Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-03-09
TENTH VOLUME.
OF THE
Southern Literary Efessen-
ger.
For 1874.


volume of the Messenger; and the time
has arrived for Announcing the Xlh to its
Patrons and the Public. The character
and objects of The work are now fully
shown, and also how far these objects have
been attained. The test Of nine years
has conclusively shown, that Southern en-
ergv, taste, talent, and liberalty, can sus.
tain a Literary Journal, Inferior TO none,
and, in the opinion of many impartial
judges, superior TO all the periodicals pub
Ii>hed in the United States. What assu-
rance does not this give for the tutues!-
That energy shall not flag; that talent is
improved by past exercise, invigorated and
polished for yet higher iriumphs; sparks
are kindled that once appeared to be extn-
guished; and newborn genins is sprc aiding
its wings for noble flights. That Liberal
| ity is nourished by renewed prosperity, g.
men, lately stinted in mental luxury, or
having learned in adversely the cheapness
and blessedness of Literary soaces and
delights, will open purse and heart TO re-
ceive every pure intellectual offering. The
Messenger solicits, nay shall claim their
patronage; for its character and contents
shall ever be worthy of encouragement &
appreciation. RELYING upon its own excel
lence, as it always has done, it mnst and
shall prove itself most worthy of support
Its contributors have always been of The
first order OF talent, native and cultivated.
vigorous and polished; and such they will
continue 10 be. A list Of The ayowed wri-
ters for the work will soon be published;
nd tho hihli1 mill shan kxy,x hot
and what pens, the Messenger has been
sustained, adorned and honored. lis mat
ter shall be choice, embracing prose and
poetical articles, of the first beauty and
merit, mostly original, sometimes selected.
Pleasure shall ever be combined with u,il-
lty and moral improvement; and the char
acteristic soIidity of its matter shall! he,
in great degree, still preserved, This
must arise necessarily from the character
of its contributors and the lofty aims of
the work. Reiecting the foam and froth,
it will present the pure clear waters Of the
fountain. Where the waters fall, wah
noise and clamor, the fioth is found; but
the Messenger dips where they flow off
gracefully in pellucid stream.
Measures ofpublic policy and general
utility have always been discussed with
eminent abilityin the Messenger, which
has even had ho honor Of originating
measures for the action of Congress. The
people Of the wet are now rejoicing in
the establishment Of Naval Depot, at
| Memphis, and commissioners have recent
Iy arrived thoro 20 carryIc nlan into one.
ration. They should not lt-~ct, ,hol The
/ .bo lt0
her ab!es! contributors the au,hC. Of the
scheme.
The West is, in many essential circ,n,-
stances, identified with the South, all
both require an agent like the Messenger,
to vindIcate their institutions, to maintain
their interests, to reflect their sentiments,
and TO illustrate and uphold their Litera-
ture. In all the widespread West and
South, there are few Literary periodicals;
(Ihough many of the newspapers display
u good deal of literary taste,) whilst in tho
North, there are mutitudes, and new
ones springing mp every week.
The price of the Messenger has been
objected TO by some. Five dollars is
very convenient sum for many reasons;
but convenience is NJ ground for demand
ing it. There is no monthly in the United
States of the size and character of tho
Messenger, that does not charge FIVE dol
lars; whilst many, North and South, charge
more in proportion. IF one attend five or
six fashionable concerts, take five or six
box tickets to the theatre, or subscribe to
one ball, or one political club dinner, he
cheelfuIy spends five dollars. Shall he
not much more readily spend il for the
Messenger? If it be worth having, it
shall be worth the full price that has al
ways been asked. The terms could not
be reduced without greatly disparaging
The work.