From the Richmond Compiler. first who has employed it. His Autobiography, pub-1 lished a few years ago, and which by the way, ought to have been re-published here as one of the most interest-task for which he is entitled to our thanks. A want of time and The writer of the following judicious article, has performed a ing and singular works of the time, contains it often a lack of the proper talent for criticism, have prevented us from enough to prove some feeling towards it in the author's giving our opinion at length upon the last number of the Mesbreast akin to that of paternal affection. senger; and this sketch saves us the labor. We accord with most of the writer's positions, and are pleased with the good sense, moderation and delicacy with which he has discharged the office of censor. Criticism, to be useful, must be just and impartial. This is both. As the review of the book which appeared in the Edinburgh Quarterly, was attributed to Bulwer, it is very probable that he fell in love with it when engaged in the task of criticism-a moment when, it ought to be inferred he was particularly alive to the correctness or incorrectness of any intrusion upon the premises of the King's English. The word is unquestionably a good and expressive one, and has quite as much inherent right to be incorporated with our language as any other Latin excrescence. It is only "Hebrew roots," we are informed by high authority, that " flourish most in barren ground." No imputation, therefore, rests upon the soil from which this sprang. Upon the subject of coining words, as upon so many others, old Flaccus has spoken best: Licuit, semperque licebit, Signatum presente notâ procudere nomen. From the North Carolina Standard. The Southern Literary Messenger.-We have received the March No. of this valuable monthly. It is as rich in matter, and its pieces are as varied and interesting as any previous number; and we have before said, that but few periodicals in the Union, and none South of the Potomac, are superior to it. From the Washington Sun. exultation that her chief literary periodical bearing the above The Southern Literary Messenger."-Virginia has cause of title, has already attained a respectable rank in the United States, and has won "golden opinions" from some of the highest dignitaries in the empire of criticism. Whilst I do not think that its predecessors, yet it may be considered a fair specimen of the the February number which has just appeared, is superior to all general ability with which the work is conducted. Its contents are copious-various in their style and character, and, in candor be it spoken, of very unequal merit. Whilst some articles are lost but little, if others had been omitted. This remark is not highly interesting-the readers of the Messenger would have made in the spirit of fault finding; the Messenger has always enough in its pages to admire, without coveting an indiscriminate and unqualified praise of all which it contains. Southern Literary Messenger.-We have received the Southern Literary Messenger for February. Its contents are rich, varied and interesting. The critiques are par-high rectitude, are essential qualities in the conduction of such ticularly good, and evidence a mind feelingly alive to the literary reputation of our country. The collection of autographs will be examined with much interest. We can safely recommend this periodical to the patronage of the public. From the Tuscaloosa Flag of the Union. Southern Literary Messenger.--We have received the last number of this beautiful and valuable Magazine, and take great pleasure in expressing the delight with which we have perused its contents. It is certainly the best Magazine now published in the Union, and is an honor to Southern literature and talent. The present number like its predecessors, is replete with 'pearls, and gems, and flowers,' and fully sustains the elevated character of the work. The Critical Notices are peculiarly meritorious and sensible. The Messenger is now under the editorial guidance of Edgar A. Poe, a gentleman highly distinguished for his literary taste and talent. From the Fincastle Democrat. Southern Literary Messenger.--We have been furnished, by the worthy publisher, with the February number of this "best of American periodicals," as it is said to be by a distinguished Northern contemporary. This number is pronounced, in all of the many notices which we have seen, to be the best of the fifteen that have been published; of this we are not competent to decide, not having been favored with the previous numbers; but, be it as it may, we cheerfully coincide in the the annexed sentiment of the editor of the Pennsylvanian:-"If it is not well supported by our brethren of the South, no faith is to be placed in their sectional feeling; it is vox et præterea nihil." From the U. S. Gazette. The Southern Literary Messenger for March, full of good matter, is at hand--delayed with a view of giving the whole of Professor Dew's address. We miss the racy and condemnatory criticism that distinguishes the work, and which has been favorable to the production of good books. We who publish no volumes, look with complacency upon severe criticism. The very first article in the February number, on the importance of Selection in Reading, though short, contains much matter for grave reflection. The writer states, and states truly, that if a man has forty years to employ in reading, and reads fifty pages a day, he will only be able in that period of time, to accomplish about sixteen hundred volumes of 500 pages each. Highly favored as such a man would be, beyond the mass of his fellow creatures, how insignificant the number of volumes read the world, and the thousands and tens of thousand that conby him, compared with the millions which fill the libraries of tinually drop from the press. How vastly important is it, therefore, to be well directed in the choice of books!