Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-07-08
DEATH OF THOMAS RITCHIE.

The painful duty devolves upon u.s. of announcing
to our readers the death of Thomas Richie, the
founder of the Richmond Enquirer and the father of
the American press. He expired at Washington Ci-
ty the 3rd inst, in the 10th year of mis- age. We
| copy from the Washington Sentinel the following
| deserved tribute to his memory:
'Mr Richie died ycstel day, between the hours of
twelve and o'clock, in the 18th year of his age.
| He died in the bosom of his family. He died he
| had lived, good man, an honest man, great man.
Few in this country have lived to more purpose
| than Mr. Ritche. He appeared on the great stage
of public affairs at most important and interesting
| period of our history. 1t was when many of the
most eminent sages and patriots of the revolution
after founding great republic, about retiring
to the rept of private ife-a repose which they
well meritcd, but which they had SO long been de
nice From them he im5bed his earliest political
essons-from them he drew all the inspirations of
patriotism. Those lessons were sound that patrio
tsn was ardent and sincere. They chung to him
through life. lie commenced his career at that hap
Nv period when faction abnorred and love of
country was cherished He belonged to that school
of politics known the State rights school-a school
whose tenetS if rigdly and faithfully carried out,
would, the lime preserve the States and the
Union in their integrity.
We knew Mr.. Richie well-intimately well. For
many years he has instructed and guided US. We
have looked up to him, as toward one capable OF dl-
rcctng the young generations. No impure thought
found resting place in that old mans heart.
The world thought him shrewd and cunning; but
q
plain, free spoken man, with intense personal at
tachments and, we believe, without an animoSity
towards a living man. For fifty years he has been
an active combatant. He has gone down to the
tomb without enemy. Some may question the
wisdom Of his course but yet the buckler which
he has borne in many fierce encounter-bruised
and battered as it may oc-has no tarnish on its
surface.
Mr. Richie was born and raised in Virginia. and
doubtless did more to influence and direct tne dest
Lies of that venerable Commonwealth than anypub-
lie man of his day. AS the founder and conductor
for nearly halt century, Of the Richmond Enquirer
he exerted influence the politics OF Vng inia
that was almost miraculous. Such was the conf
dence both of the leading politicians and ofthe mass
es in his sagacty his genius his integrity, and his
patriotism, that the word of Thomas Richie was al
most the law to the Virginia Democracy. To the
highest requirements of scholar, he united the
profoundest attainments ofthe politician. Hisjudg-
ment of men well-ngh unerrng. He united
the vivacty and courage of early manhood to the
calm discretion and ripe experience Of maturer years.
He loved his family, his friends, his State, and his
country When his many noble qualities of heart
and mind considered, it does not seem wonder
full that he should have excited so powerful an ntiu
ence over the staunch and iron commonwealth of
Virginia.
The extended reputation that Mr.. Richie had
uuired in the editorial conduct of the Enquirer in
duced President Polk to invite him from his Provin
cia theatre to the larger of Metropolitan pol
ties and when Mr.. Polk was inaugurated President,
Mr.. Richie established the Washington Union,
period of Mr.. Folks brilliant administration.
In Washington as in Virginia, Mr.. Ri.che's cor
dial manners, and generous qualities, drew around
him circle of sincere and admirlng friends. The
most eminent statesmen aspred to his confidence
and friendship.
Mr. Richie may appropriately be called the Faith
er of the American Press. He was we cannot doubt,
the oldest American editor. He possessed all the
elements and qualities necessary to the accomplished
and successful journalist He was bold fearless land
truthful. To quick perception, great learning, a
solid Judgment and remarkable discretion, he united
an industry that interchangeable
We will not presume, in these hasty remarks, to
attempt a sketch of the distinguished deceased We
will leave that for another OCCASION Several Of our
eminent men have died on the 4th of July, fProy
dence designed to show to imperfect man, that no
day, however bright, shall pass Oft without cloud
or however proud, shall end without humility. But
a few hours more and Mr.. Richie would have died
as did Jetforson Adams, and Monroe, on the ami
versary of American Independence
AS a tribute to the distinguished and honored
dead, we clothe paper in mourning, and respect
fully tender to those whom he most loved the sin.
cere sympathy of our hearts"