Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1839-05-30
PROPOSALS
Southern Review.
FOX REvIyING THE


that work, which ls already in the possession OF
which it was held both ut home and abroad. du-
ring the period of Its continuance. Suffice il
to say, that lis cureer, though brief, was, as all
admit, brliant-credltnble to the South and to
the whole American Union. Ils failure- the
subject of universal regret-was owing, ii is
well known. not to a hestItuiun of talent and
pubic spirit, but arose 1st, from its limited cir
cululior, which was by no means adequate to
sustain work of such magnitude, and 2ndly,
from the political differences which agitated the
country about The time of its discontinuance,
dividing the friends of Southern Literature in
to two grea, parties. and preventing that har-
niony of opinion and cooperation i'll the dis
cussion OF leading questions, which is desirable
in work proiessedly devoted to the cause OF
the South and the whole South.
II is proper 10 consider first, the utility Of
Reviews, regarded as organs Of the literary spi-
rt and opinions of the uge, and econdly, the
importance and necessity of establishing such
= work at the South. at the present time. On
the first point it is scarcely necessary to say
much, in the present advanced stage Of period
ical literature. Ably conducted Reviews are
the offspring of high state of civilization, and
are the best evidence, nowadays, that can be
furnished of intellectual advancement, and the
prevalence Of pure and elevated philosophy.
The last half century has produced few all-
| thors of eminrnce. either in Great Britain or
America, in comparison with the half C, injury
that preceded it, and the reason probably is, not
tina, there has been q want of genius. talent and
scholarship in this conlessedly intellectual age.
but simply because distinguished scholars have
found a reader and hetier organ through
which to act directly on the public mind in Re-
views, than through the medium of books-the
old more tedious md more expensive method.
If therefore, it be asked, what evidence Is or
can be furnished Of the superior intelligence
and progress OF the present century-a pro-
gress Of which we are so apt to bnast-the re-
ply is that it is to be ound III the high character
Of the Quarterly Reviews abroad and at home.
II il be affirmed, that we have no native lileta-
ture in this country, and therefore no materials
to furnish the round work for Reviews, the an
swer is, that our Reviews constitute our pative
literature and that if learning and scholarship
are sought for, they are 10 be found in our Re.
views, which therefore should be warmly and
firmly supported, as an evidence. and fair one,
Of our literary pretcnsious and our national
character. Besides, no one cause, it may be
safely affirmed, has contributed so much to eli.
rit talent, to awaken literary ambition. and to
produce the highest order Of fine and powerful
writing, rs the establishment of Reviews; and
mary individuals have been stimulated 10 eX-
traordinary efforts. and have been subsequently
known fur and wide to flme, in consequence OF
he opportunities they have enjoyed and mpro-
we'd, of contributing successfully to works Of so
influential and highly respectable cllaractei-
individuals, who, otherwise, in all probability.
would never have been tempted to test their
strength on the literary arena with such compet-
ilors as they would be likely 10 meet there.
The great aim of Reviews is, to discuss sub
jects learnedy thoroughly, ,profoundly-in such
nianner as to bear upon the whole social sys.
tenn. and produce a broad. deep and permanent
impression upon the genera, character of pco-
pic: In one word. their object is to diffnse
knowledge not to foster prejudices-to create,
direct and control-not TO echo opinons-to
produce beneficial changes upon a large scale
mot to perpetuate or even toerate existing a.
buses. 1t is obvious, therefore, that while, in
the Infancy Of American literature, spirit Of
indulgence has been felt and extended to the
faults of onr lighter periodicals, which are rap
idly issued from the prrss, and which have
served as vehicles often for the attempts Of the
mere literary dcb,tant, Quarterly Reviews,
having higher aims 10 accomplish. and intend
ing to represent and embody, in the most pow
erfl and attractive form, the opinions only Of
the most enlightened minds should be con-
ducted with scrupnous regard to the purrst
principles of taste, and TO the elevation and ad..
vanrenont of our literary and national char
actcr.
In respect to the Importance and necessity of
establishing such work ut the South at the
present time, there can be little doubt in the
minds of our discerning and public spirited
cizeus. We must have such work, or fall
behind the spirit of the age. which is ofa pre-.
cminently inqusitivc and enterprising charac-
ter. and the South should have such work, not
only from motives oflterary pride and emula-
,ion, in order to keep pace with the respectable
advances ofthe uther wide, intelligent, aud thri-
wing sections of the American republic, bat also
because the South has. u! the present period es
pcciay, certain great aud leading interests of
ts own to promote, which can be most effectu-
allv si,bserved through the ilstrnncntality OF
such periodical. 1t is not necessary to raise
.he war cry against other portions Of the Union
who may feel disposed, as hey often do, to dil-
fer from lis in their views Of our agricultural,
commercial and political interests, but it is i'm.
pnr:ant highly so, that we should take our
southern position firmly in the present attitude
Of our national affairs; that our position should
be clearly known and understood, both at home
aud abroad; that we should be ready to defend
ourselves aid our institutions from all covert or
open assaults; that we should maintain the prin.
ciples of the Federal Constitution in its origin-
al intention, with firm and unRinching spirit.
and promote the cause of pure and elevated
literature by all the inducements that can be
held ont to stimulate the ambition and pride OF
intelligent and chivalric people.
Propositions have heenireqaently made here.
tofore for the revival Of the Southern Review,
which unfortunately have not been crowned
with the success that was hoped or anticipated
forthem. Different causes have been assigned
for the failure ofthese projects, but the leading
one undoubtedly is, the neglecting to avail our-