--and I may add, how great is the responsibility of those whose province it is so to direct; to whom the task has been confided of selecting our literary food, and of separating what is healthful and nutritious from what is poisonous and hurtful. A well established magazine, or periodical, undoubtedly exercises great influence on the literary taste, as well as the literary morality of the circle of its readers. Hence good taste, good feeling-just discrimination and a work. That Mr. Poe, the reputed editor of the Messenger, is a gentleman of brilliant genius and endowments, is a truth which ders. For one, however, I confess, that there are occasionally I believe, will not be controverted by a large majority of its reamanifested some errors of judgment-or faults in taste-or whatever they may be called, which I should be glad to see corrected. I do not think, for example, that such an article as "the Duc De L'Omelette," in the number under consideration, ought to have appeared. That kind of writing, I know, may plead high precedents in its favor; but that it is calculated to produce effects permanently injurious to sound morals, I think will not be doubted by those who reflect seriously upon the subject. Mr. Poe is too fond of the wild--unnatural and horrible! Why will he not permit his fine genius to soar into purer, brighter, and happier regions? Why will he not disenthral himself from the spells of German enchantment and supernatural imagery? There is room enough for the exercise of the highest powers, upon the multiform relations of human life, without descending into the dark mysterious and unutterable creations of licentious fancy. practical dissecting room of criticism, he manifests great dexte When Mr. Poe passes from the region of shadows, into the plain rity and power. He exposes the imbecility and rottenness of our ad captandum popular literature, with the hand of a master. The public I believe was much delighted with the admirable scalping of "Norman Leslie," in the December number, and likewise of Mr. Simms' "Partisan," in the number for January; and it will be no less pleased at the caustic severity with which the puerile abortion of "Paul Ulric" is exposed in the present number. These miserable attempts at fiction, will bring all fictitious writing into utter disrepute, unless indeed the stern rebukes which shall come from our chairs of criticism, shall rectify the public taste, and preserve the purity of public feeling. It would be tedious to pronounce upon the merits and demerits of the several articles in the number under review. Dr. Greenhow's continuation of the Tripolitan Sketches is worthy of his calm and philosophical pen. The re-appearance of "Nugator" will be hailed by its readers with great pleasure; his "Castelin the pages of the Messenger-after a long interval of silence-lanus" is excellent. The article on "Liberian Literature," will attract much attention. It presents a very vivid picture of the wonderful progress which that colony has made in most of the arts, and in many of the refinements of life. Lionel Granby-the sketch of the lamented Cushing,-and the sketches of Lake Superior, have each their peculiar merits, and will be read with interest; of the Critical Notices, the sarcastic power of the review of Paul Ulric, has been already spoken of. The Review of "Rienzi," too, the last novel of Bulwer, is written in Mr. Poe's best style,--but I must be permitted to dissent toto colo from his opinion, that the author of that work is unsurpassed as a novelist by any writer living or dead.--There is no disputing about tastes, but according to my poor judgment, a single work might be selected from among the voluminous labors of Walter Scott, worth all that Bulwer has ever written, or ever will write-and this I From the National Intelligencer. present number is from a friend of literary taste and discrimi nation: The present number is uncommonly rich. It opens with some valuable hints upon the necessity of selection in reading, a capital discourse of a column and a half upon the startling text, "if you have forty years to employ in reading, and can read fifty pages a day, you will be able in those forty years to accomplish only about sixteen hundred volumes, of 500 pages each." This consideration, ably put by the editor, is an antidote, one would think, to "smattering." The next is No. X. of a very interesting