The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-12-15
CURRENT LITERATURE.

THE UNITED STATES MAoAzlNE AND DEMocRAnc
REVIEW, for December, has been some time before
us. The publishers announce its continued pros
pery, and its unchanged devotion to the ouilandish
doctrines which have accompanied the introduction
of the twolegged Sub-treasury by the administra-
tion We think it is laboring under delusion, and
we are sorry to see such talents wasted in an anti
popular and hopeless cause We speak of its poll
tics. Some Of its literary contributors are behind
none, of any Journal :" here or elsewhere"
We are however, constrained and panied to speak
of the bilingsgate ribaldry Of the opening article,
on the coming session." 1t prostitutes the work
10 the level Of the Globe, et i'd genns, whose
columns are only the common sewers of the vilest
partisan politics and personal defamation
While il effects this for the work ITSELF ii also
tends, which is more to be regretted, TO degrade
American Literature, and to expose the national
character to reproach wherever the book is received
abroad with knowledge Of the circumstances and
connections by which it has been warmed into life.
From the first moment that this periodical was
nounced, we fell assured that successful essay to
establish standard ofdemocratica literature, would
require more experience, better Judgment and
more perfect knowledge of the theory, practice and
philosophy Of our government, than its proprietors
would be likely to muster on the side of what Is
popularity called the humbug or Bentonian policy.
The design, undoubtedly, emulated the character
and station for this country, which Btackcood or
Frazer have achieved in England. 1t has pursued
this aim if at all with more zeal than discretion
success In becoming the mere organ" of new
and herecal faction, il has Herewith overlooked the
comprehensive patriotism necessary to attain the
high objects Of its ambition and abandoned the
enlightened and dignifed political philosophy Of
the age. Its language, frequently, is less worthy
Biaekpood, than becoming ribald Globe If it
seeks to sustain the rights and privileges of repub
lican people, it employs most singular means OF
accomplishing it, A resort to personal defamation,
TO the rude questioning of mems motives, is an al
most infalble evidence of destituiion Of argu-
ment. Why, freedom Of conscience, is one of our
dearly bought institutions: the right of opinion is
another and why should these be trampled and
disregarded, when the field is open to expose the
tendency OF measures of PRACTICES and OF principles
by facts and reasoning in order that those who are
most interested in their influence, may act under
standngly2 The American people will look with
dstrust upon every attempt that is made to invade
and monopoliae the rights and privileges Of persons
for the accomplishment Of selfish party purpose.
Many expressions in the articles headed, " the
coming session." and 'the diary Of bank director"
intolerant and pseudo Republican Magazine. Some
of them only worthy the most venal Of its COLA
borers of portion of the daily press engaged in
carrying out the disorganizing and revolutionary
schemes of mad ambition and ignorant infatuation.
In the first article to which have referred, Mr..
CLAW is singled out by, name, for vituperation and
abuse If we properly appreciate the good feelings
of the American people, it will meet with but feeble
acpfnr ptn NAV ay
st between MIR. Clay and his political adversares,
we suspect nevertheless, the number are few who
would like to see him treated with ruffianly con-
tumely.
Mr. Clay is an American citizen. He has, by
long and active life, devoted to the public service
built up reputation that belongs to his country.
Where are the conservators Of national honor or OF
Justice, who will silently look and see wantonly
assaed, the reputation of one who, in peace and in
war, has always been found acting the part Of the
Patriot and Statesman, and the uncompromising de-
fender of his country's honor. Though differing
from Mr. Clay in some respects politically, that
shall not prevent us from defending him from ruth
less assault, come from whatever quarter it may;
or paying just tribute Of respect for the distin-
guished services he has rendered our common
country
In the second article to which we have referred,
"the diary of bank director attempt Is made to
be sarcastic at the expense OF the "illusrious Con-
sentative from Virginia" and chs equally illus
trious brother from South Carolina" This effort
thus made would be far better suited to the columns
of an ephemeral Saln,agundi, than those OF stan
dard review; while the whole article throughout,
seems not little tinctured with the spirit that cha
racterized the assault on the Navy.
What commentary upon the abuse of our insti-
tulions, when long public service, high public sta
ton, high attributes of intellect and conscience can
secure no IMMUNITY from the ribaldry of licenous
press! Still worse is it when compound of foreign
ignorance and domestic folly are complacently fos-
tered and favored by government for doing such
gnominious work
II there was any of that dignity and esprit du
corps that should distinguish every American iiera-
ry periodical or chastened current ofnaona feeling
stimulating the ambition Of the Review, it would
rise above the groveling example ofthe venal por-
lion OF the daily press, and spread It's mantle over
every man, who like MIR. Clay or Mr.. Rives, has
given lustre to many page of his country's his
tory.
May RAYMOND, OTHER TALES. BY Mrs.
Gore, authoress of Mothers and Daughters" &C.,
VS.. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard.