Literary cadet, and Saturday evening bulletin. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1826-1827, 1826-10-28

widely circulated paper are expletives, and had
no weight in gaining his remarks the publicity he
sought for.
The author has, however, our thanks for the ia
vor he has conferred on US, and we hope that the
subject he has taken up, wl meet the attention Of
the officers Of Brown University. II certainly ~
one OF some consequence to those who are attached
10 that Institution. Ed.
FOR THE LITERARY CADET.
Mr.. Editor-Could the following extract gain
admission into your interesting and widely .circu-
lated publication, the wishes Of one of its readers
would be highly gratifed. At u time when endea-
vors are made to encourage genius and promote in
iellectual excellence; when thirst Of munfcence
IS abroad in the world, and excitements to mutual
excr.ion are continually increasing, it seems not
improper, that subject, TO which so much aten-
ton isgiveu, should have u candid inve:tigation.
Aud as the extract contains many just and weigh
ty Observation-Disclosures which. it Re
thought must coincide with the sentiments Of all,
who have canyassed the subject with much care
aud CANTOR, it is fondly hoped that it will not only
gain your appreciation, but elicit your attention,
far a. TO enter upon the examination Of the sub
ject, to which it is directed. The selection from
the pep of the Rev. VIcEsIMus KNOX, ID. D.
" On the effect Of Literary Prises," he thus OBJ
serves-
"AIany men of generous minds, lovers oflearning,
and desrous OF promoting it, have established pre-
nums and pensions to excl exertion, and to al
lure modest merit from the shade. The rewards
have been ample, the honors splendid; but the
works which tney have elected have not often ex-
ceeied the narrow limits of mediocrity.
AN t1 oipn rod in
quence OF prizes or public beneiactions, which
lam the first rank and aspire at Immortality
The Millions, the Shakspeares, the Bacons, the
Newtons, and the Lockes, rose like the forest tree
with spontaneous yigor.
"The failure of prizes, and other similar nstitu-
tious,to cali forth extraordinary aud supereminent
merit Is curious circumstance in the world Of let
tiers. and deserves investigation. Excitements
Of this kind. operate on two very strong pro-
pensites of human nature, the love OF money
and the love ol fame. Rivalry and compe-
ti,,on add a powerful spur to the minds OF all
men and particularly efhcacious among the
| candidates for public distinction. but notwith-
standing a theoretical probability, that such invita-
tons would produce uncommon excellence, the fact
! will be uncontroverted, that they have produced
| only moderate degree.
ut may not be difficult TO assign some causes Of
the failure. The mind of man. deightng IN liber-
W. usually writes subject proposed by another,
with teIgned and forced attention. 1t feels ITS
powers shackied by authority. II moves III CHAINS,
and therefore, with difficulty. Il is made to re-
semble stream. diverted from its natural channel,
into the ranal of tine inland navigator. The beautl-
| ful meadows disappear, and changed to q long
right line, confined by regular banks, unadorned by
spontaneous flowers, Willows, and aders the Wild,
and yet inimitable graces oi nature. Uncertainty
oil success, where spitnid prsse excitcs a numter
ofcornpetitors, throws a damp Oh the spirits, OF
teache, u cold caution, very untavorable to the no.
bic flights Of aspiring genius. II represses those
hardy attempts al high excellence, which approach
the very verge OF precIpice. 1t causes solcI-
tude rather to avoid error than aspire to pre-eml
nent beauty. correct composition is the result,
where there is nothing TO blame and nothing to
commend. The treatise Is very fine, says the read
er; but take it away, and bring mo Shakespeare.
"True genius, indeed, does not often engage in
competitions excited by gold medals. There is an
independent spirit in true genius noble pride, and
a generous selt-esteen, which prevents it from en-
terng the lists, where the prize oilener CONFER
red on performances without faults, than stri-
king, but unequal excellence. Pecuniary rewards
seldom appear allurng to true genius; and the dis
tinction which the obtaining Of paltry prize,
against no very distinguished competitors. coniers
is too little rouse the vigour OF gigantic powers
The Eagle and the Lion stoop not to a mean prey.
Nothing less than public fame, universal applause,
independently of a bauble, or purse OF guineas,
can satisfy minds, elevated by nature, above the
common standard Of human ability.
"Of those who have gained prizes, many have
been truly ingenious; but among them we do not
see the names of the Dryden., the Popes and the
Grays. Oblivion has already carried must OF them
in her impenetrable shade. Their success answer
ed the temporary purpose Of recommending them
TO the patronage employment OF cotemporarles;
but where their boasted productions! search
for them in vain in the booksellers shops; hnd
them if find them at all, in the bundle OF waste
| paper sold by the pound to the chandler.
" But are prizes useless, aud ought they to be
discontinued Certainly not, for they tend to ex
cite mediocrty Of excellence, found very bene-
fetal among mankind, because it is level to that
moderate capacity which is supposed TO predoml-
nate They raise moderate abilities to pitch
which they would otherwise never have reached.
They serve as whips to the drag-horse. though
the racer will run with sufficient speed without
them and in the generosity Of his nature, would
Indignantly spurn at their application to his side.
"Perhaps an improvement might be made in the
adjudication OF literary prizes, aud in bestowing
the bounty of founders. They might be given as
awards to the best spontaneous work published 10
the year, in whatever art or science they were ori-
ginaly intended to promote. committee oi
Judges might be appointed, who should act with
The most perfect impartiality. But here would he
| The difficulty; where shall a tribunal be found
among mortals, in which favor and prejudice do
| no; interpose? Not in England where interest,
partiality, party, envy, and malice, have long
usurned dominion in literature, as well as poll
,c,. where friend in power will supply the want
r nj, 5,orf and q corrupt vote obtain the lucrative
err, of souls and the first prizes in civil and ecce-