Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-02-24
TENTH VOLUME
---- TENTH VOLUME.
or THE
Southern Literary sFessen-
ger,
FOR 1874.

volume of the Messenger; and the time
has arrived for announcing the x,h to its
Paucns and the Public. The character
and Object, of the work are now fully
shown, and also low far these objects have
been attained. The lest OF nine years
has conclusiyely shown, that Southern en-
ergy, taste, talent, and liberality, 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 kndled that once appeared TO be extin-
guished; and newborn genins is spreading
its wings for noble flights. That Liberal
ity is nourished by renewed prosperity &
men, lately stinied in mental luxury, or
having learned in adversely the cheapness
and blessedness of Literary solaces 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 a.
appreciation. Rely ing upon its own excel
lence, as il always has done, il 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 avowed wri-
tiers for the work will soon be published;
and the tublic will then sec by what names
and What pens, the Messenger has been
sustained, adorned and honorcd. Its mat
| ter shall be choice, embracing prose and
pootical articles, Of the frsi beauty and
merit, mostly original, sometimes selected,
! Pleasure shall ever be combined with u,il-
iiy and moral improvement; and the char
acteristic solidity Of its matter shall be,
in great degree, still preserved. This
must arise necessarily from the character
of lis contributors and the lofty aims of
the work. Rejecting the foam and froth,
it will present the pure clear waters OF the
fountain. Where the waters fall, nth
noise and cldmor, the fioth is found; but
the Messenger dips where they flow off
gracefully in pelIucid stream.
Measures of public policy and general
utility have always been discussed with
eminent ability in the Messenger, which
has even had the honor of originating
measures for the a ton Of Congress. The
people Of the west are now rejoicing in
the establishment of Naval Depot, ut
Memphis, and commissioners have recent
ly arrived there to carry the plan into ope'
ration. They should not forget, thai the
Messenger was the advocate, and one of
her .eSi Contributor, the au hoc Of The
scheme.
The West is, in many csseot;al crclnl-
stances, identified with tie South, and
both require an agent like The Me$scngcr,
10 indicate their institutions, u mlialai /
their int! es;s, to reflect their sentiments,
and to illustrate and uphold their Lilera-
ture. In all the widespread West and
South, there are few Literary periodicals;
Though many of the newspapers display
a coed deal of literary taste,) whilst in the
North, there are mutitudes, and new
ones springing up every week. :.
The price Of the Messenger has been
objected 10 by some. Five dollars 10 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
moro in proportion. If one attend five or
six fashionable concerts, take FIVE or six
box tickets to the theatre, or subscribe to
one hall, or one political club dinner, he
chee,iuIIy spends five dollars. Shall he
not much more readily spend it for tho
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. ~ .4.iI.j 81, p, ~ .its.,-.--