From the New York Courier and Enquirer. New York Courier and Enquirer, the Portland Advertiser, the which place the Messenger decidedly at the head of American Georgetown Metropolitan, the New England Galaxy, (all of Magazines,) Norfolk Herald, Richmond Compiler, Baltimore Patriot, Augusta Chronicle, and a host of others. We are truly to see these flattering testimonials in behalf of Southern lite rature. We wish the Messenger every possible success. From the Pennsylvanian. has been received. The contributions appear to be of an excellent kind; at least, those from Mr. Poe and others, whose reputa tions attracted our notice. The most striking feature of the num ber, however, is the critical department. Eschewing all species of puffery, the Messenger goes to work upon several of the most popular novels of the day, and hacks and hews with a remorserare as it is amusing, in an indigenous periodical. Of the justice of the criticisms, we have not qualified ourselves to judge; but their severity is manifest enough; and that is such a relief to the dull monotony of praise which rolls sinooth in the wake of every new book, that a roughness which savors of honesty and independence is welcome. The December number of the Southern Literary Messenger From the Globe. Southern Literary Messenger, for December 1835.-There is no one of the many periodicals of our country, to the reception of which we look forward with a greater certainty of satisfaction than to this young, but already more than adolescent magazine. It is always above par, always distinguishable for correct style and pure English-for neatness and elegance-rather perhaps than vigor, or decided strength of original thought-the absence of which quality is perhaps sufficient to constitute a weak point, in what would otherwise be almost faultless. In the department of criticism,lessness and an evident enjoyment of the business, which is as however, this remark does not apply so fully-for the notice of new works, in the Southern Messenger, are, we have no hesitation in saying it, the boldest, the most independent, and unflinching, of all that appears in the periodical world. This is as it should be-over-levity towards rising writers is a more real sin than over-sternness; and we are sorry to say, it is a sin, into which most of our magazines are wont to fall. This number is one of more than average power, and the critiques on The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow-the Linwoodsand Norman Leslie we especially recommend to notice. They are evidently all written with equal sincerity, and force of true opinion, and as such command respect even where we differ from them in judgment. That on Dr. Bird's new book, for instance, is too favorable; and indeed we think that this gentleman is always overrated-that on "the Linwoods" is superlative, in truth, style, and taste; while that on Norman Leslie is severe to a fault; inasmuch as the criticism, though we cannot deny the truth of the greater portion of it, is paralyzed by the strong symptoms of personal hostility not to Mr. Fay only, but to all who may be supposed to favor or admire him. From the National Intelligencer. We have read the first number of the second volume of the Southern Literary Messenger. It is highly spoken of, and deservedly so we think. The continued and rapid improvement of secuting his labors. They will ultimately be crowned with disthis work justifies the zeal with which the proprietor intends protinguished success. That region abounds in native talent, which, when dive.ted into that channel, will reflect the same honor, bar, the bench, the legislauve halls, and every other pursuit to upon the literature of our country, which it has claimed for the which it has been devoted. From the Alexandria Gazette. Southern Literary Messenger.- The December number, being the first of the second volume of this periodical, has come to hand, and we are prepared to welcome its appearance with cordial approbation. No Magazine in this country or elsewhere now excels it in the beauty of its typography.-It is printed in the neatest manner, Some of the Poetry in this number is excellent-a few of the articles only so-so. We recommend the Messenger anew to all our readers, as a publication worthy to be supported for the credit of the South-for its own intrinsic merits and for the enterprising spirit of Mr. White, its worthy proprietor. From the Norfold Herald. Southern Literary Messenger.-This journal has, very unex. pectedly, left its Northern competitors behind in the race for fame, and assumed all at once a pre-eminent rank among American periodicals. We have just received the first number of the second volume, and find it superior, in every respect, to any of the pre-in the country has experienced so rapid, so extensive, and so ceding ones. It contains 68 pages of closely printed matter, in double columns. Besides the 68 pages of text, it has a double cover of 8 pages, containing matters relating to its own peculiar interests-thus avoiding the necessity of intruding such subjects in the text. Its paper is excellent, its tyre new, and its entire mechanical execution superior to that of any Magazine with which we are acquainted. The South has thus far every reason to be proud of the extraordinary success which has attended the Messenger. Southern Literary Messenger.