Newspaper Page Text
[ry r.EQursT.]
ST. PATRICK’S DAY-BISHOP
HUGHES, Ac.
“St. Patrick’s day. —The New York pa
pers >tale that Bishop Hughes, the chiel
r<ead ol the Catholic denomination in ihai
city lias ordered ihe observance of the birth
of St. Patrick lo be postponed Iroin the 17Ji
.March to the 7ili of April. This change has
excited no little surprise among the people,
and it is thought by some that it is intended
to operate on the cily election, which takes
place on the Blli, No doubt the success
which attended the efforts of the Native
Americans at the election a year siiice, sits,
rather hard upon the stomach of the Bishop
and his thousands of otiedieul bog-trotters—
and no efforts will he spared to put in exe
cution the assertion emblazoned on one of
their banners during the recent Presidential
campaign—‘Americans shan’t rule us.’’—
The result of that great struggle lias shown
that they made no id'e boast.”
To the Citizens of Columbus, and every ini’
patial reader elsewhere.
Fellow Citizens: —The above article is
taken from the ‘•Columbus Enquirer’’ of the
26th ult. and will I trust, be considered am
ple apology for me in tresspassing upon your
attention. ’ If the article were correct, you
would have a just right to censure every
Catholic of youi acquaintance; for the alle
gation there so strongly insinuated against
Bishop Hughes is equally applicable to us
liere. The same change of St. Patrick’s''ay,
from the 17ll> of Marcli to the 7th of April,
will be here, as in New York, observed.—
And if the allegation made be untrue, then,
both Catholics of Columbus ana the ‘Bishop
and his thousands of obedient bog-trotters’
are unjustly accused, and our accusers we
most cheerfully leave in the hands of Cod, who
declares in the Decalouge: * Thou shall not
bear false wjtnoss against thy neighbor.’
I am (elloiv citizens, but recently arrived
among you. Following the bent of natural
disposition, I sought no acquaintance that
was not solicited on your part. No reserve
however, st all prevent me from publicly vin
dicating the cause of injured Catholicity.—
Hence I now appear, only because I am no
willing that myself and flock, as a part of the
Universal Church, be misrepresented before
you,—charged with political motives, for
simply worshipping God, according to our
own rife and universal discipline.
lam no politician. My duties are of a
more sacred character. During a residence
of twelve years in Columbia, S.C'. 1 never
intermeddled. No candidates lor public or
private office ever met me with a clouded
brow, or accused mo, before or after an elec
tion, of biassing the vote of my people. In
that, tome, dear congregation, there were
gentlemen whore judgments I respected.—
They were, however, divided in politics.—
They were found among Democrats and
“Whigs. I was the Pastor of both; and, tho’,
as a citizen, l had my opinion, and my own
right, should I think fit to exercise it, yet my
usual admonition to them was, to consult be
fore God lor the welfare of the couMry, and
then, with his approbation, to vole for their
own choice. This, I trust, shall bo my lino
of conduct here.
Guided by this principle, it is with reluc
tance I write for the Press. It is to show,
that however adverse I may bo to appear in
public, I cannot bo silent when mysef and
congregation are directly or indirectly as
sailed. To notice every scribe who deals in
wholesale vituperation vvou'd be folly; such
will inevitably gain their own level on the
pavement of public estimation. The case
is far otherwise, when gentlemen of honor
and a refined sense of rectitude make ao in
correct accusation, and that as must be pre
sumed,—on the authority ol those not re
markable lor veracity. Gentlemen of this
character desire no greater pleasure than to
he apprised of their mistake, that when it is
known, with noble and heroic independence,
they may rectify it: —
“Forman loves knowledge, and tho beams of truth.
JVlore welcome touch his understanding's eye,
Than all the blandishments of sound Ins car,
Than all of lasle of longue.”— jlkmsitle.
Such, I sincerely hope, is the character of
the Editors of the ‘Enquirer.’ In all kind
ness and charity, I now show their mistake.
You are fellow citizens, generally all aware
of the great and absording interest, always
felt and manifested by the Catholic Church,
for whatever relates to the sacred person of
our divine Redeemer. Centuries have rolled
away, and it is still her continued custom,
to solemnize each event in his sacred life, and
to draw from it a salutary lesson. Tims on
‘Ash Wednesday,’in imitation of the Nine
vites, who did penance in ‘sackcloth and
ashes’ at the preaching of Jonas—sho marks
the forehead ol her children in the form of a
cross, with ashes—repeating to each this im
pressive admonition; Memento homo, quid
vulcis es, ct in puherem rerertcris,—'Remem
ber, oh ! man, tliat thou art dust, and shall to
dust again return,’ Ash Wednesday is the
first of Lent, which is a period of forty days,
commemorative of the fast observed bv our
blessed Saviour, and is dedicated to fasting,
prayer and penance. Towards the latter end
of Lent, the church increases her efforts and
endeavors to bring us nearer to Christ. To
animate our devotion—to prevent distraction
and to centre all our thoughts and affections
on Ilim, as we contemplate his sufferings
and death, she postponed every other eccie
siasti-al office.
In honor of his triumphant entry into Je
rusalem amid the loud * Hosannas’ of the
people, who spread their garments on the
road and carpeted the way on which he pass,
cd, with green branches, mi the seventh day
before Easter, she blesses palms or other
green boughs, thereby to remind the Chris
tian of the triumph lie should endeavor to ob
tain over sin. On that day commonly called
l’alrn Sunday, and w hich is the first of Holy
Week, she begins to regulate for the more
rigid commemoration of the ‘Passion,’ and
thus emphatically declares ; Infra hone else
qiientem hebdomutUmi jirohibentcr Miscte I o
tiut—‘Within this and the following week
votive Masses are prohibited.’ Thus Mass
es and offices, by which we honor tho Saints
and commemorate their virtues arc excluded.
