Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-12-24
MONDAY zaomNsNs, DEgRMBaD 90, asas.

land Magazine, now arrived at its eighteenth
number, and. we earnestly hope, destined to
take deep root in the thrifty soil of Massachu-
sets 1t is in every respect, to say the least Of
il, equal to either Of the British Magazines pro-
posed for republication here. and Il 10 American
in its feelings and principles. We know there
are many very good men who think this little
equence.-We, however, are not among the
number; we are quite ready frankly to declare.
that We prefer native book to foreign one,
precisely Tor the same reason we prefer native
Presiden. Of the u. States to foreigner. and
the .oiI Of our country to any other soil 90 the
| face Of the earth.
It's understood aud believed that the patron
age Of the New England Magazine is by no means
| commensurate with its merits. and we know
| that every periodical, however able and excel
lent, Of native origin either struggles, or has had
| to struggle, with difficulties and discourage
ments Which nothing but the most admirable per-
severance he's been able to surmount: The
North American Review. Professor Sil'iman's
Journal, the Southern Review. and the Phadel.
phia Quarterly. are cases in point. To what
cause is this owinsf Certainly not to detcien-
cy Of talent, but to the dissipation Of our patron.
age upon Foreign Reviews and Magazines.
The remarks are certainly just. We ought
not to doubt that when we furnish talent and pa.
tronage for foreign periodicals. that If the latter
could be found at home, the former would be kept
at home. One difficulty attending periodicals Of
every kind in this country, IS the frittering away
of patronage. No sooner does a publisher appear
to have acquired subscription somewhat CON-
mensurate with his expenses, than three or four
works will be projected with similar names, and
professedIy similar objects, with the addition,
perhaps, Of a promise TO do something little
tlifere mt from the established work. Every pub
Usher will have certain number OF personal
friends, and will have made certain nun.
her of epemles-,he new work starts with
the patronage Of its own publishers friends and
the promises Of the other publishers enemies
The public may say that this competition is Tor
their benefit; but it is not SO. They vii, cer-
tainy get more books, but less instruction. Wrl-
tiers will be multiplied upon the face Of the earth
but the standard Of taste will be lowered.
Ephe,nersl matter will take the place of that
which should inform the Judgment and correct
the taste, aud the periodicals will become the We.
q
repeated opinions, rather than the advocates oil
truth.
With reference to the New England Magazine,
published in Boston, we believe the commenda-
ton on that work will be heartily responded to
By every reader thereof. IT is an excellent pub
licAion.
The philadelphia American Quarterly Is just
now before US; it is one Of the most pleasant and
instructive numbers that has appeared OF the Sc
ries. We are not aware that either OF the Ame'
rcan works to which We have alluded, Is suffer
! ing for want Of patronage, or has experienced
any diminutOn Of subscribers, but we would
have their publishers so encouraged that they
could employ the bes, talents in the country. at
price to pay the writers according TO the Euro
pean standard, and with certainty that they
were not wasting the earnings Of other abors to
sustain what the pubic should support.
philadelphia United Mates Gazette