-The first number of Vol. 2 of this Magazine has come to hand, greatly improved in outward appearance, as well as in literary merit. No Journal of this kind unequivocal a success as the Southern Literary Messenger. It is now, whether we consider the extent of its patronage, the great beauty of its mechanical appearance, or the lustre of the names of its regular contributors, the first Monthly Magazine in America. In the variety, and more especially in the originality of its arti. cles it has no equal; and among other things we must not forget that the author of the Lunar Hoar is indebted to the Hans Phual of Mr. Poe (a regular contributor to the Messenger) for the con. ception and in a great measure for the execution of his discoveries. Indeed several passages in the two are nearly identical. As regards the amount of absolute matter contained in a number of the Messenger, we cannot be far wrong in stating that it is the exception perhaps of Littell's Museum, which is made up altogether of selections from foreign Magazines. The first article in the present number is Chapter IX of the Tripolitan Sketches, by Mr. R. Greenhow, of this city, a series of papers which, of themselves, would have been sufficient to stamp the Messenger with a character of no ordinary kind. The Er-equal to that of any two monthly Journals in the country-with tracts from My Mexican Journal are excellent papers, on a subject of untiring interest. The Address of Lucian Minor, on Education, is likely to do much good, by attracting the attention of Virginians to the important subject it discusses-the organization of District Schools. The Wissahiccon is a wishy-washy affair, and deserves no praise whatever. Lionel Granby, Chapter VI, is full of fine thought, shrewdness, and originality. The Specimens of Love Letters are curious and entertaining-but the old English Magazines are full of similar articles, and the Messenger should have nothing to do with them. The MS. found in a Bottle is from the pen of Edgar A. Poe. The Critical Notices occupy more than one half of the number, and form the fullest Review in the country-embracing criticisms, at length, of nearly every work lately published in America, besides a great number of English publications. A compendious digest of the principal reviews, English and American, is included. The tone of the criticisms differs widely from puffery, and is perfectly indepen-kind we have ever perused, and we should not wonder if it drew dent. The Poetry is, for the most part excellent. Scenes from Politian, an unpublished Drama, by Edgar A. Poe, occupy about three pages. A little piece signed Eliza is very good; also, A Sketch, by Alex. Lacey Beard, Marcela, Ruins, A Sonnet to an infant dying, Lines to Mira, and a Translation. The covers contain compliments of the highest order paid the Messenger by many of the first papers in the Union. Among thein we may mention the The present No (No. 1. Vol. 2,) is by far the best yet issued. In the first place we have a continuation of the History and present condition of Tripoli, with some account of the other Barbary Powers. These sketches, from the pen of Robert Greenhow of Washington, have acquired an extensive reputation, and the present chapter is equal to any of the series. By the bye, the last number of Harper's Family Library contains the " History and present condition of the Barbary States," by the Rev. Dr. Russell. Here is surely a great similarity in the titles--more than we can suppose to be accidental. We know that the sketches in the Messenger commenced nine months ago. The Extracts from my Mexican Journal are highly interesting, but would be better were they more modern. The date of the last Extract is 1827. Minor's Address on Education is one of the finest things of the public attention to the subject it discusses--the establishment of District Schools throughout Virginia upon a plan similar to that in New England. The Wissahiccon is not very creditable to the Magazine--it might, however be considered as tolerable else. where. Lionel Granby is evidently written by a man of genius. The present Chapter is the sever th. The MS found in a Bottle is extracted from The Gift, Miss Leslie's beautiful Annual. It is from the pen of Edgar A. Poe," whose eccentric genius," says In our judgment this number deserves all the praise that has been bestowed upon the work; and this remark we particularly apply to certain "continued" articles, of which we are constrained to judge by the specimens here given. We speak of the Tripoline Sketches, and " Lionel Granby." If the preceding parts of these works are of equal merit with those before us, they have not been praised too highly. We are sorry that we cannot exactly include the "Mexican Journal" in the same category. It is well enough. the Charleston Courier, delights in the creation of strange possibilities, and in investing the most intangible romances in an air of perfect verisimilitude." We have heard the MS. found in a Bottle, called the best of his Tales--but prefer his Lionizing and Morella.