Easter Sunday being a moveable Festival
falls sometimes earlier and atolkei times la
ler in the spring of lire year according to the
lunar changes. In the present year, it is
early, and the Sunday before it—Palm Sun
day, happens on tbe lfilli of March, The
following day the 17 h of Marcli, vtoridinari
ly the festival ol St. Patrick,—‘SL Patrick’s
day,’ and is consequently excluded by the
regulation for Holy Week within which it
falls. It is therefore, the present year, trans
ferred to the first incurring cl ay that is not
dedicated to a more solemn office. That Jay
happens this year, to he the 7 It of April, and
hence the cause of the l*td.eslastccul Cele
bration, on dial Jay. The regulation was ar.
rang’ and, centuries before Bishop Hughes was
born, and consequently, it could not have
been made by him or by the Catholics of Co
lumbus, who are bound by the same discipline.
And much less was it made to boar on dec
lions in America, which was not even dis.
covered by our Catholic bouefactore. Co
lumbus and Amerieus Yespttcius, when tins
above ritual order was aruuged by the an
ihirUy of the Church of all Ages.
JYo.v fellow citizens, injuxta potrtion with
the above fact, read the following paragraph
from tins Columbus Enquirer:
“The New York papers s'ate that Bishop
Hu “lies, the chief of tbc Catholic denomina
tion iu that citv, has ordered the observance
of the birth day of St. Patrick to be postponed
from tin? £7ih<f March, tolho 7.h of April.
This change has excited no little surprise
among the people, and it is thought by some
(hat it is intended to operate upon the city
election, which lakes place on lc Stii. ’
I This proves what reliance can be p) iced
ion the Press ii imical to Catholicity, at the
I North and elsewhere ! Wonder not, if we
murmur against such treatment. The ‘suc
ccs ol’ any ‘party’ thus engaged in mlsrep*
J resenting unoffending citizens “no doubt sits
rather hard upon the stomachs of Ihe Bishop
and his thousands of obedient bog-trotlers”
and also on the‘stomachs'of every Catholic
throughout the Union, who worships at the
same altars with them.
Having trespassed so long upon your at
tention, to rectify the mistake of others, and
lo prove our own innocence, permit me fel
low citizens, to trouble you with other intur
ination on lliissubject. The Catholic Chinch,
in her festivals draws a wide distinction be
tween Ecclesiastic and Secular celebrations.
The Ecclesias ic observance is purely reli
gious. The secular celebration is of world
ly character, and has its own distinctive
customs—Oral oiis, Dinners, Parties* &c., —
Hence individuals assemble, and societies are
formed, 1 presume, on trie good old principle,
—‘the iiiotle the meirier,’and they celebrate
the occasion together. Whether these soci-
I elies, which are the host judges ot their own
affairs do, or do notjinvariably celebrate on the
same day concerns not the Church. She
leaves them to their own choice, and does not
interfere with their innocent enjoyment.—
Now, on the strength ol this privilege, the
Hibernian Societies of New York took it in
to their beads to keep St. Patrick’s Day on
17th March,as usual. They determined to eat
their dinners first to please themselves ; and
altet wards to say their prayers, on the 7th of
April—‘toPplease God, united around the same
Alter with Bishop “Hughesand his thousands
of obedient bog-trotters.” What a crime I
It will operate on the city election !
The ‘New York Freemen’s Journal’ of the
02d inst. informs us that the celebration by
the different societies, did take place on the
17th of March. The Editor writes ;
“On Monday last was celebrated the glori
-1 ous Anniversary of Ireland’s great patron.
Jfor 1845. How fraught with patriotic re-
I inembrances and associations is the anual re
j currettce of this national day. On it the rail
| lions of Irishmen upon the soil of farther-land
as wellas scattered throughout the civilized
1 nations of tho earth, lav aside the pursuits of
I every day life and assemble in the social circle
■or f round the festive board to call up memo-
I riesjof the past and unite in tho indulgence
land intcrchrngc of all those thousand feelings
associations and emotions called forth by the
love of country. * * * * Tho recent
anniversary was not marked by tho usual
solemnities and discourses attendant upon
it as a religious festival, in consequence of
tho transfer of those exercises to a future day,
as directed by the Calander cf the Church,
and heretofore announced. * * * * The
secular observance of tho day was not, how
ever, suffered to pass without commemora
tion. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the
weather, there was a very strong turn out in
procession, of the various Hibernian benevo
lent societies during the forepart of the day.
The Associations, singly, contain many mem
bers, but united, their force was imposing,
and fortnod a very long and respectable pro
cession as it moved through our principal
streets.”
From what has been said, two facts are
evident : First, I have proved the transfer
of the Ecclesiastical observance from the 17th
of March to the 7th of April was not, and
could not be made by Bishop Hughes, but by
the authority of the Catholic Church
regulating this discipline centuries before
Bishop Hughes was born ; and next, that the
secular celebration actually took place, as
usual on the 17lli of March, consequently it
is false in this last ca6e as well as in the first
that cither celebration was intended by “Bish
op Hughes and his thousands of obedient bog
trotters,” or by your Catholic fellow citizens
here to interfere with elections in New York
or elsewhere. At the risk ol being prolix, I
have endeavored to make these fads plain,
and to present them to your consideration
in the 6itnple ornament of truth. 1 am not
sufficiently acquainted with your community,
to know tlie extent of your liberality but I un
hesitatingly rely on your sense of justice, and
hope that if we do not receive meet repara
tion from tho Editors of the “Columbus En
quirer,” of which 1 do not entertain a doubt,
we shall have ample reward in your gener
ous sympathies for tho manifest injustice done
to our motives, and to the sacred couse of our 1
calumniated Religion.
