St. Paul daily globe., 1892-03-12
LITERARY NORTHWEST.

The long and anxiously awaited Literary
Northwest is out. 1t made its debut into
literary society yesterday with no flourish of
trumpets. no tinkling of cymbals. no attempt
at sensational advertising. 1t was published
and distributed, and this morning it lies on
the tables of all the libraries in town. aud has
been read by thousands. 1t is printed on
glazed paper. and, geographically, is admir-
able. 1t contains sixteen pages. of which
the last four are devoted to advertisements.
The names of its editors are not given, but
the magazine speaks well for their ability.
On the first page is the editorial introduc-
ton, in which the editors say:
The Literary Northwest owes no apology
for Its birth, and its editors mean 10 make none
for II. 1t is their purpose to present to the
readers of this magazine the best brain
work to be had. They will not disgrace lit
erature by publishing the products OF people
who merely sign their names to articles writ
ten by others. nor is it a part of their pro-
gramme to advertise The Literary Northwest
by means or individuals who have no mes
sage for the world, and whose chief claim is
that of motor iety The editors recognize no
aristocracy, save that of letters. Into this
charmed circle will be admitted all who have
anything worth saying. provided they will
sayit i'll approved lite rary fashion.
Every one who has light to give. whether
in science, literature, art, history, theology
philosophy. philanthrophy, or any other sub
jec5of human interest, has but to express 1t
in good style. and he is welcome TO these
pages Those whose souls are full of song
need not die with their music in them. There
need he no mute Millions i'll the Northwest.
Masters of recognized ability have kindly
promised their aid: writers whose ability is
not yet known will receive the fullest con-
sideration. I he editors will not encroacn
upon the domain OF the newspapers by pub
fishing mere news, nor do they intend 10
enter the precincts sacred TO books.
1t will not be a mongrel between news
paper and magazine; nor will it partake of
a hybrid nature between periodl cal ana
book In word, he Literary Northwest
will be magazine in the proper sense OF the
term. 1t will aim at giving articles short,
but not abrupt; condensed yet not obscure.
The age is busy one and the literature pro
posed will meet It's requirements. At the
same time close attention must be given to
literary FORM and the editors will forgive no
grievous sin against literary style.
tt
The contributors to the initial number are:
Cyrus Northrop. D. D.. Lily A. Long. Mrs. W.
j. Freaney. Rev. John Gmeiner, F M.
Brooks Franklyn W. Lee, Severinus j. Cor
rigan Rev. W. S. Vail, Mary Josephine Ona-
han, Joseph Haworth. Sophia Goodhart and
Mrs. c. a. Severance, an array of the best
talent in the Northwest. DR.. Northrop's ar
ticie on '.0ur Literary Possibilities has the
place of honor. tits short thoughtful and
pointed The writer speaks hopefully OF
Minnesota 8 future in the field of letters. III
closing he says:
The literature of new country like ours,
while perfect III form, ought yet to have
some of the greenneSS and freshness OF Chau-
Ger. Ii it deals with anything peculiar TO our
condition and environment, II will have that
trueness to nature which only he can exhibit
who, as he writes, stands face to face with
nature. May we not expect therefore, that
in the Northwest, under the excitement given
by new periodical which shall be open to
all the really deserving writers who have
thoughts to publish, there will appear liter
ature worthy ola cultivated people who are
earnestly engaged in solving the most I'M
portant problems of all time. Everything is
wrought out by practice-religion. as Drum
moni we'll shows, not less than other things.
And literature worthy of the name is the result
of p:actice-iu the real effort TO produce, not
compositions. pieces. essays, matter. Dut llt-
erature-a living literature OF living peo-
pie.
Lily A. Longs short story, Spring Time
and Ring Time fresh and delicate char
acter sketch of Hilda Vennerstrom, Mime
apolis Miranda. who, being educated solely
on Shakespeare. falls in love with manly
ana interesting young actor. The story is
slight but exquisite. The Old, Old Songs
is the title of Mrs. Freaney's poem Rev.
John Gmeiner writes briefly of the existence
of spirit world, and +. NJ. Brooks Contrib
utes an excellent Biographical sketch OF
John Fiske. "a Karmic Vision" is III
Fraiiklyn Lees best vein, and of especial IN
terest both, to astronomers and laymen. is
Severinus Corrigan's paper on The Aurora
Borealis" "a Memory of Henry Ward
Beeeher,' by the Rev. W. s. Vail, is all in
teresting essay on the famous divine gifts
and methods. Merrie Muriel Dowie is brightly
discussed under the title, "A New Type
of Woman. by Mary .0nahan. The Church
and the Stage is by Joseph Haworth. VINO
writes clearly aud we'll ou-a subject to which
he has gwen much thoughtful attention So
. phia. Goodhart addresses a humorous open
letter to Andrew Lang, but perhaps the most
interesting department. of the magazine is
Among New Books by Mrs. c. A. Sever
ance The criticisms are biased by nothing
but the opinion of the reviewer, and, as was
to be expected, are bold and scholarly.
Items Of general musical interest complete
the reading matter of the magazine.
IT,
The Literary Northwest has high aim,
fresh field and an admirably selected staff of
editors Its success is assured.