Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-08-07
TENTH VOLUME.
OF THE
Southern Literary Messen-
ger,
FOR aS44.

-
The present number completes the lXth
volume Of the Messenger; and the time
has arrived for announcing the Xth 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-
ergy, taste, talent, and liberality, can sus-
tain Literary Journal, Inferior to none,
and, in the opinion of many impartial
Judges, superior to all the periodicals pub
lished in the United States. What assn
rance does not this give for the futuer!--
That energy shall not flag; that talent is
improved by pasl exercise, invigorated and
polished for yet higher triumphs; sparks
are kindled that once appeared to be extin-
guished; and newborn genins is spreading
it's wings for noble flights. That Liberal
ity is nourished by renewed prosperity, &
men, lately stinted in mental luxury, or
having learned in adversely the cheapness
and bessedness 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 81
appreciation. Rely ing upon its own oxeel-
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 to be. A list Of The avowed wri-
ters for the work will soon be published /;
and the bublic will then see by what names
and what pens, the Messenger has been
sustained, adorned and honored. Its 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 util-
ity 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 its contributors and the lofty aims of
the work. Rejecting The foam and froth,
it will present the pure clear waters oil the
fountain, Where the waters fall, with
noise and clamor, the froth is found; but
the Messenger dips where they flow off
gracefully in pellucid stream.
Measures Of public policy and general
utility have always been discussed with
eminent ability in the Messenger, which
has8ven had the honor of originating
measures for the action Of Congress. The
people of the west are now rejoicing in
the establishment of Naval Depot, at
Memphis, and commissioners have recent
ly arrived there to carry the plan into ope-
ration. They should not forget, that the
Messenger was the advocate, and one of
her ablest contributors the author of the
scheme.
The West is, in many essential circum-
stances, identified with the South, and
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.;
(though many of the newspapers display
a good deal of literary taste,) whilst in the
North, there are multitudes, and new
ones springing up every week.
The Messenger claims and intends 10
be DISTINCTIVE, but not an EXCLUSIVE
SOUTHERN WORK.
The price of the Messenger has been
objected TO 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
one ball, or one political club dinner, he
cheeilulIy spends five dollars. Shall he
not much more readily spend ii for the
Messenger If it be worth having, it
shall be worth the full price thai has al
ways been asked. The terms could not
be reduced without greatly disparaging
the work.