Time was, u hen it was proper to “say all
manner of evil unjustly,” and with impunity
against the Catholic Church. Thanks to
God, and to tho indeper.dant thousands who
think til lo sec with their own ei/cs.insteadof Us
ing those ototlier3, that time is comparative
ly gone by. It is not every one now-a-days
that takes the “mote,” in a brother’s eye for !
a “beam.” Some of the first citizens in Eu- I
rope and America have seen and felt all this.!
Possessing the first order of intellect and
cultivation, they have calmly examined our
doctrines: Every page they turned, caus-1
ed the cloud of early prejudice to thin away j
and at length, after the most rigid inveeliga- !
tion—the inextinguishable light of Catholicity
burst upon Ihcir deligthed vision, they are
now the most pious and practical members
around our Altar.
Does net honor and every ennobling prin
ciple dictate the propriety and justice of ex- ,
amining our doctrames before you condemn
ns on the unsafe authority of rumor, or on
the unenlightened assertion of others perhaps
less intelligent than yourselves, and less ca
pable of terming a correct judgment, lithe
talented Editors of the “Columbus Enquire,”
forgetful of this duty, have been deceived,
surely, enquiry oil your part cannot be amiss.
While I am the humble authority of the
Catholic Church among you, I trust oursep
erated friends of every different denomination,
will regard me as one not altogether umvor-,
thy ol their confidence and esteem. lam no
bigot, were it lawful to hate. I cou'd sincere
ly hate the bigot—Catholic or Protestant.—
Truth never gains by the advocacy of either.
Instead then of the apple of discord, let truth
as a aieslial globe be suspended between us.
It is a divine object and worthy of the deep
est consideration of every thiiiking man. If
a shadow of doubt rests upon your side of the
horizon, approach me with a brother’s confi
dence, and I will, with a gentle hand, and
with the “unfeigned charily” of a brother—
endoavortn remove it. Remember it is in our
power to communicate knowledge, for our’s
is “the Church of all ages and nations.” It is
the Church of your Catholic forefathers. It is
the true Church of God. We possess much
that is by you forgotten. Indeed, in tlie lan
guage ni’ the Apostle “we have (lie more firm
prophetical word. Where unto you do well
! to attend, as to a light that sliineth in a dark
place, until the day dawn, and Ihe day star
aricc itt your hearts.” 2 Peter, lc I9v.
With an humble apology for trespassing
so long on your consideration, and With pro
found deference and charily towards all, I
am fellow citizens, your very obedient ser
vant, T. DERMINGHAM.
Tourists to Europe. YVe never knew
such allow of passengers as has this year
set towards Europe. All the fine packets
of this port are going full, aud the steam
ship Cambria, which left Boston on Tues
day carried over a hundred in her cabin.—
We understand that the splendid packet
Argo, Capt. Anthony, will sail for La Belle
France, on the Bth tusk, five days hence—
and that, according lo present indications,
her beautiful and comfortable state moms;
wiki be filled with fashionable tourists, it
is said that all who have once sailed with
Captain Anthony go again with him, when
ever pleasure or business constrain them to
cross the Atlantic.—.Y. ¥■ Herald, ill inst.
Ftotm the Savannah Republican.
STEVISN’d HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
By ap|>oin'.ineiit of the Georgia Historical
Society, in March, 1841, the Kev. Win. Ba
ron Stevens, now Professor of Belles-Lettres
in the University of Athens, assumed the
labor of writing a History ol this S ate. The
announcement excited a general and eager
desire fur the completion of the work. Pub
lie sentiment has sometimes expressed im
patient curiosity and permature expectations;
The Ilistorigrapher himself, appreciating
this generous leelmg of the public, published
some time since, the reasons which compell
ed his delay, and the difficulties by which
bis literary work was opposed. Repeated
enquiries, however, continued to he address
ed lo him on this subject. To these, he has
the uniform reply to make, that his historical
materials are greatly deficient.
To relieve Dr. Stevens from this generous
impatience of the public, tbe Georgia Histo
rical S iciely, at its late Anniversary meeting
adopted the following resolution, which was
oflered by the Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott:
“ Resolved , That a Committee of three be
appointed, who shall draw up, and cause to
be published in the public prints, a statement
of the causes which hinder their Historio
grapher Iroin proceeding in the execution of
the History of Georgia.
Under this resolution, the chair, M. Hall
McAllister, Esq., first Vice President, pre
siding, appointed the Right Rev. Stephen
Elliott, VVm. B. Hodgson, and I. K. Tefft,
the Committee. In obedience to this reso
lution, the Committee have prepared, and
now publish, a statement which it contem
plates.
Tbe work of Dr. Stevens, has been arrest,
ed by the want of historic materials. In a
letter addressed to the Editor of the Athens
Whig, in June, 1843, he himself presented
this subject so clearly and forcibly, that the
committee find, in the following extract from
that letter, the;most correct exposition of their
own views:
“It is the opinion of many, that because
the State obtained a number of volumes of
‘Colonial Documents’ from England, 1 must
therefore, be possessed of ample materials for
my task ; but it is not so. A thorough inves
tigation of them has convinced me that their
historical worth has been overrated. Os two
most important periods they furnish us noth
ing, viz : the first throe years of the colony,
from 1732 lo 173."), and the seven years of the
Revolution. Without the first I cannot be
gin my liis'ory, and without the last, I can
uot close it. VVliere the original proceedings
of the ‘Trustees for settling the colony of
Georgia,’are, I know not. Mr. Sparks, the
distinguished Editor of Washington’s and
Franklin’s writings, &c., thinks that they are
lost; if not, that they may possibly be in the
possession ol the descendants of the Presi
dent or Secretary of the Board.”