series of Historical sketches of Barbary States. This number brings the history of Algiers down to the close of Charles and will form a useful reference hereafter. It is such papers as Xth's reign. Taken together, these papers are very valuable, these that make a periodical worth keeping. The next prose article is amusing. It is a translation from the French, and gives a most humorous account of "a Cousin of the Married," weddings, where there was a large company assembled and a man who acquired that quaint sobriquet by attending all making himself useful by proposing sentiments, reciting epithalamia, and singing songs appropriate to those happy occasions, to vacate the premises. The paper contains a similar narrative until he was discovered by an aristocratic groom, and compelled of a Cousin of the Dead," who, having been advised to ride for his health, and being too poor, used to go to all funerals as a sician, with no other cost than a few crocodile tears. Then comes mourner, and thus obtained the medicine prescribed by his phyone of that eccentric writer, Edgar A. Poe's, characteristic productions, "The Duc de L'Omelette," which is one of the best things of the kind we have ever read. Mr. Poe has great powers, and every line tells in all he writes. He is no spinner-out of long yarns, but chooses his subject, whimsically, perhaps, yet originally, and treats it in a manner peculiarly his own. believe will be the impartial verdict of posterity, at least so long as unaffected simplicity and the true moral sublime, are preferred to the gaudy and meretricious coloring which perverted ge- beautiful and interesting periodical has reached us, and it gives The Southern Literary Messenger. The February No. of this nius throws around its creations. The Eulogy on the great and good Marshall, is an elaborate and elegant performance. It is a us pleasure to learn that it will be distributed to a greater number of subscribers than any previous one has been. This is crepowerful, yet familiar sketch of the principal features in the life ditable to the taste of the people, to the industry of the proprie and character of that incomparable man. The notices of Emilia Harrington; Lieutenant Slidell's work, the American in Eng the South, to whom Mr. White especially looks for the support tor, the talents of its editor and contributors, and particularly to land; Conti; the Noble Deeds of Women; of Roget's Physiof his enterprise. The following notice of the contents of the ology, (one of the Bridgewater Treatises) and of Mathew Carey's Auto-Biography-are all very spirited articles, and are greatly superior to papers of the same description in the very best monthly periodicals of our country. The last article "Autography" is not exactly to my taste, though there are doubtless many who would find in it food for merriment. The writer of "Readings with My Pencil, No. 1,"-contests the generally received maxim of Horace, that poets are born such; in other words, he denies that there is an "original, inherent organiza. tion" of the mind which leads to the "high Heaven of inven tion," or which, according to the phrenologists, confers the faculty of ideality," It would require too much space to prove that Horace was right, and that his assailant is altogether wrong. Mr. J. F. O. is greatly behind the philosophy of the age. It is too late in the day to prove that Shakespeare and Byron were created exactly equal with the common mass of mankind, and that circumstances made them superior. Circumstances may excite and develope mental power, but cannot create it. Napoleon, although not born Emperor of the French, was originally endowed with that great capacity which fitted him to tread the paths of military glory and to cut out his way to supreme power. Ordinary mortals could not have achieved what he did, with cir cumstances equally favorable, or with an education far superior It is gratifying to learn that the "Messenger" is still extending the circle of its readers. The wonder is,-supposing that we have some love of country left on this side of the Potomac,-that its patronage is not overflowing. It is the only respectable periodical, I believe, south of that river; and with due encourage ment, it might not only become a potent reformer of literary taste, but the vehicle of grave and solid instruction upon subjects deeply interesting to the southern country. That with all our never-ending professions of patriotism, however, there exists a vast deal more of selfishness than public spirit, even in our sunny clime, is a lamentable truth,-nor for one, am I suffi ciently sanguine to unite with the editor of the Messenger, in the answer which he gives to his own interrogatory in the following eloquent passage, extracted from the Review of "Conti;" "How long shall mind succumb to the grossest materiality? How long shall the veriest vermin of the earth who crawl around the altar of Mammon be more esteemed of men, than they, the gifted ministers to those exalted emotions which link us with the mys-well-nigh, if not quite, exhausted the subject of New England teries of Heaven? To our own query we may venture a reply: Not long--not