be seen, however, that so far
| from proving that the insinuation was n false
hood, Mr.. Riches letter proves that he is to
be paid three thousand dollars more, if Major
DoNELsoS gets the printing; and no one &c
quainted with the facts, can read Mr. RfTcHIE's
letter, and entertain doubt upon the subject.
Mr.. Richie admits that he urged claim for
greater compensation, upon the ground that the
profits OF the press would Justify his demand
Mr. DoSELsoN agreed to give him SO 600 more,
If Mr.. RrTcHE's expectai ions were realized, bur
he refused 10 change the contract because he
,ods not disposed 10 speculate on any such caLcu.
] I0iionS." Now what were these calculations
presented by Mr.. Richie Were they not
the chances Of Mr.. DoSELsoS's getting the CEN
suS printing! Mr.. RrTcHiE had tried to break
down the contract system, and failed He re.
! linquished the Union, because he had become
satisfied that he could not get the census print.
ing, but did he not urge Major DoSELsoS to
allow him more for the paper, upon the ground
that DoSELsoS could get the printing, although
he (Mr RrTcHIE) could not If this was not
the calculation on which he relied for profits
Of the press" upon what did he rely!
Major DoNELsoN and Mr. RITcHIE both care.
fully dodge the main issue-nether Of them
have denied that Major DoSELsoS expected 10
get the censu. printing, nor have they denied
that the effort now making TO give him the print.
ing, is an effort 10 pension his press, in accord
ance with previous understanding And does
Major OoSELsoS suppose that he can dragoon
or wheedle the States Rights PARTY into the
support Of a press, pensioned by such m cans, TO
calumnatc them aud their principles!
DUFF GREEN.