New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1854-12-09
GIVE IDEAS EXPRESSION.

{xEgeTe CT A}0fk SCf1UGfE EST sAUTUB3TesI
II has ever been matter Of wonder with us
that more men Of reading and education in the
South, do not occasionally commit their thoughts
aud reflections to writing. We do not mean
that every man With educational advantages
should strive to become an author but, that
lie should now and then add sheaf to the
broad field Of literature, for the general good
seems to US akin to religious duty. Admitting
that such jottings scribblings perhaps
will prove Of no general benefit, yet in the ex-
periences and meditations of every man Of Gull
tisated understanding exist thoughts which, if
given to the world would find an echo in the
heart Of E some forlorn and shipwrecked
brother and bring to him some consolation
and encouragement. Regarded only in self
ish point of view, q habit of composition is of
eminent service to the writer himself g There
may be no magic in the pen,' says q great
thinker, 4 but it keeps the mind from stagger-
ing about
We admire and reverence the knowledge and
contentious wisdom of illustrious authors.
Why should ne not initiate their excellence 4
Not with Prescriptions rivalry; but in spirit
Of loving admiration, md modest, faithful en-
deavor. An attempt thus made would not
deserve the name Of presumption; it would be
the most fervent form Of homage -risking the
chance Of failure, for the sake of proving our
worship, True modesty does not recoil from
comparison Of its own talents with those Of
others. II is supported by hope, and looks
though with trembling eye--towards the good
ness and excellence which it initiates, and has
not yet attained. Debasing fear alone shrinks
from such comparisons, and obstructs the en-
lightened mind in its approaches to the regions
Of knowledge and truth.
Besides, the measure of our powers Is unde-
termined until we test them. Like coming
events they are unknown but are greater or
lesser by our own acts
We have been led to say this much in spirit
Of friendly and feeling encouragement, We
would have the young men Of the liberal pro-
fessions, and those who have received collegiate
honorsA and all, indeed, who have learned to
read and write multiply their good thoughts.
and expand into useful material the reflections
which they have drawn from the great sources
Of knowledge. You read and adopt many OF
the IDEAS Of others; give your own in return
Such an interchange enriches the understand
ing Of both. The press is free and inviting
Questions Of politics, Of agriculture. of COM
merce, and pertaining to the arts and sciences,
remain still unexhausted Articles upon any
or all which have their birth in reason and
contemplation would be welcome to the age
and To the country.
II the warm intellects Of the South will lend
their earnest aid to the undertaking. we can
see no insurmountable obstacle to building up
among Us 9 stable literature vigorous, ener.
getic, and even profound There can not be
too much discussion Of all worthy themes. Let,
therefore. our sons Of learning speak out; a
generous public will protect and cherish their
commsndable efforts, with the hope that they
may mature into the accomplishment of high
achievements