long will such rank injustice be committed, or permitted. A spirit is already abroad at war with it. And in every billow of the unceasing sea of change-and in every breath, however gentle, of the wide atmosphere of revolution encircling us, is that spirit steadily, yet irresistibly at work." Alas! for this sea of change and this atmosphere of revolution which are fast surrounding us! For my part, I fear that all other distinctions but wealth and power are about to be annihilated. What do we behold indeed in society, but one universal struggle to acquire both? Moral and intellectual worth are but lightly esteemed in comparison with the possession of that sordid dross, which every brainless upstart or every corrupt adventurer Though the Muses occupy a small space in the present number of the Messenger, their claims are not to be disregarded. Miss Draper's "Lay of Ruin," and Mr. Flint's "Living Alone" have both decided merit. The "Ballad" is written by one who can evidently write much better, if he chooses; and there is a deep poetical inspiration about Mr. Poe's "Valley Nis," which would be more attractive if his verses were smoother, and bis subject matter less obscure and unintelligible. Mr. Poe will not consent to abide with ordinary mortals. may acquire. Upon the whole, the last number of the Messenger is one of decided merit. From the Richmond Compiler. X. Y. Z. Rustic Courtship in New England" has not the verisimilitude sketches usually obtain; unless they were well done, it were alwhich is necessary to entitle it to the only praise that such We hate to ways better that Yankee stories be not done at all. be over-critical, but would recommend to the "Octogenarian” dels, before he writes again. Those inimitable writers have to take the veritable Jack Downing or John Beedle, as his moCourtship, and (we speak "as one having authority, and not as the scribes," by which we mean the critics) the writer before us has done but very indifferently what they have done so well, as to gain universal applause. "Palæstine" is a useful article, conin the history of that interesting county, well put together, and taining geographical, topographical, and other statistical facts valuable as a reference. We were much entertained with "Nugator's" humorous sketches of the castle-building farmer. No periodical in the country, numbers one among its contributors more racy than "Nugator." The article on "Liberian Literature" gives the reader a very flattering idea of the condition of that colony. The "Biographical Sketch" of President Cushing, of Hampden Sidney College, we read with much pleasure. We would recommend a series of similar sketches, from the same hand: nothing can give a periodical of this kind more solid value than such tributes to departed worth. Sketches of Lake Superior" -beautiful! beautiful! We feel inclined to follow the track so picturesquely described by Mr. Woolsey, and make a pilgrimage to the wild and woody scenery of the Great Lake. This is a continuous series of letters, and we shall hail the coming numbers with much pleasure. The last prose contribution in the book is entitled "Readings with my Pencil," being a series of paraphrases of different passages, taken at random, from various authors. We like this plan, and think well of the performance thus far. It is to be continued. The poetical department is not so rich as that in former numbers. Miss Draper's "Lay of Ruin" is irregular in the versification, and shows the fair writer's forte to be in a different style altogether. We wish she would give us something more The Southern Literary Messenger. Our critical correspondent of the 22d, is not borne out, in some of his remarks, by public opinion. We allude to his observations on the Duc de L'Ome-like that gem of the December number of the Messenger, “Hallette, and Mr. Poe's Autography. These articles are eliciting ley's Comet in 1760." Mr. Flint's "Living Alone,” capital; and the highest praise from the hightest quarters. Of the Duc de Mr. Poe's "Valley Nis," characteristically wild, yet sweetly L'Omelette, the Baltimore American, (a paper of the first autho- soft and smooth in measure as in mood. The "Lines" on page rity and hitherto opposed to Mr. P.) says: The Duc de L'Ome- 166 do ro credit to the Messenger; they should have been droplette, by Edgar A. Poe, is one of those light, spirited, fantastic ped into the fire as soon as the first stanza was read by the inventions, of which we have had specimens before in the Mes-editor; and if he had gotten to the eleventh, he should have sent senger, betokening a fertility of imagination, and power of exethe MS. to the Museum as a curiosity. Look! The Bard adcution, that would, under a sustained effort, produce creations dresses the Mississippi! of an enduring character." The Petersburg Constellation copies the entire " Autography," with high commendations, and of the Duc de L'Omelette, says, "of the lighter contributions, of the diamonds which sparkle beside the more sombre gems, commend us, thou spirit of eccentricity! to our favorite, Edgar A. Poe's "Duc de L'Omelette," the best thing of the kind we ever have, or ever expect to