Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-12-16
PROSPECTUS
c. TIE
soutkcrn Literary Messen-

This is a monthly hiagaZlne, devoted
chiefly TO Literature, but occasionally ind
inc room also for articles that fall within
the scope of Science; and protesting no
disdoin of tasteful selections, though ats
matter has been, as it will continue 10 be,
in The main, original
Parry Politics and controversial 1heo.
Iogv, as far as possible, are jealousy ex.
cluded. The, are sometimes so blended
with discussions ia literature or in moral
science. otherwise unohjectionable, as to
cain admittance for the sake Of the more
Valuable matter to which they adhere: hut
whenever that happens, they are incident
al, only; not primary. They are. drOss,
tolerated only because it cannot we'll be
severed from the sterling ore wherewlh 1t
is Incorporated.
Reviews, and Critical Notices, occupy
their due space in the work: and it is thu
E litor's aim that they should have three
fold tendency-to convey, in D condensed
form, such valuable truths or Interesting
incidents as are embodied in the works
reyiewed.-to direct the readers attention
10 books that deserve 10 be read. and 10
warn him against wasting time and money
upon that large number, which merit only
to be burned. In this age of publications,
that by their variety and multitude distract
and overwhem every understanding
student, impartial criticism, governed by
the views lust mentioned, Is one Of the
most inestimabc and indispensable Of aux
diaries, to him who does IRISH 10 Giscrlmi-
Date.
Essays, and Tales, having in view u'il.
~ or amusement. or both-Historlca!
ketches-und "reminiscences of events
too minute for History, yet calculating ii,
and heightcning It's interest, may lie re-
aarded as forming the staple of the work
And of indigenous Poetry, enough is pub.
lished-sometimes of no mean strain TO
manifest aud to cultivate the growing pc.
etical taste and talents Of our country.
The times appear, for several reasons,
10 demand such work--and not one
alone, but many. The public mind is TO-
verish and rlitated still, from recent poll
tical strifes Tho soft, assuasive intlu-
encs of Literature is needed, to allay that
fever and sooihe that irritation. Vice and
folly are rioting nbroad:-They should be
driven by indignant rebuke, or dashed by
ridcule, into their fitting haunts. lgno-
rance lords it over an immense proportion
of our pcopIe;-Every spring should 10
set in motion, to arouse the enlightened,
and to increase their number; so that The
great enemy of popular government may
no longer brood, like portenlous cloud,
over the deslinies OF our country. And to
accomplish all these ends. what more pow
ertul ugent can 10 employed, than a peri
odical, on the plan of the Messenger; if
that plan be but carried out in practical
The SoUTH peculiarly requires snca an
agent. In all the Union, south Of Wash
ing,on, there ara hut two Literary period
,calsl Noythwerd of tina, city, there are
probably at least twenty five or thirty! Is
his contrast justified by the wealth, the
leisure, the native talent, or the actual lit
erary taste, Of The Southern people, com
pared with those OF the Northern No:
for in wealth, talents, and taste, we may
Justly claim at least an eqality with or!
brethren; and domestic institution exclu.
sively our own, becond oil doubt afioId;
us, if we choose, twice the leisure fol
reading and writing, which they enjoy
Ii was from a deep sense of this tocd
want, that the word SOUTHERN was engrait
ed on the name of this periodical: and no
with any design TO nourish local prejud'
ces, or to advocate supposed local interests
Far from any such thought, it is the Ed
tors ferveni wish, to see the North am
South bound endearingly together forever
in the silken bands of mutual kindness anc
affection. Far from meditating hostility
TO the north, he has already drawn, and he
hopes hereafter 10 draw, much of his choi
aest matter thence: and happy indeed Wi
he deem himself, should his pages, by ma
king each region know the other letter
contribute in any essential degree to dis
pei forever the lowering clouds that s.
lately Threatened The peace of 10th, an
10 brighten and strengthen the sacred tie
of fraternal love.
The Southern Literary Messenger ha
now nearly completed its NINTH VOLUME
and NINTH TEAR. How far it has acte'
out the idens here uttered, is not for tn
Editor to say. He believes, however, tina
/, falls not further short Of them, than hu
man weakness usually makes Practice fal
short of Theory.