--The highest praise, however, and from the very highest quarters, has been awarded to all he has written. The Specimens of Love Letters in the reign of Edward IV. is an excellent article. The Editorial department, under the modest head of Criti cal Notices, embraces no less than 56 columns of liberal and well-digested Reviews of new publications. Among these, are The Address of Mr. Lucian Minor before the Institute of EduNotices of Dr. Bird's last novel--Miss Sedgwick's Linwoods-- cation of Hampden Sidney College, is a paper of very great Glass' Life of Washington-The Edinburgh, London Quarterly, merit. We confess that we have not full faith in the efficacy of Westminister, and N. American Reviews-The Crayon Miscel. Mr. M.'s panacea for the distempers of the State; partly because Jany--Godwin's Necromancy--Legends of a Log Cabin--Mrs. we are afraid the patient cannot be got to take enough of it to do Hale's traits of American Life--Hall's Western Sketches--Clin-him good; and partly because we are not sure it would not meet ton Bradshaw--and many others--not forgetting Norman Leslie, with somewhat in his stomach of what medical men call" inwhich is utterly torn to pieces in a long and detailed Review of the compatible substances," which might neutralise or decompose it, most bitter and unsparing sarcasm. These Reviews speak well or turn it to poison. But we leave these things to the political for the future prosperity of the Messenger. Let its Editor aim at doctors; and are content to record our praise and thanks for the making the Magazine a vehicle for liberal and independent criti- strong sense and manly frankness displayed by Mr. M. in calling cisms, and he will not fail to receive a proper encouragement boldly on the people to secure and deserve the blessings of freefrom every lover of literature. dom by qualifying themselves for self-government. The literary notices in this number are highly piquant and amusing. We do not agree with the reviewer in condemning every thing under the name of a "Review," to which that name, in its strictest sense, does not properly apply. He who under this name gives an essay on the subject of the article professed to be reviewed, does not break faith with the public, because, for more than thirty years, the word has been understood to include such essays. Now he who gives a good essay, gives a good thing; and when he does this, still keeping within the spirit and meaning of his engagement, we have no right, nor mind to complain. The poetry is very excellent. October by Eliza is beautiful-and also some lines upon the same page by the same writer. Among other things we must particularly mention Marcelia-A Sonnet, and another Sonnet, entitled Ruins, just above it. The Lines on the Blank Leaf--and the Scenes from an unpublished Drama by Edgar A. Poe. From the Charlottesville Jeffersonian. The Southern Literary Messenger.--We have been favored by the politeness of Mr. White, with the first number of the second volume of this interesting periodical, and take pleasure in adding our mite to the many well merited praises which his work has already received from other journals; and we agree with Mr. White in his bright anticipations of the future. This periodical must be sustained for the literary credit of the Old Dominion and the honor of the South. Some of our Northern cotemporaries have already declared it the best literary periodical in America, and we deem this praise not so high as when they say it is de-up to their own estimate of their merits. To make them value cidedly good. This number contains sufficient variety to gratify diversity of taste. The MS. found in a bottle. By Edgar A. Poe, is good,--it is original and well told. Its wild impossibilities are pictured to the imagination with all the detail of circumstances, which truth and the fearful reality might be supposed to present. Whilst we do not agree to the justness of the praise which has been bestowed upon some of Mr. Poe's pieces, we concur in the general commendation which he has received as a writer of great originality, and one who promises well. There is an occasional severity in some of these strictures which we highly approve. Not that we presume to decide on the justice of the judgments pronounced. We have not read the Works; but judgment rust be followed by execution; and the critic in his own executioner. The self sufficiency of authors Cares nothing for praise. They rarely receive so much as comes it, they should be put in fear of censure. The number of works reviewed in this monthly periodical, shows how much the cacoethes scribendi needs to be restrained. We dare not flatter ourselves that even half the praise bestowed is due, except according to a very low standard of excellence. When a very high place in the scale is awarded to a "bad imitation" of Walter Scott's "rorst manner," the scale cannot be graduated very far above temperate." There can be no such thing as blood heat, or fever heat, upon it. choose to offend. We mean the author of "The Dream." In this, there is no one poetical thought, at first, or second hand. The verse is smooth, for the writer has a good ear; but the ideas are dull prose. To make the matter worse, it is a palpable imitation; not larcenous, indeed; for there is no attempt at concealment ; so that it is more of the nature of a mere trespass. But it is an undisguised imitation of Byron! and what is worse, of Byron's most wonderful poem "The Dream!!!" It is such an imitation as a boy would make who should paint a rose with pokeberryjuice. The longest of the metrical pieces, indeed, deserves less leniThe prose article which most pleases us in this number, is Mr. ent treatment, and we shall do Mr. White a service, by defending Minor's Address on Education. It is too valuable and upon a sub-him from the future contributions of one whom he may not