The Committee have now the grateful du
ty and pleasure to announce, that nearly all
the colonial records of the first period, from
1732 to ’35, alluded to by Dr. Stevens, have
been safely preserved in lior Britanic Majes
ty’s State Paper Office, in London. They
were recently recovered from the Board of
Trade, and Iransferred to that great reposi
tory of the public archives. In peaking this
announcement, the Committee conceive, that
as the discovery of these invaluable records
is due to the active agency of the Historical
Society, so the society may place this, among
its other legitimate claims .0 the considera
tion and support of the citizens of Georgia.
For the discovery of those records, without
which the history ol'Georgia cannot be com
menced, tho Society is indebted to the untir
ing zeal of Robert Lemon, Esq., her Britan
nic Majesty’s Archivist to the State Paper
Office in London. They are comprised in
six lolio volumes, and contain the “proceed
ings of the Trustees,” and of the “minutes of
the Common Council of the Trustees for es
tablishing tho colony ol'Georgia in America”
from the 2Gth of July, 1732, to the 29ili of
April, 1752, when the government of the co.
lony was vested in the crown. Besides these
volumes, there are sixteen others, compris
ing Ihe Trustees Letter Book, Register of
Instructions, Agreements and Gi ants oilaud,
the Entry Book of the Board of Trade, files
of the Original Letters addressed to the
Trustees and their Officers, and other im
portant papers.
The early documentary history of Georgia
is thus preserved, nearly complete; and it
’ only remains that copies of these records be
obtained, and placed in the hands of Dr. Ste
vens, to enable him to commence his work.
As these constitute the funs et principium of
his labors, the Georgia Historical Society de
liberated, at its late anniversary, upon the
means of procuring them. They, according
ly, voted the sum of SSOO, to be placed in the
hands of Mr. Lemon, for transcriptions of
| those documents, for which the Hon. Edward
| Everett, our Minister in London, has obtain
ed the permission of Lord Aberdeen, her
Majesty’s principal Secretary of State for
foreign affairs. This appropriation, derived
1 from individual liberality and enterprise, can
| cannot, however, achieve the purpose so bon
! orable and dear to Society. The Legisla
ture of the State, alone, can furnish the
means to accomplish so important an ob
ject, affecting alike, its pride and its interest.
; It is hoped that this exhibition of earnestness
’ and liberality, on the part of the noble-mind
ed members of the society, will begenerous
ily sustained by some small appropriation by
the State Legislature. The enlightened
members of ilia.* body will scarcely allow the
: assertion of the tory Allison’s history to be
confirmed, “Republics have no annals, and
preserve no records.”
In the series of documentary history, the
next in chronologic order, are the volumes
procured by the Rev’d Mr. Howard. These
liave alieady been examined by Dr. Stevens,
i They are greatly valuable, in a complete se
ries of Colonial records.
1 This complete series, the Committee are
happy to announce, is now likely to be made
up at home, from the State office at Milledge
ville. The Society have already addressed
His Excellency Governor Crawford, on this
subject, and have received from him, assur
ances of his entire readiness to promote their
object, in bring ing to light the early i ecords of
the State, by diligent examination of the pub
lic archives. It is believed, that there ex'st
at Milledgeville, uninterrupted files cf Colo
nial records, from 1751 lo the close of the
Revolutionary War, with the exception of
three years. These comprise the proceed
ings of the President and Assistants in Coun
cil ; of the Governor and Council cf the Pro
vince of Georgia, and of Minutes of Council
in General Assembly. How this poition of
the records of the Colony, have conic into
the State archives, is a question to be inves
tigated. There is a tradition,and it may be
matter of history, that they were obtained
I through the Agency of the Honorable Rufus
King, wfaeu Minister Plenipotentiary of the
United States near the Court ol St. James.
But whatever documents there may be in the
public archives at Milledgeville, a relance
on the cnlighted views of Governor Craw
ford, cannot be disappointed, that they will
he placed at the disjiosilion of the Histotio
grapherof Georgia.
Thus, the Committee have presented a
detailed statement of the causes, which
have delayed the inception and completion
of the Histoty ol Georgia. The Historian
cannot compile his narrative, without ma
teriels. What these dcficieut materials,
are, has been shewn. When they may he
obi;lined, as (hey are now accessible, will
depend upon the action of the Legislature.
They cannot be procured by individual en
‘erprise alone; and without them, the Histo
ry of Georgia cannot he written.
Meanwhile the Historian tnay the better
lig.-st what materials he may possess, and
time may serve to mature his philosophy
and his style. The ninth year was allow
ed by tbe Romans, in noun prernatur annum,
lo give perfection oflugic, and of language,
to enduring classic composition. Os this
character, it is anticipated, will bo Ihe work
of Dr. Stevens.
With some delay, the settlement, pro
gress, and independence, of the Colony of
Georgia, may be compiled from authentic
records. And so, the History of this Slate,
Whose high mission is to record truth and
teach wisdom, will not lie drawn from fic
tion or tradition.
STEPHEN ELLIOT, )
WM. B. HODGSON, ) Comtm
I. K. TEFFT, )
Savannah, March 1, 1845.
POLITICAL.
From iho Richmond (Va.) Star.
EDITORS RITCHIE AND PLEASANTS.
We do not consider that we are stepping
out of our proper tract, to remark upon the
chatacteristicsoftwogentlemen, whose pub
lic life and influence have been so long felt
by the State. Each of them has set his im
press in diflerenl ways upon the history of
their times, and are identified with the polit
ical events of a long series of years, not on
ly in a political, but in a social sense.