read." These opinions seem to be uni- This is altogether too bad. Eliza's Stanzas to "Greece" are versal. In justice to Mr. Poe, and as an offsett to the remarks of very beautiful. She writes from Maine, and, with care and our correspondent, we extract the following notice of the Feb-cultivation, will, by and by, do something worthy of the name ruary number from the National Intelligencer. "Tis not clearness-'tis not brightness to which she makes aspiration. So much for the poetry of the number; which neither in quantity or quality is equal to the last | delightful picture. We are sorry we cannot find room for these three or four. pleasant verses. Among other attractions of the number, wo come upon a Drinking Song, by Major Noah, in which the most agreeable and witty of editors, proves himself one of the most moral and fascinating of lyrists. It is an anacreontic of the right stamp, and does its author more credit than all the anti-Van Buren articles he ever penned. In the "Editorial" department, we recognise the powerful discrimination of Mr. Poe. The dissection of "Paul Ulric," though well deserved, is perfectly savage. Morris Mattson, Esq. will hardly write again. This article will as surely kill him as one not half so scalpingly written did poor Keats, in the London Quarterly. The notice of Lieutenant Slidell's " American in England" we were glad to see. It is a fair offset to the cox-magazine in the country. Paul Ulric is too small game for the combical article (probably written by Norman Leslie Fay) which lately appeared in the New York Mirror, in reference to our countryman's really agreeable work. Bulwer's "Rienzi" is ably reviewed, and in a style to beget in him who reads it a strong desire to possess himself immediately of the book itself. There is also an interesting notice of Matthew Carey's Autobiography, and two or three other works lately published. Under this head, there is, in the number before us, the best sketch of the character and life of Chief Justice Marshall we have as yet seen. This alone would make a volume of the Messenger valuable beyond the terms of subscription. It purports to be a Review of Story's, Binney's, and Snowden's Eulogies upon that distinguished jurist, while, in reality, it is a rich and pregnant Biography of "The Expounder of the Constitution." The number closes with a most amusing paper containing twenty-five admirably executed fac simile autographs of some of the most distinguished of our literati. The equivoque of Mr. Joseph A. B. C. D. E. F. G. &c. Miller is admirably kept up, and the whimsical character of the pretended letters to which the signatures are attached is well preserved. Of almost all the autographs we can speak on our own authority, and are able to pronounce them capital. Upon the whole, the number before us (entirely original) may be set down as one of the very best that has yet been issued. The Critical Notices are better by far, than those in any other tremendous demolition he has received- a club of iron has been used to smash a fly. The article on Judge Marshall is an able and faithful epitome of that great jurist's character; in fact, the best which the press has yet given to the public. We agree with all the other critiques except that of Bulwer's Rienzi. The most extraordinary article in the book and the one which will excite most attention, is its tail piece, in which an American edition of Frazer's celebrated Miller hoax has been played off on the American Literati with great success-and better than all, an accurate fac simile of each autograph given along with it. This article is extremely amusing, and will excite more attention than probably any thing of the kind yet published in an American periodical. It is quite new in this part of the world. We commend this excellent magazine to our readers, as in a high degree deserving of encouragement, and as one which will reward it. From the Baltimore American. The Southern Literary Messenger for February is, we think, the best of the fifteen numbers that have been published. Most of its articles, prose and verse, are of good Magazine quality, sprightly and diversified. The first, on "Selection in Reading," contains in a brief space a useful lesson in these bookabounding times, when many people take whatever publishers please to give them, or surrender their right of selection to the self-complacent and shallow editors of cheap "Libraries." Of the interesting "Sketches of the History and present condition of Tripoli, with some account of the other Barbary States," we have here No. 10, which concludes with the preparations of the attack on Algiers by the French in 1830. "The Cousin of the Married" and the "Cousin of the Dead" are two capital comic pictures from the French. "The Duc de L'Omelette, by Edgar A. Poe" is one of those light, spirited, fantastic inventions, of which we have had specimens before in the Messenger, betokening a fertility of imagination and power of execution, that with discipline could, under a sustained effort, produce creations of an enduring character. "Rustic Courtship in New England" is of a class that should not get higher than the first page of a