ject of too much importance to the State, to be passed with this cursory notice of the Messenger; we shall recur to the subject again and again. We perceive that the Georgetown Metropolitan has censured the Messenger, for publishing Mr. Garnett's Introductory Lecture on the subject of Education, thinking it unsuitable to the Magazine. Mr. White acted properly in disregarding such an objection. Variety is the very life of a literary periodical, and it is never less agreeable for being useful. There is a pretty thought in the following lines--written on one of the blank leaves of a book sent to a friend in England, As he who sails afar on southern seas, Catches rich odor on the evening breeze, Turns to the shore whence comes the perfumed air, And knows, though all unseen, some flower is thereThus when o'er ocean's wave these pages greet Thine eye, with many a line from minstrel sweet, Think of Virginia's clime far off and fair, And know, though all unseen, a friend is there.--Imogene. The editorial criticisms are many, and in the right vein. They are caustic but just. The Review of Mr. Fay's novel Norman Leslie, is amusing and will be read, though we think some pas sages in it are in bad taste. The author is flayed, or to use a term more congenial with his taste, and with the Reviewer's article- blistered. From the Washington Telegraph. The Southern Literary Messenger.-In glancing our eyes over the numerous papers which are daily laid before us, in quest of matter appropriate to our own, they frequently light on notices of this periodical. To such things our peculiar avocations do not often afford us time to attend. We have only indulged our curiosity so far as to see that they are all commendatory; and we have laid aside the papers with nothing more than a passing sense of pleasure at praises which indirectly redound to the honor of the honored home of our fathers. Of late, such notices have so frequently engaged our attention, that we at last determined, for once, to play the truant, and give an attentive perusal to the next number. We have just laid down that for December, 1835, after experiencing a pleasure in the perusal, for which we feel inclined to make such poor return as we can. We were disappointed in a "Dramatic Extract" from the pen of Mr. Edgar A. Poe. He had taught us to expect much, for his prose is very often high wrought poetry; but his poetry is prose, not in thought, but in measure. This is a defect of ear alone, which can only be corrected by more study than the thing is worth. As he has a large interest in all the praise that we have bestowed on the Messenger, we hope he will take this slight hint as kindly as it is meant. From the Richmond Religious Herald. Southern Literary Messenger.-The publication of the second volume of this work commences with the present number for December. The work was commer.ced as an experiment to test the practicability of sustaining a literary work in the South. The experiment has been successful. The Messenger has taken a high stand as one of the first literary publications in our country. It has called into existence several gifted pens. It is now established on a permanent basis, and commences its second year with increasing prospects of success, and we hope will yield a fair remuneration to its enterprizing and worthy proprietor. In point of typographical execution it is unequalled by any similar work in the United States. From the Boon's Lick Democrat. We have received the Southern Literary Messenger, published monthly at Richmond, Virgi ginia, by Mr. Thomas W. White. It sustains and advocates. Such a work as the Messenger, well the high character of its previous num-chaste and refined, pure and exalted in its charbers-and contains much valuable and entertain-acter, should receive the liberal and unanimous ing matter. This periodical, the only successful support of every man south of the Potomac. We Literary enterprise, we believe, in which south-cheerfully recommend it to all, and it shall be a ern genius is enlisted, has received showers of ap- pleasure to us, to be the means of forwarding its plause from all quarters-and indeed it richly me- interest. Specimen numbers can be seen at this rits them all. We recommend those of our friends, office, and the work ordered for those who may who are fond of this species of reading, to try the desire it. Messenger-they will find it better-far better than the trash that is circulated in most of the literary periodicals of the day. From the Georgetown Metropolitan. The Southern Literary Messenger for December, 1835.-Many improvements have been made, in this favorite magazine which will greatly enhance its value for the future. Among these, not the least will be the advantage to its subscribers of an early issue: the present number reached us in the latter days of November,-and Maine will be served in future almost as soon as Richmond, a matter of no small consequence to a magazine, and, of great merit in the Messenger, as contrasted with its dilatory cotemporaries. From the Philadelphia Saturday Evening Post. The Southern Literary Messenger.