The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-10-27
PROSPECTUS OF THE
SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER


THOMAS w WHITE, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
THIS is MONTHLY MAGAZINE, devoted
i chiefly to literature, but occasionally finding room
for articles that fall within the scope of Science and not
processing entire disdan of tasteful selections though
its matter has been, as II will continue to be- in the nan
Party politics and controversial theology, far pos
sibe, jealously excluded They are sometimes 50
blended with discussions in literature or in moral science
otherwise unobectionable, to gain admance for the
sake of the valuable matter to which they adhere
but whenever that happens they incidental only not
primary They are dross tolerated only because II can
incorporated.
Reviews and Critical Notices occupy their due space
in the work and it is the editors aim that they should
have a threefod tendency-to convey in condensed
FORM such valuable truths interesting incidents as are
embodied in the works revewedo direct the readers
attention to books that deserve to be TO warn
him against wasting time and money upon that large num-
ber which merit only to be burned In this age OF PuSl
cations, that by their variety and multitude distract and
overwhelm every Understanding student, impartial,
criticism governed by the views just mentioned is one OF
the most inestmable and indispensable OF auxarles 10
| him who does wish to discriminate.
Essays and Tales, having in view utility or amusement,
| or both,-Hstorca Sketches,-and "reminiscences OF
events too minute for history yet eucdang It, and height
enng its Interestingly be regarded forming the staple
of the work And of indigenous poetry, enough IS Puo
shed-sometimes of mean stran-to manifest ana 70
cultivate the growing poetical taste and talents oil ou
country.
The times appear for several reasons to demand such
a work-and not alone, but many The pubic nina
is feverish and rritaed STILL from recent political sies
The soft, assuasive influence of literature is needed
allay that fever and sco,he that irritation wee ana
rebuke, dashed by ridcue, into their hitting hauNs
Ignorance lords it an immense proportion OF owl
people Every spring should be SCI IN motion, 70 e
the ghtened and increase their number SO that he
great enemy of popular government may no longer po
like portenous cloud the destines OF our coun,
And accomplish all these ends, what more poweru
| agent be employed than PERIODICAL on the plan O.
the Messenger il that plan be but carried out in practice
The South, peculiarly, requires such an agent In all
the Union south Of Washington there are but two literary
periodicals. Northward Of that city, there probably al
least twenty-five thirty Is this contrast justified by
the wealth. the leisure the native talent, the actual
literary taste of the Southern people, compared with those
oil the Northern No: for in wealth. talents, and taste
we may Justly claim at least equality with our bre
thren; and domestic institution exclusively our own
beyond all doubt affords u.s. five choose twice the leisure
for reading and writing, which they enjoy.
1t from deep sense Of this local want, that the
word SOUTHERN engrafted the OF tins
periodicals. and not with any design to noursh local pre-
JUDGES to advocate supposed local interests Far or
any such thought is the editors eryent wish to see Ne
North and South bound endearinely together forever
the silken bands Of mutual kindness and affection tM
from mcditating hostility TO the North he has areaaE
drawn and he hopes to draw much OF his choicest
matter thence; ana happy indeed VIII he deem hmseN'
should his pages, by making each region know the ON"
better, contribute in any essential degree TO dspe o
clouds that now threaten the peace OF both and
to brighten and strengthen the sacred nes oil ira'e
love.
The Southern Literary Messenger has reached the
fifth No of its third volume How far 1t has acted out ne
ideas here uttered is not for the editor to say ne
believes, however that falls not further short mem
than human weakness usually makes practice fall sho
theory ~
The Messenger is issued monthly. Each number OF w.
work contains 81 large super.royal pages printed IN W.
very handsomest manner, type and on pa't
equal at least TO that on which any other periodic"
printed in our country.
No subscription viii be received for less than avonmr
and must commence with the current The pnc'
IS per volume which be paid in all cases al the VIM
Of subscribing This is particularly advered 70 ~" "
avoid misapprchenson, future MISUNDERSTANDING
no order will hereafter be attended TO unless accompahFo
with the price Of subscription.
The postage the Messenger is six cents on any H
gle No for all distances under loOmcs-over wv mus
ten cents. , :,
All communications or letters, relative to NE Mess"
ger must be addressed to THOMAS w WHIT
Southern Literary Messenger Office, Richmond va