temporaries,"-for it has no literary capabilities. We have taken time to go through the last number of the Southern Literary Messenger, and find it, with some slight ex-country newspaper,-we mean no disrespect to any of our "coceptions, in the articles of its correspondents, worthy, in every respect, of the high reputation of the series. The editorial artícles are vigorous and original, as usual, and there are papers not easily to be surpassed in any periodical. Such a one is that on the Classics, which is not the saccy and flippant thing we were half afraid to find it, but an essay of great wisdom, learning, and strength,--and what we generally see combined with it,--playfulness of mind. Another such article is the splendid address prepared by Professor Dew, for delivery before the Historical and Philosophical Society of Virginia. Its eloquence, vast compass, and subtlety of thought, will amply and richly repay the attention. We have time to-day for but a brief notice of the other articles. Sketches of the Barbary States,--continues the description of the French conquest, with the same clearness and ability which we have before frequently commended. "Epimanes" displays a rich, but extravagant fancy. "To Helen," is pretty and classic, from the same hand--we will give it in our next. "Change" has many lines in it, of sweet, and what we like best, of thoughtful poetry; we will publish it in our next. The best and also the largest portion of the present number of the Messenger is the department of critical notices of books. These are the work of a vigorous, sportive, keen pen, that, whether you approve the judgments or not it records, takes captive your attention by the spirit with which it moves. The number ends with the amusing Miller correspondence, of which we have already spoken. From the Petersburg Constellation. "Manual Labor Schools."--Another "address," but practica! and sensible. We suggest, with deference, to the very able editor of the Southern Literary Messenger, that the less frequently he admits articles of this description into his columns, the better. Except in rare circumstances, such for example as Professor Dew's, we think they are unfit for a magazine,--the subject of the present one, is, however, of great importance. "Geor-spirit of eccentricity! forever and a day to our favorite Edgar gia Scenes" makes a capital article, and has excited, in our mind, a great curiosity to see the book. From the Georgetown Metropolitan. The Southern Literary Messenger, for the present month, is unusually rich. The articles evince depth, talent and taste, and there is all the eastern vigor and maturity of learning, with all the southern spirit of imagination. It is, in fact, nobly edited and supported, well worthy of being considered the representative and organ of Southern talent. We briefly announced a few days ago, the receipt of the February number of the Southern Literary Messenger. It is one of the richest and raciest numbers of that Journal yet issued from the Press. The judicious introductory article on the necessity of select reading; the continuation of the Historical sketches of the Barbary States; Palæstine; the Biographical notice of the late Professor Cushing of Hampden Sidney College; the Review of the Eulogies on, and Reminiscenses of the late Chief Justice Marshall, are among the solid treasures of the Messenger of this month. Sketches of Lake Superior in a series of Letters which are" to be continued;" the Cousin of the Married and the Cousin of the Dead, a translation from the French; Lionel Granby, Chapter 8; the Castle Builder turned Farmer, and Rustic Courtship in New England, have each their beauties, excellences and peculiarities. Of the lighter contributions, of the diamonds which sparkle beside the more sombre gems, commend us, thou A. Poe's Duc de L'Omelette--the best thing of the kind we ever have or ever expect to read. The idea of "dying of an Ortolan; the waking up in the palace of Pluto; of that mysteri ous chain of "blood red metal" hung "parmi les nues," at the nether extremity of which was attached a "cresset," pouring forth a light more "intense, still and terrible" than ever worshipped, Gheber imagined, or Mussulman dreamed of;" the paintings and statuary of that mysterious hall, whose solitary uncurtained window looked upon blazing Tartarus, and whose ceiling was lost in a mass of "fiery-colored clouds ;" the nonchalance of the Duc in challenging "His Majesty" to a pass with the points; his imperturbable, self-confident assurance durcard while his Infernal Highness "took wine" (atrick which won the Duc his game by the by,) and finally his characteristic compliment to the Deity of the Place of" que s'il n'etait pas de L'Omelette, il n'aurait point d'objection d'etre le Diable," are conceptions which for peculiar eccentricity and graphic quaintness, are perfectly inimitable. Of the criticisms, the most are good; that on Mr. Morris Mattson's novel of "Paul Ulric," like a former criticism from the same pen on Fay's "Norman Leslie" is a literal" flaying alive!" a carving up into "ten thousand atoms!" a complete literary annihilation! If Mr. Morris Matt