Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-05-31
NJ. s.eret.Ty Cuth.Ie-nr. collector Lynch.


NJ. Secretary Guthre-Mr. Collector Lynch.
Our readers have doubtless, seen in the papers OF
the day, a corr spondence between these two high
officials with regard to the anticipated crisis in the
currency of Virginia After the first Of June, by n
law Of the last Wittendgemot to have no more
notes-that is under S.. 1t is presumed, therefore,
that Purcell (as good the sub.trcasury) and Ben
nett Beers, (who, having for many years sold all
other plasters, pasters adhesive, and poor man.,
had thought but that shin plasters were equally
harmless and protablc must retire from the zelda
specie become the memorable prerequisite Of travel,
food aud drink. This take to be nearly settled
and 6xed as any other decree of the Democracy and
quite as wise We submit with the calmncss OF
Philosophy, and resign ourselves to fate. But we
cannot, nevertheless, help casting al eye at the let
tiers Of the two worthless who figure above. What
Lynch said in his letter to Guthrie we do not know
since that portion has been suppressed "for want q
Space but the balance Of the correspondence stands
out with degree Of cool effrontery quite refreshing
to behold. The one from motives Of unaduterated
patriotism affection for the city Of his brth-and
the other from sheer condescenson and philantbro-
ply unite to bless the neople Of Richmond with an
uncommon favor, and signal instance of Executive
protection. The Secretary offers us $4,000 in spe-
cie lin the vaults Of the sub treasury and Colec
tor modesty deprecates his generosity and contents
himself with $4,000.
All this to the unthiukiug, looks very iine-and
will bear repeating to the faithful. "What tine
Administration" How careful of our liberty,
ready to aid us Behold the beauties Of the Subtreas.
ury. 1T supplies US with specie We are duly
mindful of the old adage, mot to Look gift horse in
the MOUTH" but we really have such curiosity to
see what sort Of teeth this horse has, that can't
resist the temptation to infract the iule And now,
having scrutinized them pretty closey-wc drop all
metaphor, and ask few plain, practical questions
Since the admission Of Mr.. John A. Dix, late Sub
treasurer in New York, that commercial crisis in
New York was approaching and that the Subtreasu-
ry forced to do something, and that they Il, out
six millions Of specie at cost of half million to the
Government, by buying in the United States bonds;
we have seen nothing SO cool and impudent this
correspondence. We do not hesitate to pronounce
that it done for effect for the few questions we
shall ask, will demonstrate thatitis shadow and not
substance mere partizan fetch
lst How could Mr.. Guthrie, under the solemn pen
allies of the Subtreasury Law, know Of or, if he
knew, undertake to provide against scarcity OF spe
Gle in Richmond, growing not out of any fedora
Is the Subtreasury the guardian and protector of the
cities Of the Union? Is net this using public money
for private uses
I'd. What right has he, when there is no med for
federal money here to meet any u S. liabilities to be
sending money here to accommodate Richmond? It's
violation Of the terms of the Subtreasury Law for
which he ought to be mpcached or tried for felony
according to this chef d'oeuvrs of the democracy.
Sd. To whom is he to charge the cost of transport
tation, and how will he make his entry,-to the city
of Richmond to the profit and less account Of the
General Government?
4h. How comes it that being 2 years Secretary Of
the Urea iury and with full Of the amount OF
specie kept in every vault, he did know what he
ought to have found in his Office in moment viz
the full capacity Of John Lynch's vault He could
MT tell whether it would hold $500 900 or not John
Lynch modestly and deprecatingy says, only $780,.
600, If you please sir
9th. Suppose the whole 100000 to have conc
here what benefit is it to be to the city of Richmond
1t will be in tho vaults of the Collector He dare OF
Let it 0Gme out without equivalent. If ne takes
notcs-not PurcelI's, or Beers, or North Carolina
bat any, even Virginia specie paying notes, that arc
god f1r the silver he is liable to go that pleasant
retreat which Col Morgan presides with so much
satisfaction to the public and profit to himself We
hive then 900 $50, 900 of Specie in the SUBJ
treasury vault, which only como out by paying
dollar for dollar in specie This we take t is high
favor to commercial community of which we do
not doubt they will instantly perceive the advantag
and will rush in, much to the annoyance Of our po-
lite and benevolent friend John Lynch
There is answer imagine to be offered to our
Questions "Oh, but We shall get small change" All,
in leed Well, fjra $50 piece, Purcell or Pairo, or the
Banks will give you four S5's 30 $ls Besides
you expect quarters and dimes you will be mistaken.
Silver is too and not to be had and if it WEI
the time taken to count it out to Lynch, and then
count it out to all who may call, would absorb the
ii ne OF all John Lynch's Custom House force even
If he called his boarding officer TO his aid
The amount of ii is that the whole affair is gam
mon and done for effect to stay up the Democratic
action Of the last Legislature Of Virginia. But more
hereafter.
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