Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1854-07-06
LYNCHBGRG VTRGTNIAN.
THURSDAY MoRNTNG.. July 6, is5l.
Death of Thomas Richie, Esq:

Death OF Tncmas Hitcnie, 6sq.
The msils of yesterday brought the sad irtel
igence that the venerable Thomas Richie wa
no m.re. After an illness somewhat protracie,
he departed this life in Washington City, about
noon on the ID inst.
The greater portion Of the long and distin
guished life of Mr.. Ritchie passed in the edi
forial conduct, first of the Richmond Enquirer and
afterwards OF the Washington Union. While
engaged in the management of the former, the
zeal, yigor and ability which characterized his
pen. gave to theEnqurer so permanent foun-
daton, and secured for il so extended a eireula-
ton. as enabled him TO exert an influence upon
the popular mind Of Virginia, which has fallen To
the lot of but few of her most eminent citizens.
Thousands of the people looked to the columns
of his paper a repository Of political fscts, aud
sought in his editorials the rules cf their political
conduct With them. his praise Of any man as
piring to public, office ready passport 10
confidence and trust while hi. eensure vas fol
lowed with almost equal certainty by thei dis
favor. The courage with which he summoned
the Democratic hosts to the conflicts Of party,
his enihusa m in cheering them to the fl ,ht. the
exultant tones in which be rang the cry of tr-
umph and his undaunted spirit when oyortaken
by defeat. were qualities which told powerfully
upon the popular heart. Indeed he rarely failed
to infuse his party throughout the State, ie
same spirit and enthusiasm which animated
bis own breast, and glowcd IN the columns N his
paper.
1t was no doub, owing to his long and efficient
purity service, together with his great influence
with the Demo 'rary of Virginia, aud the wonder
ful skill lie had displayed in healing all their dffe
rel ces aud discussions aud thereby keeping them
united and victorious that Mr.. Polk upon his
election to the Presidency, invited Mr. Richie to
Washington, to establish journal which should
at once become b,th the organ of thu administra
ton and of the democratic party of the Enion.-
While the eolulaHs of the Unou however esinced
much of the skill, ulent mud spirit, which had
cured 10 the Enquirer lis influence aud populari
ty yet the elements of his party were too hrtero-
G. neou-, its interests and consequently it, send
menis in The different sections oi the Union ware
90 conflicting. to enable him To nfuse into it ibt
harmony of feeling and unity Of purpose which he
had achieved for the demoeneyof Virginia. He
aimed nevertheless 10 accom-, fish this object and
in the effort we think his influence impaired
aud his orthodoxy came 10 be questioned by
many members aud even a portion Of the press,
of his own ptrly in this State. Upon the whole
therefore we are inclined to believe hut his con
duct of the Union added nothing 10 his previous
reputation, either editor or party leader.
In private life Mr.. Richie sustained n most
exemplary character in all his social and dones-
tic relations, aud the very urge circle of friends
and relatives who now mourn his loss, will find |
their best consolation in the fuct that though he
could not escape the doom appointed unto all who
live he was yet permitted TO go To his grave ripe
in years and full of honors.