Mr. Ritchie has held a prominent posi
tion in public affairs, for about forty years,
and is unquestionably one of the most re
markable men of the day. In addition to
ao untiring industry, and indomitable per
severance, he possesses that ready tact
which seizes upon the strong features of any
case, and guides an individual in an emer
gency, infinitely better than talent alone
can. He is never rash, yet he is never
tame. Rarely venturing upon extremes,
he yet keeps to that veigeofit, when ne
cessary, which preserves his character for
spirit, without compromising the interest
which he has in charge, and is seeking lo
forward. His first care is his party. With
watchful vigilance, he keeps an eye upon
every pait of the political web, and is pre
pared with skill and patience to renew and
repair any portion of his own defences
which may have been damaged. If a fiery
assailant makes a breach by his impetuosity,
he sets diligently and patiently at work to
rebuild the part, and perseveres until be has
accomplished it. Possessing high talents,
without that imposing vigor which makes a
man lower even among the lofty, he gains
in his ready tact and industry, that which
the highest talents could not attain. By
these qualities, lie has been of infinite ser
vice to his party, and leached a degteeof
commanding influence among them which
cannot be broken. He is like the export
swordsman, who foils by his skill the ntoro
powerful muscle and heavier weapons of
his adversary, and commands confidence in
all, by his triumphs and successful prow
ess.
Ilappy in all his exertions politically, ho
yet lacks that, worldly wisdom which soli
cits and secures the favors of Mammon.
With an immense business, which a dollar
loving man might turn to good account, he
sacrifices these advantages to his darling
favorite, political success. With the means
of becoming wealthy, ho is not rich, because
he will not do that which a more selfish
man wouldteeize with alacrity. At a time
of life, and after a season of service, w hich
entitle him to repose and competency, he
still labors for bis bread with the zeal and
spiiit of a young man, just embarked in life.
Whatever partizans tnay say, none will
deny the claim of so much service lo nt
least comfort in worldly matters, and his
political friends owe at least that much to
him/ lie has, however, the better consola
tion of knowing, that what lie has sought for
has been obtained, that his friends ate firm
and true to him, and that when be lays down
his task and goes to his final home, be will
leave that fame and honor behind, which
all men ardently desire. It is said that he
goes to Washington to take lake charge of
the official paper there. If so, he cannot, il
he would, avoid becoming tich. In four
years, if no more, he can clear a hundred
thousand dollars with ease, and we know
no one in the editorial crops of his patty,
more fairly entitled to make it. Virginia
feels and will long feel his influence upon
her social condition. No man has impress
ed himself so strongly upon the popular
mind as has Mr. Ritchie, and whatever
may be the crit cism passed upon it, the
fact cannot be denied. Feeling as a man,
he cannot but indulge a natural pride at a
coutse of success given to a few men, and
which, gratifying as it may be to the indi
vidual, cannot be considered always safe in
a Republic. Still looking at liis course, his
character, his wonderful success, all must
pronounce Mr. Ritchie one of the most re
markable men of the age.
Mr. Pleasants, the old antagonist of Mr.
Riteitie, who lias crossed lances, with him
in hard fight (or a period of about the fifth
ol a century, is a man of another stamp.
His mind is of the strong, hold, rash mould,
full of untempeied fire, and urged by an
ardent impulse, which strikes the public
mind by its energy, and compels admira
tion by the very keenness of the weapon he
wields, even from those who feel its edge.
There is in his public course more of the
individual, more of the man, and less of the
artificial, than among those who generally
stand out prominently arong the people,
lie has less of that tact, less of that power
of putting on the mental curb, than his
alert opponent, but be sweeps away the
defences of the enemy, by the sheer power
and energy of the assault. No man can
write an article of more elegant structure,
mure power, or of more penetrating point,
than Mr. Pleasants, when the untrammell
ed feelings of the man take full course
liis very faults have been his shield
When his fiety steed lias been dtiven to the
verge of rashness, and when he has scorned
expediency, and pushed on under the im
petuous guide of impulse to a point from
which most men would shrink, it is thought
that it is just like the man, just what a mind
like liis would do, in shorl“just like Hamp
den Pleasants.”
Mr. Pleasants has drawn from his pecu
liar tival, in rnorelhan one instance, a frank
compliment to Itis manliness. lie is gener
ous to a fault, and in this respect his mind
is somewhat curious. Spur him, oppose
him, cross weapons with him, and liis “back
is up” for anything—but touch his generos
ity, appeal to his heart, and away he goes
just as far in the opposite direction. Os his
rare mental power, there is no doubt, and
that has made liis influence felt, among a
parly more restive and uncertain than any
of which we know, with decisive effect, for
years—and whatever errors lie may have
committed, there will be no denial of the
disinterested, zealous, self sacrificing zeal
with which he has for years labored for his
party. He, too, may well feel ptoud, in
looking back over a veteran’s service, of the
abundant honor which he has won. He,
too, is no man of wealth. The art of hus
banding the dollars is no part of his disposi
tion, nor has he, like his rival, a comforta
ble prospect of that kind before him. In
fact, after so long a period ofbard battle for
liis cause, he is now met by opposition in
his own ranks, and while of the two men,
one has his friends at his back in solid pha
lanx, and a blight prospect ahead—Hie oth
ct is even now in a struggle with some of
his own party, and nothing specially tempt
ing before him, to moke amends.—Still,
when he leaves the stage, he can lay his
fingers upon honorable wounds, gained in!
many a bard fought battle for his parly, and
demand the meed of a faithful 6oldiet'6 set
v-ce, from his party friends. ‘
We have thus sketched off the peculiari
ties of character of these two prominent men.
Any one who will study the characteristics
that they exhibit will also see that they
have impressed themselves very decidedly
upon their respective parties, aud in are
markable manner. Os the character of
their controversies, for so long a period, we
do not speak, except lo say, that il lias been
marked by a degree of violence and acri
mony which has also been felt by tbe public,
to anything but a beneficial degree. It is
natural, perhaps, to man’s weakness ; but
it is to be lamented, that such minds, so
prominent, have not been more deemed to
soothing and calming the public; feelings,
than they have. However, looking at their
past histories, and the fact that in a few
months the old wrestlers may be separated,
we thought a sketch like this, imperfect as
it is, might be acceptable, at least to our
country friends--and so we have given it.