-We have been furnished with the December number of this periodical, issued as the first number of the second volume. In typographical appearance it is neat and beautiful, and respecting the interesting character of its contents, it will not suffer by a comparison with any literary publication in the country. The leading original prose articles are, Sketches of the History and Condition of Tripoli, Extracts from my Mexican Journal, An Address on Education, The Wissahiccon, Lionel The talent and variety, of the original papers is Granby, &c. The poetic articles are numerous, quite as striking, as the editorial department is dediversified and highly creditable to the talent of cidedly better attended to than in any other magathe South; and the editorial criticisms and reviews zine of the country. We have not scant notices of appear to be written in a spirit of candor quite un-two or three volumes, which favor or accident have usual for the American Press. We commend the whole number to the attention of our literary friends, as possessing unusual interest. From the Baltimore Atheneum. The present number keeps up the character of the series. directed to the editor's notice,--but a comprehensive survey, and analysis of our recent literature. The books are taken up in a business-like manner, as the cases on a calendar are called over for trial; and the merits or demerits of each are dis A department so well conducted as this, and of such essential utility, should alone, in the general and culpable inattention of our periodicals to it, secure for the Messenger, general support. Of the articles in the present number, the Sketches of Tripoli' maintain their value-We should like to see these papers collected in a volume: they really do their author great credit. We wont quarrel with the poetry headed "Mother and Child," because we like the pretty name of Imogene which is signed to it, but it is marvellously like Mrs. Hemans. The Broken Heart is blank verse of great promise, touching, alike, in subject and execution. Rumor assigns them to an accomplished young lady of Richmond, whose name cannot be concealed long from the public. The Southern Literary Messenger, for Decem-cussed with great ability, fairness, and acumen. ber, which is the first number of the second volume, has already made its appearance. We have scarcely had time to read the title of each article in it, and to glance hastily over one or two of them: but it appears to be not a whit behind the other numbers which we have seen. It is pleasing to observe that the prospects for the permanency and success of this Magazine are very encouraging. The South can, and we are sure will support liberally, both in contributions and subscriptions, a monthly literary periodical, and the Messenger is, in every way, worthy of that patronage. The number before us, and one or two others which we have had the pleasure of seeing, strike us as not containing quite enough of those lighter articles which relieve the mind of the reader, and give a pleasing variety to a work of this kind. The papers are nearly all too good, if we may be allowed to say so, of too sterling and weighty a character. We do not mean that such should be excluded by any means-these are the articles which give character to a Magazine; we only mean that they should be tempered by something lighter and more fanciful. From the Grand Gulf Advertiser. Southern Literary Messenger.-We are much gratified to state, that this invaluable Southern publication, is rapidly increasing in the good graces of our literary friends. The Messenger, has a good circulation now, and evinces strong claims for the enlistment of a few more subscribers. We hail the increase as an auspicious event, as it certainly indicates a proportionate exertion of talent and industry on the part of its publisher, to secure the support and approbation of its numerous friends The "Mexican Journal" is quite as good as such journals usually are; and the unpublished drama by Poe, though crude, has both original thoughts, incidents, and situations. The Address on Education has in it many forcible truths, correctly and eloquently told. The Dream" we skip, having already read a better version of it in Lord Byron, and, as we said before, wish cordially that the bottle, with that confounded manuscript, had never been uncorked. "Marcelia" is fine, and the finer Macedoine our readers will recollect in our last. We are always glad to see the full page of payments in the Southern Literary Messenger, and have no doubt but that, under its enterprising and industrious proprietor, it will continue to go on prospering and to prosper. From the Baltimore American. We condemned a day or two ago the tone of the notice of the North American Review in the Southern Literary Messenger for December. This | pleased to see it as an old favorite after a long abnumber is strong in notices of new works, and we sence, and welcome it accordingly. like the severity of some of them: there is much matter for "cutting up." But the cutter up must do his task like a neat carver, without smearing his own fingers. Our friend Mr. White and his editor should keep the tone and bearing of the Messenger elevated and cavalier-like. The higher the critic places himself, the more fatal will be his blows downwards. This number of the Messenger well supports its rapidly earned reputation. Among its articles may be particularised Mr. Minor's "Address on Education, as connected with the permanence of our Republican Institutions," and the "scenes from Politian, an unpublished Drama" by Edgar A. Poe. From the Charleston Courier. Some change has taken place since last we saw it, in the editorial department, but it affects not at all the interest of the magazine; and we think the critical notices of this number, whether written by the old or new editor, more elevated in their tone than previously. There is a slight taint of pedantry about them, perhaps; and in one instance undue severity is shown towards a clever young author: yet they are, in the main, clever and just. But, as we have before said, we prize a magazine for other qualities than mere deserts in criticism; therefore turn we to the articles. The first one is a continuation of "Sketches of the History, &c. of Tripoli." These sketches are from an unknown hand, which has access to original documents from which to draw his facts, and the author seems familiar with the writings of the The Southern Literary Messenger.