The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-23
PROSPECTUS OF THE
SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER
rnoMAs W. wnIrE, EDITOR ANp rRorKIEroR.

THOMAS w. WHITE, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
TNHIS is A MONTHLY MAGAZINE, devoted
i chiefly TO literature, but occasionally finding
for articles that fall within the scope Of Science and
protesting entire disdan of tasteful selections though
its matter has BEEN it win continue 10 be, in the
original
Party politics and controversial theology as far as pos.
sible, are jealousy excluded. They are sometimes 50
blended with discussions in literature in moral science
otherwise unoblectionabe, To gain admtance for the
sake of the valuable matter To which they adhere
but whenever that happens they incidental only
primary They are dross, tolerated only because II
not well be severed from the sterling wherewith
Incorporated
Reviews and Critical Notices occupy their due space
in the work; and it is the editors aim that they should
have threefold tendency-to convey in n condensed
FORM such valuable truths interesting incidents
embodied in the works reviewed,to direct the readers
attention TO books that deserve to be read and TO
him against wasting time and money upon that large
Der, which merit only To he burned. In this age OF pub
cations, that by e variety and multitude distract and
overwhelm every undiscrlmnating student, impartial
criticism governed by the views just mentioned is Of
the most inestimabe and indispensable OF auxlanes 10
him who does wish to discriminate
Essays and Tales, having in yiewutlity amusement
or both,-Historical Sketches,-and "reminiscences Of
events too minute for history yet Calculating It, and height
enng its Interestingly be regarded forming the staple
of the work And Of indigenous poetry, enough Is pub
lshed-sometmes of strain-to manifest and u
cultivate the growing poctical taste and talents OF our
country.
The times appear, for several reasons demand such
work-and not one alone, but many. The public mind
is feversh and rritaed st from recent political strics
The soft, assuasive influence Of literature is needed
alay that fever, and soothe that irritation Vice and folly
are rlong abroad They should be driven by indignant
rebuke, dashed by ridcule, into their fitting haunN
Ignorance lords il over an immense proportion OF our
people. Every spring should be set IN NOTION 10 arouse
The enlightened and increase their number that TIE
great enemy Of popular government may no longer brod
like porentous cloud the destines Of our country
And to accomplish all these ends, what pow'ru
agent can be employed than periodical, the plan
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. Nohward 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
OF the Northern No for IN wealth, talents, and ta>e
we may justly claim at least equality with our he
thren; and domestic institution exclusively own
beyond all doubt affords us if We choose, twice the leisure
for reading and writing, which they enjoy.
II was from deep of this local want thai ne
word SOUTHERN engrafted on the name OF ms
periodical and not with any design to norsh local pr
JUDGES, 10 advocate supposed local interests Far from
any such thought il is the editors fcrvent wish 10 see r
North and South bound endearngy together forcVerh
the silkeu bands Of mutual kindness and affection l
from meditating hostility the North he has ALREADY
drawn and he hopes hereafter draw much OF his choicest
matter thence ano happy indeed VIII he deem himsS
should his pages, by making each region know the oO"
better contribute in any essential degree TO dlspc NC
lowering clouds that threaten the peace Of both anal
to brighten and strengthen the sacred ties Of atcnh
love.
The Southern Literary Messenger has now reached Tie
fifth No Of its third volume. How far has acted out ne
ideas here uttered, 1t is not for the editor TO say he
believes however that it falls further short Of them
than human weakness usually makes practice fall short
theory
The Messenger is issued monthly, Each number Of The
work contains Ga large superroyal pages printed n WE
very handsomest manner, new type, and on paper
equal at least 10 that which any other periodical y
printed in country.
No subscription will be received for less than avonn'
and must commence with the current one The prrr =
IS per volume which must be paid IN all cases AT the N'
Of subscribing This is particularly adyered to no" :"
avoid misapprehenson. or future MISUNDERSTANDING
no order will hereafter be attended TO unless accompanied
with the price OF subscription
The hostage on the Messenger is six cents any so
Gle No for All distances under 100 mcs-oycr 100 mrS
ten cents. So,
All COMMUNICATIONS letters relative TO the Mcss'h
ger must be addressed 10 THoNAs W WHITE,
Southern Literary Messenger Office, Richmond, Va