We cannot permit an article which ap
peared in yesterday’s “ Star” to pass unno
ticed. It is dedicated to “ Ritchie and Plea
sants” altogether; and we must express our
sincere acknowledgments, if not for ilscom
plimeuts, (which, notwithstandingournmour
propre, we suspect to be extravagant)—yet
for the liberal spirit which has produced
them. The portrait seems to he drawn out
by the supposition, that we are‘‘going to
Washington to take charge of the official
paper there.** However this may turn out
to be—in whatever region our lot may be
temporarily cast, yet we must say, that our
heart will still cling with undying attach
ments to our native Plate. Living in this
city for near 41 years, we should leave it
with profound regret—and this sentiment
would not be confined to our own political
friends, deeply and dearly as we cherish
them. We should leave behind us many
a liberal and honorable Whig, wlioin we
are proud to rank among out best friends.
We should leave hichmond with a senti
ment of good will and regard for the whole
community, which we cannot adequately
express. Y’et more —If tee should go where
the “Richmond Star” would seem to point
our destiny, we shall carry our Jeffetsonian
Principles and our Virginia Independence
along with ns —and we should leave the
old Richmond Enquirer behind us, to up
hold the State Rights Principles of Old Vir
ginia. God bless her ! — [Rich. Enq.
CO&RTF,SIES OF THU PRESS.
The Norfolk Herald calls us “the wtley
Editor,” because, in a late articlo from our
pen, we do not say whether we are or not
going to Washington—when the fact is, that
we did not positively know the fact, because
wc had not made the necessary arrangements
for that purpose. The Baltimore Patriot
says, “Ho [one of the Editors of the Enqui
rer,] will go —if he can.” This is equivoque
enough. ‘'lf he can,” depends upon a varie
ty of circumstances—but if the Patriot sup
poses we are so very anxious to go, that we
shall sacrifice tho proper pride or the self
respect which a man owes to him: eif, he is
out in his calculation,— Rich. Enquirer.
From the Souihorn (Mbs) Ruformcr.
PRODUCTION OF COTTON—EVILS THE
PLANTER. HAS LABORED UNDER—
BANKS—TARIFF.
The great superinducing iairsaJ Os the
present over-production ol cotton, are the
had laws that have been enacted with a view
to produce an artificial stimulus to domes'iifc
manufactures. The following figures show
the amount of cotton annually raised from
1824 to 1814, embracing a period of twenty
years. It will be seen that it is nearly quad
rupled :
1824-5 hales 360,0011834-sbales 1.2-“ 1 323
1825 6 710,000 1835-6 1,300,725
1826- 937,00011836-7 1,492,930
1827- 712,00011837-8 1,801,497
1828- 847,744 1838-9 1,360,532
1829- 976,845 1839- 30 2,177,836
1830- 1,033,848 1840-1 1,643,945
1831- 987,477 1841-2 1.683,574
1832- 1 070,433] 2842-3 2,378 875
1833- 1,205,39411843-4 2,030,875
Now if the general laws of trade had not
been affected by bad legislation, (here should
be no greater surplus ol cotton in 1844, when
two millions bales were produced, than in
1824, when only five hundred thousand ; be
cause the wants of society being real not ar
tilicial wants, they would be just as importu
nate at one as another period. If the pro
puction had increased lo 2,000,000, il would
have been because, tho article had become
more valuable cither from intrinsic superior
ity over linen, wollen or other staples in op
position to it, or by the natural increase of
population. But bad laws have changed its
value: banks have made the raw material
above, and tariffs below its value. The na
tional bank increased the value of cotton to
fourteen cents per pound, while a high ta
riff reduces it to two. The former demand
ed u supply of cotton equal to an enormous
paper issue, in order that it might be ex
changed in Europe for specie, to give value
at home to the paper. This demand cieatcd
a rise of cotton in price in like ratio. Dur
ing Ihe expansion of paper credit, there could
not be enough cotton produced. It was the
same with all kinds of produce. The fact
v\ as, these were the real representatives of
ia or, and it was the object of every bank
to exchange for them that which was only a
representative by arbitrary enactments, as
were three-fourths sometimes of a bank’s
circulation - Tliis represented nothing be
cause there was no money or value, with
which to redeem it. As soon, however, as
they could buy a saleable article and enchange
it for specie, so soon hid they tho necessary
means of redemption.
Al! products of labor increased in value
from this cause, and when this cause ceased,
the value ceased with it. The banks and
agents and all who got credit facilities,
bought up every thing as fast as it was pro
duced and even before, as was the case of
sales of cotton before grown in the field.—
The fate of this was over production ; not that
the wants of society were supplied, but be
cause it was prevented from supplying them.
Ibices became too exorbitant, from the large
amount of products bought on speculation,
to allow of their being bought by all who
really needed them. Thousands of barrels
of flour would be lying stored in the mer
chants’ warehouse, while men were starving
for bread. Prices were compelled to fall;
the speculator having to meet and curtail the
credit given him by the producer. The fall
then became almost as rapid as the former
rise. Every one was anxioustosellinorder
to save himself from total ruin. Thousands
who bought ou speculation, after giving up
all they had bought, became bankrupts, from
the great reduction in value which the prop
erty sustained, and finally a bankrupt law
was demanded to wi,out the remaning debt.