-After an French historians on the subject. So wofully iginterval of several months, a species of literary in-norant are we of the history of the Barbary Powterdict by the way which we did not much relish, we are able to announce the welcome reception of the December number of this excellent and eminently successful periodical, commencing its second volume and the second year of its bright and promising existence. The State of Virginia has reason to be proud of it, as a valuable exhibition of her mental prowess-it has gathered the stars of her intellectual firmament into close and brilliant constellation, and with their blended light burnished her literary fame. But while collecting into a focus the rays of Southern mind, the Aurora Borealis of genius has been no stranger to its pages, and its intellectual gems have been freely gathered from other portions of the republic of letters. Among its contributors, EDGAR A. POE, equally ripe in graphic humor and various lore, seems by common consent to have been awarded the laurel, and in the number before us fully sustaining the reputation of its predecessors, will be found proofs of his distinguished merit. From the Richmond Whig. The Literary Messenger.—The high reputation of this periodical is acknowledged by others besides ourselves, and much more competent judges. The Lynchburg Virginian says: ers, that we are unable to judge of the accuracy of these sketches: but we may safely say, that the narrative is lucid and interesting, and evinces an intimate anquaintance with the subject; and that it has a peculiar interest for American readers just now, as the French system of Finance and Diplomacy are constantly illustrated in their negotiations with the Deys. We can scarcely read with patience the narrative of the duplicity of the French Government towards these piratical states; with them, as with us, knavishly objecting to the allowance of a claim because of its absoluteness, or its negotiation; and skulking from the payment of an honest and acknowledged debt with an infinite deal of balderdash about French honor insulted, or French dignity offended. French honor and dignity!! Bah! The next prose article consists of "Extracts from my Mexican Journal." We have been so tired of late with this subject, in the American Monthly, that for the life of us we cannot screw our courage up to the reading point. The poetry of this number is of superior quality. This is peculiarly the ladies' department, and of course we may not deny that they sustain it perfectly. One little gem in this number is the "Broken Heart," by a Virginia lady—of rare simplicity of thought and purpose, and most touchingly executed. Our readers shall see it anon, and learn somewhat further our ideas of the poetical excellence of this capital magazine. "The Messenger, upon the whole, reflects credit upon Virginia and the entire South. Indeed, several distinguished Northern Journals place it at the head of periodical literature in the United States-a most enviable distinction when we re- Mr. Edgar A. Poe, a writer of much versatility collect the eminent names that figure in our Month-of talent has contributed much to this number. lies, both as editors and contributors. Mr. White He is a magazinist somewhat in the style of Wildeserves the thanks of the people of the South for lis: he needs condensation of thought. But this his untiring perseverance and industry, and we are is too flippant criticism for us, and we will read glad to hear that he is receiving them in the most him more. Although the earliest out, we have not substantial form-to wit, paying subscribers." had time to complete this magazine. And Mr. Paulding in a letter to the proprietor From the Norfolk Beacon. The first number of the second volume of the Southern Literary Messenger contains several articles of solid worth. The "Tripoli Sketches" retain their spirit and fidelity. Mr. Minor's Address is a patriotic and practical production. The common school system of the state demands the public attention. No voter should let his representatives alone, until such a system shall have been established as will insure to the child of every honest man in the commonwealth a thorough cle The most valuable article in the December No. of the Messenger, however, is the Address delivered by Lucian Minor, Esq. before the Institute of Education of Hampden Sidney College, at its late anniversary. He urges upon our Legislators, with earnestness and eloquence, the importance of enlightening the people, by a well digested system of primary instruction-based on the models which are presented to us in several of our sister States, in Scotland ard in Prussia. This is a vitally