Persia Of the articles in the present number, the general list as may be seen by looking at the advertisement in another column, ising the playing of a game of ecarté; his adroitness in slipping a very attractive, and a perusal will not "unbeseem the promise." We have not time to go over each as we would wish; but the historical sketch of Algiers, which is brought down to the embarkation of the French expedition, will command attention. "A Lay of Ruin," by Miss Draper, has some lines of exquisite poetry, and Edgar A. Poe's Sketch "The Duc de L'Omelette," is the best thing of the kind we have seen from him yet. "Living Alone" by Timothy Flint, greatly interested us. That this pa triarch of American literature, in his green and fresh old age, can write verses so full of the amaranthine vigor of youth, is a son is either courageous or wise, he will turn upon his merciless assailant as Byron turned upon Jeffrey, and prove that he can not only do better things, but that he deserves more lenient usage! Last but not by far the least in interest, is Mr. Joseph A. Q. Z. Miller's "Autography." We copy the whole article as a literary treat which we should wrong their tastes did we suppose for a moment would not be as highly appreciated by each and all of our readers, as it is by ourself." From the Baltimore Chronicle. to perceive, that in our new and promising race of literary monthlies, education receives a large share of attention. The paper before us in the Messenger, prepared by the Rev. Mr. Stanton, is peculiarly interesting, because it embodies a quantity of experience of the results produced by manual laborresults, which though derived from comparatively few sources, the number of institutions where the system has been introduced being as yet small--are of the most emphatic and convincing character. They already suffice to prove that the connexion of manual labor establishments with literary institutions, is conducive not only in the highest degree to health, but to morals, and to intellectual proficiency. Moreover--and this is a point of incalculable importance--in some of these institutions, a majority of the students have by their labor diminished their expenses about one half; a portion of them have defrayed the whole of their expenses, and a few have more than defrayed them-enjoying at the same time better health, and making more rapid advances well as superintendents, is adduced to prove the beneficial effects upon body and mind, of three hours agricultural or mechanical labor every day. One of these effects is described in the following language."This system is calculated to make men hardy, enterprising, and independent; and to wake up within them a spirit perseveringly to do, and endure, and dare.” The Southern Literary Messenger. The last number of this periodical is, perhaps the best that has appeared, and shows that the favor with which its predecessors have been received has only added stimulus to the exertions of its enterprising proprie. tor and very able Editor. The number consists of 70 pages, all of which are taken up with original matter. The prose articles are generally of high merit--but the poetry of the present numin knowledge than usual. The distinct testimony of the pupils as ber is inferior to that of some of the preceding. The critical notices are written in a nervous style and with great impartiality and independence. The Editor seems to have borne in mind the maxim of the greatest of reviewers--"the judge is condemned when the guilty is acquitted." The application of this severe rule to all criticism would impart greater value to just commendation and render the censure of the press more formidable to brainless pretenders. The public judgment is constantly deluded and misled by indiscriminate putting and unmerited praise. The present Editor of the Messenger is in no danger of doing violence to his feelings in this respect. From the Boston Mercantile Journal. From the New Yorker. The Southern Literary Messenger.--The February No. of this periodical is before us--rich in typographical beauty as ever, but scarcely so fortunate as in some former instances in the character of its original contributions. Such at least is our judgment; and yet of some twenty articles the greater number will be perusThe Southern Literary Messenger.-This is a periodical which ed with decided satisfaction. Of these, No. X. of the "Sketches it is probably well known to many of our readers, was established of the History of Tripoli " and other Barbary States, affords an a little more than a year since, in Richmond, Va. It is issued interesting account of the series of outrages on the part of the in monthly numbers of about seventy pages each, and is devoted Algerine Regency which provoked the entire overthrow of that to every department of Literature and the Fine Arts. Contain-infamous banditti and the subjugation of the country. [We take ing much matter of a brilliant and superior order, evidently the occasion to say here that we trust France will never restore the productions of accomplished scholars and Belles Lettres wri- Algerine territory to the sway of the barbarian and infidel, but