This is the way in which the price of our
cotton in late years has risen and fallen, and
we cannot too often call the attention of the
people to these facte. In our last canvass
were involved the success ofthesune bank
ing institutions which produced these disas
ters; and but sot the information upon them
that was diffused among the people, they
might have been all gathering up their sinews
for another struggle. The high tariff fs the
main evil now operating against the interests
of the people, and most especially the cotton
planting portion. While the product has
quadrupled since 1824, we have quadrupled
the obstacles in the way of its sale. The
tariff of that and following years, show a de
termination to tax the foreign manufacturer
out of the maiket. The foreign manufacture
too, is from our own raw commodity, and but
for these tariffs, would enable us lo realize
as much profit as the raising of cotton ; thus
securing lo the merchant the same advan
tages as the planter. The fall in the price
of cotton to two cents is calculated to produce
alarming results. Whatever pretext may be
urged in favor of protection, the fact that it is
one of the superinducing causes of these re
suits must link the whole south in its aboli
tion. No one can deny this proposition,
whatever reason they may urge in favor of a
high Tariff.
THE TIMES.
COLtfMBUS, GA.
Wednesday, April 16, 1845.
Post Office, Columbus Gaj
Owing to a change in the time for the
departure of the Macon and Savannah
mail, that mail frill close hereafter at 3
o’clock, P. M.
G. VV. ti. BEDELL, P.M.
April 15,1845.
STEWART, RANDOLPH, AND EARLY
COUNTIES. I
Mr. Joseph SlaVin, agenjfof this Paper
is now on a tour counties.
We bespeak for hitn\ rigjn sort of reception
by our friends. He i\ fellow, and
and the best way to gefiftito bis good graces
is to despatch the bupMss he has ic hstnd.
We hope he frill brmg us a goerd account
of the promptnessjwf our Patrons inthede
counties. M
cy We are/n’rtled to several hundred
mote subscribers in Stewart, Randolph and
E-arly. We look to those of our friends,
who are satisfied frith the tone anff conduct
of the “Times” to give our agent a lift in
this regard. We dont mean to be under
stood as grumbling for the want of a genef
erous patronage—on the contrary the Condi
tion of the establishment surpasses all the
reasonable anticipations we formed on taking
charge of it.
But wo desire to extend its usefulness (if
it be of any to the cause) in its enlarged cir
culation. We ate day by day gradually
attaining that mark upon which we have
set our eves. Reach it, we know we shall,
before long, because we are determined t 6
it. It is in the power of our friends to shor
ten the road, and lighten the way to that
point. If every third one of our present Sub
scribers would fend ns one new and good sub
scriber, the thing would be mrite than accom
plished. And it isjustaseasyforthemtodw
it, as not to do it.
NEW.YORK ELECTION—A SWEEPING
VICTORY,
The Now York Democrats have carried
everything before them, running down and
over, smiting hip and thigh, utterly demol
ishing and putting “ no where,” both Whig
ism and Nativeism. The latter tribe is fl
nally used up.
The New York Tribune, in annouricirig
the result, says:
” Our election yesterday resulted in the
niost complete political revolution Over
known. The Native American patty, who
last year carried 12 of the 17 wards, have’
this year carried notone. The Loco Focos
have nearly everything, as was almost in
evitable fronr the distraction of their oppo
nents.”
The ascertained result of the election for
Mayor is as follofrg:
Ilavortieyer, (Dem.) 23,282
Harper, (Native) 16,609
Seltlen. (Whig)’ 6,846
Smith (Working Man) 82
Tappan, (Abolition-ist) 62
Whole number of votes, 46,891
The Democrats have also carried tfieir
Aldermen and assistant Aldermen, in ii
out of 17 watds.
Brothet Gtecly of the Tribune, comforts
himself for this result in this wise :
“ We never saw a beaten party take their
defeat more calmly than did the Whigs last
night. We did not see a down-hearted
man among them. “My brudrun,” said an
Ethiopian preacher, “blessed am dey wat
don’t expect nothin’, for dey an’tgwine to be
disappointed.”
BROOKLYN ELECTION.
Tho Democrats have given the Whigs
and Natives an equally sound drubbing in
Brooklyn—having elected their Mayor and
Alderman, six out of the nine of tho City
Wards.
CONNECTICUT.
The Whigs have made a clean board in
this State. Governor, all the members of
Congress, and a majority of the Legisla
ture. “The Dutch have taken Holland”!
(ty* The Democrats of Annapolis (Md.)
have elected their Mayor, and four of the
five Aldermen. At the Presidential elec
tion the Whigs beat the Democrats about
2 to 1 in that city.
RHODE ISLAND.
The election in this State has resulted in
the election of Jackson “liberation” candi
date lor Governor. Jackson is a Whig, but
favorable to the unconditional liberation of
Dorr. He was supported by the Democrat
ic pally. The Algerines have a considera
ble majority in the Legislature, in which
the pardoning power resides. Meantime,
Governor Dotrbroken in health, is gradual
ly sinking into his grave ; there to find that
peace, denied him by the ruthless demon
of party spirit.
NEW ORLEANS.
The election for Municipal officers in this
city, lookjplacc on the 7lh and passed off with
little bustle and excitement. The result was
as follows:
The general Council is composed of 6
democrats and 6 wliige ; Council of first Mu
nicipahty of 6 democrats and G whigs ; Re
corder a democrat. Council of Second Mu
nicipality, of 1 democrat and 11 whigs; Re
corders whig. Council of 3d Municipali
ty, of 6 democrats and 1 whig ; Recorder a
whig.
N. B. Mr. J. 11. Caldwell was beaten in
the First Ward,2d Municipality, by 37 votes;
Mr. Robb polling 235 and Mr. Caldwell 198.
V3r Mrs. Sevier, the wife of the Hon.
A. li. Sevier, Senator from Arkansas, died at
Little Rock, on the 20th ult. This lady was
a daughter of Col. James, brother of the Hon.
Richard M. Johnson, late Vice President.—
The melancholy intelligence of her decease
reached her husband on the Mississippi rivtr,
whilst re turning from Congress, *
CHANGES.
