The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-19
PROSPECTUS OF THE
SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER,
rHoMAs W. WHITE. EpIroR ANp rRopRIEroR

THOMAS w. WHITE, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR
THIS is A MONTHLY MAGAZINE, devoted
i chiefly TO literature, but occasionally finding room
for articles that fall within the scope of Science and moi
processing entire disdain Of tasteful selections, though
its matter has been it will continue 10 be- in the
original . ,;.;.. :, .o.,.ouo..;., ,,o,,.~
sble, jealousy excluded They sometimes
blended with discussions in literature moral science
otherwise unobectonable, to gain admttance for the
sake Of the valuable matter which they adhere
but whenever that happens, they incidental only mol
primary. They dross, tolerated only because
not well be severed from the sterling ore where~h s
incorporated.
Reviews and Critical Notices occupy their due space
in the work and il is the editors aim that they should
have threefold endency--to convey in a condensed
form, such valuable truths interesting incidents are
embodied IN the works reviewed,-to direct the readers
attention to books that deserve to be ead,and TO warn
him against wasting time and money upon that large mum
Der, which merit only to be burned In this age OF pu
cations that by their variety and multitude distract AMI
overwhelm every undiscriminatng student, impartial
criticism governed by the views just mentioned Of
the inestimabe and indispensable of auxiares 10
him who does wish to discriminate.
Essays and Tales, having in yiewutility amusement
or boh,-Historical Sketches,-and "reminiscences 81
minute for history yet calculating it, and height
ening its interestingly be regarded forming the staple
Of the work. And OF indigenous poetry, enough IS put
lished-sometimes Of no mean stran-to manifest and -
cultivate the growing poetical taste and talents OF our
country.
The times appear for several reasons to demand such
work-and not one alone, but many. The public mlnl
is feverish and itaed STILL from recent political stuies
The soft, assuasive influence of literature is needcdo
alay that fever, and soothe that irritation Vice and oy
riotng abroad They should be driven by indignant
rebuke, dashed by ridcue, into their fitting hauns
Ignorance lords it over an immense proportion OF our
people Every spring should be set IN motion TO arouse
the enlightened and TO increase their number so that w
great enemy OF popular government may no longer BROOD
like porentous cloud the destines of our country
And to accomplish all these ends, what more powerful
agent be employed than periodical on the plan
the Messenger if that plan be but carried out IN piacr
The South, peculiarly, requires such an agent. IN az
the Union, south of Washington, there are but two literary
periodicals. Northward Of that city, there are probably ~
least twenty-five thirty Is this contrast Justhcd ~
the wealth. the leisure, the native talent or the acn"
literary taste of the Southern people, compared win nose
of the Norhern No for in wealth, talents and TASTE
we may justly claim at least an equality with our "''
then; and domestic institution exclusively our own
beyond all doubt affords if We choose, twice the leisure
for reading and writing, which they ENJOY
Ii was from deep sense OF this local want 'hat -"
word SOUTHERN engrafted the name OF lb''
periodical and not with any design TO nonrsh local pre-
iudiccs, advocate supposed local interests far 'h
any such thought is the editors eryent wish 10 see '
North and South bound cndearingly together forever
the silken bands of mutual kindness and affection !"
from medi,ang hostility TO the North, he has already
drawn and he hopes hereafter to draw much oi his chr
matter thence ano happy indeed will he deem himself
should his pages, by making each region know the "'
better contribute in any essential degree 10 dr>pci ne
lowering clouds that threaten the peace OF both a'
to brighten and strengthen the sacred ties OF iraeTn'
love. ,,l.
The Southern Literary Messenger has reached TIE
fifth No of It's third volume How far il has acted out We
IDEAS here uttered II is not for the editor TO say ~
believes however that il falls not further short OF th'm
than human weakness usually makes practice fall sho o
theory. -,
The Messenger is issued monthly. Each number Of we
work contains Ga large superToyal pages printed 70 W.
very handsomest manner, new type, ana on pay
equal at least to that which any other penodlca "
printed in our country.
No subscription will be received for less than volun
and must commence with the current one Inc pre-
IS per volume which must he paid IN all cases Al he ,
Of subscribing This is particularly advercd to no" 70
avoid ,nisannrehension or future msunderstandne-a
no order will hereafter be attended to unless accompanied
with the pricc Of subscription.
The hostage on the Messenger is six cents on any s
Gle No for all distances under 100 mes-oVcr loo nue.
ten cents 49,. ,... :, a. Nosscr.
All communications letters relative 70 ihe 49,"
ger, must be addressed TO lhoNAs y. VII ,J ia
Southern Literary Messenger once kichmo'''