Independent Democrat., 1844-06-29

TENTH VOLUME.
Southern Literary MesSen-
FOR IS44.
The present number completes ,he IXth
volume of the Messenger; and the time
has arrived for announcing the Xth 10 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 :est of nine years
has conclusively shown, that Southern en-
ergy, taste, talent, and lberality, can sus.
tain Literary Journal, Inferior 10 none,
and, in the opinion of many impartial
judges, superior to all the periodicals pub
lished in the United States. What assu-
rance does not this give for the futuer!-
That energy shall not flag; that talent is
improved by past exercise, invigorated and
polished for yet higher triumphs; sparks
are kindlcd that once appeared to be extin-
guished; and newborn genins is spreading
its wings for noble flights. That Liberal
ty is nourished by renewed prosperity, &
men, lately slinted in mental luxury, or
having learned in adversely the cheapness
and bessedncss Of Literary solaccs 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 alwavs has done. i, mnst nd
shall prove itself most worthy of support.
Its contributors have always Lcen Of the
first order OF talent, native and cultivated,
vigorous and polished; and such they will
continue 10 be. A list Of the avowed wri.
ters for the work will soon be published
and the bublic will then sec by what names
and what pens, the Messenger has been
sustained, adorned and honored. Its mat
ter shall be choice, embracing prose anc
poetical articles, of the first beauty ant
merit, mostly original, sometimes selected
Pleasure shall ever be combined with uti
ity and moral improvement; and the char
acteristc solidty of its matter shall lie
in great degree, still preserved. Thi
must arise necessarily from the characte
of its contributors and the lofty aims o
} the work. Rejecting the foam and froth
} it will present the pure clear waters of tn,
fountain. Where the waters fall, uity
noise and clamor, the fioth is found; bu
the Messenger dips where they flow Of
gracefully in pellucid stream.
Measures of public policy and genera
utility have always been discussed will
eminent ability in the Messenger, whicI
has even had the honor of originatin.
measures for the action of Congress. Th,
people Of the west are now rejoicing il
. the establishment of Naval Depot, a
Memphis, and commissioners have recent
ly arrived there TO carry the plan into ope
ration. They should not forget, that til,
Messenger was the advocate, and one o
her ablest contributors the author of th
r scheme.
The West is, in many essential circum
stances, identified with the South, an,
both require an agent like the Messenger
to vlndicate their institutions, to maintair
. their interests, to reflect their sentiments
and TO illustrate and uphold their Litera
, ture. In all the widespread West anc
South, there are few Literary periodicals
(ihough many of the newspapers display
a good deal of literary taste,) whilst in the
North, there are mutitudes, and new
ones springing up every week.
The Messenger claims and intends tc
be DISTINCTIVE, but not an EXCLUSIVE
SOUTHERN WORK.
The price Of the Messenger has been
objected 10 by some. Five dollars is a
very convenient sum for many reasons;
but convenience is no ground for demand.
ing it. There is no monthly in the United
States of the size and character of the
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
oHe ball, or one political club dinner, he
cheelfully spends five dollars. Shall he
moi much more readily spend it for the
Messenger II 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
Tho work