The present seems to be an eventful cfl
sis with the Editorial fiaterniiy about Wash
ington. We have before referred to thfe so
licitude shewn by the public on the subject of
the administration organ—a matter that has
been talked of with an interest, little shott bf
that, excited in regard to the composition of
(hb Cabinet. The Globo which hat bebh
the principal subject, and generally the suf
ferer, in the turn which the speculations 6f
the public h&s taken, appears to be as “ tool
as a cucumber” and “calm as a summer’s
morning,” in the midst of the throes of the
news-mongers. It goes on frith its able flf
ticles, and its daily issue, of splendid typog
raphy, just as if it did not care a strafr,
which way things took. Report says that
Mr. Blair can afford to be cool and pleasant
aud indifferent to ihe machinations of his
enemies and the bufletings of fortune ; that
both himself and partner have amassed
handsome fortunes, and are quite able to re
tire from beneath the fountain of adminis
tration patronage.
Be this as it may, we shall regret to miss
him in his present position. lie has done
yeoman’s service for the Democracy of the
Union, and he was a noble type of a politi
cal Editor, in boldness, ability and address
until he got into the Texas fog. But even
m that episode of his career, we h’ave betiir
always inclined to atttibute his coritse to
had ffd-tliseis—to say nothing ot the attack’
of opthalima, with which he was so inoppor
tunely affected’. It was a period, when the
Editor needed bis" cleaVest mental and physi
cal vision ; and bis sore-eyts Could not'have
come at a more unfortunate tiffie. Mr. Blair
was devotedly attached to the fortunes of
Mr. Van Buren. The Texas letter of the
latter, puzzled him Confoundedly, arid 1 wo
know some other folks who were not a lit.
tie dumb founded by the same thundbr-cl'ap
ra a clear sky. But their eyes were not sore,
and they were enabled after a little cool
reflection, to take anew departure, and
weather the unexpected breaker ahsod.’
The Washington Constitution is also pur
suing a straight forward coarse of propriety
and diguity, afoidst the agitation of (to h)
great events around’ it!
The Madisonian, hits riot’ been able' tr
preserve its equanimity. “John Jones’
has been lying on any thing but a bod o
loses since Mr. Polk’s inauguration.’
For a few days wo wert looking for a f
ripen’ declaration of war upon “ Souft|
Hickory,” on the ground of proscription)
He talked about gffillotifies arid bloody axea
io such a strain, tliaf we really began’ to ap
prebend a “reign of Terror,” afienho pat
tern of Robespierre and Damon/ But if
was only a cry put up, to ward off the axe
from the heads of some of Mr. Tyler’s ap
pointments.
He has'now thought better of it, arid sold’
the .Madisonian, which rin the first of May
comes rifit in an entire nefr dress.
Jesse E. Drew and THEOPniLtfs Fisk,’
are the riew Proprietors and Editors. The
name of the paper is to be changed to Hid
” Constellation,” and its new managers
promise to make it all that the public can’
want in a Demociatic and Miscellaneous’
newspaper. Wejwish the old craft, thus
newly named and newly ffiantied, all the
success w.bich* its fidelity to the’ great cause
may deserve. The Globe quaintly announ
ces the renovation In this frise
The Madisonian Mesmerized. —lt is’
advertised that the Madisonian is to
slumber until May, and then to have a re.
surrection as the Constellation. “Jt is not
dead but sleepith.” It has’ fallen into the
hand's of the professor Os somnolency, the
Rev. Thcophilus Fisk, who thus displays
hi* peculiar powsr by mesmerizing the Ty
ler orgiiii for a rfiprith; at the end of which
time it is lo wakriup thoroughly cured of its
moral and Constitutional diseases, aud be a
genuine Jacksot) and Jeffcrsdn Democratic
journal. For manner in which the op
eration is to be performed, our readers wil!
see the new prospectus.
ONE DAY LATER FROM EUROPE/
The ship Republic, Captain De Luce,
arrived yesterday from Liverpool, whence
she sailed on the Bth of Match. She brings
London papers of the 7th, morning, but
they present nothing new, of any impor
tance.
The advices £rom Switzerland are to the
j 2d. The vote ih the Diet, on the expulsion
of the Jesuits, was, for the expulsion ten
cantons and two half cantons—against it,
eight cantons and two half cantons, Two
cantons did not ■ vote. The result is of no
effect, the vote of twelve cantons being ne
cessary to carrjf the measure.
Tiie excitement prevailing was very great,
and serious consequences were expected,
though it was believed that (he Jesuits weie
preparing to withdraw voluntarily.
[A T . Y Com. 9fA ins/.
The communication of the Rev. Mr.
Bermingham i$ published by a particular
request.
BOAT SUNK.
The Steam Boat Swallow plying between
Albany and flew York, w ith 250 passen
gers on board, ran foul of a Rock Island
near Hudson city, and sunk. The night”
was dark, and the Boat was going at lull
speed—some lives (not known how many’
are supposed to be lost. The passenger
were rescued by two other Steamers wbiel
happened to be passing.
MYSTERIOUS DEATHS.
The New York Commercial Advertiser
following singular incidents :
A rfjom in tbe third story of the bouse, No.
87 Ce'dar street, has been occupied by three
persons, John O’conner aged forty five, and
his wife, and Mary Hanrohan, aged about 35.
This morning, about 9 o’clock, a‘ little girl,
the room, found John ,O'Conner
lying upon the bed, dead ; Mary Hanrohan
and Mrs. O’Conner both on the floor, the
former quite dead and the latter dying, aid
utterly unable to give any account of the
catastrophe. Medical aid was immediately
procured and it is hoped that she ntay recover.
The only supposition that can at present be
formed as to the cause of death is that a char
coal fire had been lighted in the grate, and
for the want of ventilation the parties wt\s
suffocated. The three were employed it)
some capacity iq the City Hotel.