important subject, and we sincerely hope it will attract the serious attention of the Legislature, during its present session. mentary education. Mr. Minor quotes his statis- | highly creditable to that gentleman, betokening tics concerning Russia from the Edinburgh Re- research, genius and taste. His style is admirably view, but he would have found a more full exami- adapted to his theme. nation of the Prussian system in a late number of The continuation of Extracts from a Mexican the Foreign Quarterly. We were pleased that Journal are highly interesting-containing graphic Mr. Minor handsomely recognized the services of descriptions of the manners, customs, &c. of a the late Mr. Fitzhugh of Fairfax in the cause of country, which, although on our own continent, education. We well remember his speech on the is, to the great mass of our people, a terra incogoccasion alluded to, and know that the seeming | nita. defect in his scheme alluded to by Mr. Minor, was in truth the result of design. It was the main argument with which Mr. Fitzhugh met the opponents of his favorite scheme. Were Fitzhugh now living, he would win enduring laurels in the cause of general education in the commonwealth. The present address of Mr. Minor has also appeared in pamphlet from the press of Mr. White, and we have marked one or two striking passages for our columns. "Lionel Granby" is continued, and we have a very amusing letter from the uncle. But he has fallen into the error not uncommon, of imputing to York Town the honor of giving birth to Bishop Beilby Porteus. The Bishop, we believe, was born in York, but in England, and not in Virginia. The parents of the Bishop removed from Gloucester to England some years before his Several of the poetical pieces are beautifulbirth. Had he been born in Virginia, he would, others, mediocre. October,' Marcelia,' "Moit is probable, have bequeathed to William and ther and Child," may be be classed among the forand Mary some of the fat legacies which were mer; "A Sketch" among the latter. "Scenes shared by sundry institutions in Great Britain. from Politian," like the prose productions from the The Critical Notices in the present number of same pen (Mr. Poe) evince great powers, wasted the Messenger, particularly of the North Ameri- on trifles. Why, (to adopt the catechetical style can and the British Reviews are in bad taste. of his own criticisms,) why does Mr. Poe throw The review of Glass's Life of Washington is al-away, his strength on shafts and columns, instead together unique. Some of the reviews are never- of building a temple to his fame? Can he not extheless good, and more than outweigh those that ecute as well as design? No one can doubt it who are bad. is conversant with his writings. Eschew affecta "Lionel Granby" contributes largely to the interest of the Messenger. We hope he will diminish the intervals of his appearance on the stage. 29.66 "Friends and physicians "Exert their skill most faithfully," One word more, and we have done with the tion, Mr. Poc. It is a blot upon genius as well as present number. We are more and more con-upon beauty. "A Broken Heart" contains sevevinced every passing hour of the importance to ral tender and pathetic passages, but is deficient as the South of an able periodical journal devoted to a whole. Ex gr.: literary and other topics that know no party. However well conducted a political journal may be, it never will penetrate generally to the firesides Is not poetry-but plain, unsophisticated prose. of the South. And it is clear that the general Too much space is allotted to " Critical Notices" mind cannot be reached through such an avenue. in the December No. of the Messenger-and seveNow this important office literature can perform ral af the Notices themselves are too dogmatical There are, too, many opinions which are peculiar and flippant. This department of a periodical, on to the South, to the whole South, and to the South the plan of the Messenger, is necessarily of reonly. There should be a channel of communica-stricted interest, and should consequently be of tion on these subjects, and such a means the Mes-proportionate limits, except in extraordinary cases. senger, if liberally supported by the pens of the It certainly should not be occupied by reviews of able, and the purses of the patriotic, may readily Reviews-a dish of hash newly warmed, and servbecome. It rests with our community to make the first movement in the cause, and we trust that our citizens will not be found wanting, when the South-the whole South-appeals to their liberality. ed up, in all its insipidity, to an already palled appetite. Such reviews as that of Mr. Fay's "Norinan Leslie" will be read. Men-and Women likewise-will always be attracted in crowds to behold an infliction of the Russian knout or to see a fellow-creature flayed alive. And Mr. Faywho, by the way, is a great favorite with us-fully deserves a "blistering" for putting forth such a book as Norman Leslie. The" Messenger," upon the whole, reflects credit upon Virginia and the entire South. Indeed, several distinguished Northern journals place it at the head of periodical literature in the U. States; a most enviable distinction, when we recollect the eminent names that figure in our Monthlies, both as editors and contributors. Mr. White deserves the thanks of the people of the South for his untiring perseverance and industry, and we are glad to |