Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1854-07-12
DEATH OF THOMAS R!TCHIE

The painful duty dcvolves upon us, of announcing
to our readers the death of THOMAS RrTcHIE, the
founder of the Richmond Enquirer, and the father of
the American press. H expired at Washington Ci-
ty the 3rd inst, in the 10th year Of his age. We
copy from the Washington Sentinel the following
deserved tribute to his memory:
'Mr Richie died yesterday, between the hours of
twelve and one o'clock in the 10th year of his age.
He died in the bosom of his family He died as he
had lived good man. an honest man, great man.
Few ncn in this country have lived to more purpose
than Mr.. Rtchle 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 tosndng great republic, were about retiring
to the rcpcsc of private e-a repoSe which they So
we'll merited but which they had so long been de-
nied From them he inbibed his earliest political
lessons-from them he drew all tue inspirations of
patriotism. Those lessons were sound, that patrio
tsm was ardent and sincere. They c!ung to him
through life. He commenced his career at that hap
py period when faction abhorred and love of
country was cherished He belonged to that school
of politics known the State rg hts cloo-a school
whose tenetS, if rigidy and faithfully carried out,
would, at the time preserve the States and the
Union in their integrity
We knew Mr.. Richie wcl,--intimately well. For
many years he has instructed and guided us. We
have looked up to him, toward capable Of di-
ever found resting place in that old mans heart.
The world thought him shrewd and cunning; but
the world did not know him. Mr.. Ritchie was
plain, free spoken man, with intense personal at
tachments, and, believe, without animosity
towards 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 be-has no tsrnish on its
surface.
Mr. Ritche was born and raised in Virginia, and
doubtless did more to influence and direct the desti
nies of that venerable Commonwealth than anypub
lie man of his day. As the founder and conductor
for nearly half century, of the Richmond Enquirer,
he exerted an influence over the politics OF Virginia
that was almost miraculous Such the conf
dence both of the leading politicians and the
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 the scholar, he united the
profoundest attainments ofthe politician. His judg
ment of men was well-ngh unerr-ng. He united
the vivacity 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 powerful an infu
ence over the staunch and iron commonwealth of
Virginia.
The extended reputation that Mr.. Richie had &C
quired in the editorial conduct of the Enquirer, in
duced President Polk to invite him from his Provn-
cial theatre to the larger of Metropolitan pol
tics; and when Mr.. Polk inaugurated President
Mr. Richie established the Washington Union,
which was the government organ during the whole
period of Mr.. Polk's brilliant administration.
In Washington, as in Virginia, Mr. Rtchies cor
dial manners, and generous qualities, drow around
| him circle of sincere and admiring friends The
most eminent statesmen aspired to his confidence
and friendship.
Mr. Richie may appropriately be called the Faith
or 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,an
| truthful. To quick perception, great learning, a
solid Judgment and remarkable discretion, he united
an industry that was indefatigable.
We will not presume, in these hasty remarks, to
attempt sketch of the distinguished deceased. We
will leave that for another occasion Several Of
eminent men have died on the 4th of July, as Prov
idence designed to show to imperfect man, that
day, however bright shall pass off without cloud,
or however proud, shall end without humility. But
few hours more, and Mr.. Richie would have died
as did jefferson, Adams, and Monroe, on the Ann-
Yersary Of American Independencen