The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-15
A PLEA FOR A HIGHER
 SOUTHERN LITERATURE

well afford to line up en masse as op- posed to that which is unworthy or hast fly prepared, and putting aside all thought as to temporary riches or glory. make for their section as we'll as themselves a lft- erary' precedence which may well be en- vied In this way they will press surely and steadily toward the mark of higher Southern literature. and by their instru- mentality will be added a star in the crown of American literature easily out shining all the others. The marked abil- ity displayed by the writers of the South whose productions are now before the American reading public Is ample war rant for the statement that were no new writers to appear upon the scene of ac- tion, those already at work could fashion for this section a literature certainly not surpassed by that of any other section of the country. If the full measure of the present opportunity be realized and taken advantage of, the South in the near future would become the literary mecca of America, from whence would flow a literature of which any people might well be proud. The attainment of such results as these are we'll worth the careful and thoughtful effort of the whole body of the Southern people. And, indeed. the subject Is one deserving a calm and dis
 
 iment and prejudice.
 How to Obtain the Desired Results.
 If such a desirable state of affairs is ever to exist 1t is to be brought about partially through the efforts and self sacrifice of Southern writers. They must be so in love with theih high and noble profession and so value the honor of their section as that personal glory or gain will be sunk entirely out of sight. Again, 1t must come through just criticisms of Southern productions by Southern critics The work of critic is meant to lift, through the pointing out of defects, the standard of future literature. Through the critics wider knowledge of books and their makers he is able to intelligently point out to their authors the weak or disf1guring parts of their works, thus en- abling them in the future to steer clear of these hindrances to perfection There fore. the critic and the author should be on the best of terms, for an honest critic is. indeed, an authors best friend. If the South Is to share in the beneficent re- suits accruing from the work of the critic, 1t is clear that it must come at the hands of Southern critics. Many of the most broad-minded Southerners are loath to accept the adverse criticisms of a North ern critic, due in some measure no doubt, to fragrant injustice. so often obtained at the hands of Northern critics The existence of such a state of affairs causes the responsibility of Southern critics to be all the greater. Although it may be trying for Southern critic to be called upon to harshly condemn the work of a Southern writer, by so doing his work will eventually rebound to the distinct ad- vantage of Southern literature Southern writers will not be slow to discover that to gain the praise of even Southern crit les they must keep their work up to an exceedingly high standard, and following. as natural result of such realization will come a marked elevation in the grade of Southern productions.