ters, with able and discriminating critical notices of the principal hold it at the expense, if need be, of a Continental War.] publications on this side the Atlantic, the Southern Literary "The Cousin of the Married and the Cousin of the Dead" is a Messenger is equal in interest and excellence to any Monthly most striking translation, which we propose to copy. Periodical in the country, and we are glad to learn from the Feb- "Living Alone," by Timothy Flint, forms an exception to the ruary number that it has already received extensive and solid usual character of the poetry of the Messenger, which we do patronage. not greatly affect. Mr. Flint, however, writes to be read--and is rarely disappointed or disappoints his readers. From the Norfolk Beacon. There are some amusing pictures of Virginia rural life and domestic economy in the papers entitled "Lionel Granby" and "Castellanus ;" and the biographical sketch of the late Presi dent Cushing, of Hampden Sidney College, indicates a just State alike creditable to the writer and the Magazine. "Greece" forms the inspiration of some graceful lines. But the 'great feature' of this No. is an Editorial critique on Mr. Morris Mattson's novel of "Paul Ulric," which is tomahawked and scalped after the manner of a Winnebago. If any young gentleman shall find himself irresistibly impelled to perpetrate a novel, and all milder remedies prove unavailing, we earnestly advise him to read this criticism. We are not sufficiently hard hearted to recommend its perusal to any one else. The Southern Literary Messenger for February appears in all its freshness. The sketches of the history of the Barbary States contained in the present number include the period of the equip-pride properly directed. The "Sketches of Lake Superior" are ment and departure of the French fleet destined for the attack on Algiers. The account of the diplomatic movements of England and France on the subject of the proposed capture is novel and instructive. The tribute to the memory of Cushing we hail with pleasure. If it be not a faultless production, it is written in a right spirit. The review of Paul Ulric is written with great freedom and unusual severity. The reviewegwields a formidable weapon. The article on Judge Marshall ps within a small compass pass much valuable and interesting intelligence respecting the late Chief Justice. It is not executed, however in a workmanlike manner. The ungenerous allusion to Chapman Johnson was wholly gratuitous. There is also a seasoning of federal polities, not referring to long past times, that ought to have been spared us. But the article on Autography is a treat of no comnion order. We have seen nothing of the kind before in an American periodical. It must have cost Mr. White a great deal of labor and expense in its typographical execution. What has become of the excellent series of essays on the sexes, ascribed to the pen of a distinguished professor of Wm. & Mary? From the Baltimore American. The publication of the Southern Literary Messenger, for March, was delayed beyond the usual time, for the purpose of inserting in it an Address by Professor Dew, of Wm. and Mary College, prepared to be delivered before the Virginia Historical and Philosophical Society. The first copy sent to us having miscarried, we have been further disappointed in the receipt of this number, which has just now reached us. As yet we have read but one article in it, but that is one of such merit on so interesting a subject, that it were nearly sufficient alone to give value to the number, without the aid of Mr. Dew's Address, to which we shall hereafter refer, doubting not to find it of high excellence, as his reputation leads us to anticipate. The article to which we allude is on Manual Labor Schools, and their importance as connected with literary institutions." The introduction of manual labor as a regular department of the school exercises is, we believe, one of the greatest improvements of the age, in the most important branch of human endeavor the culture of man. We make no apology for frequently recurring to this subject. As reasonable would it be to expect apologies from the municipal authorities for directing their efforts daily, and with unrelaxed watchfulness, to the keeping pure and healthy the atmosphere of a city. The culture or education of human beings is a subject of unsurpassed moment and of never ceasing interest. The principles upon which this culture is to be conducted, and the modes of applying them, involve the well being of cominunities and nations. We are glad therefore, The concluding paper will commend itself to the attention of the rational curious. It embraces the autographs, quaintly introduced and oddly accompanied, of twenty-four of the most distinguished literary personages of our country--Mrs. Sigourney, Miss Leslie, Miss Sedgwick, Messrs. Washington Irving, Fitz Greene Halleck, Timothy Flint, J. K. Paulding, J. Fenimore Cooper, Robert Walsh, Edward Everett, J. Q. Adams, Dr. Channing, &c. &c. We note this as an evidence of the energy no less than the good taste of the publisher, and as an earnest of his determination to spare no pains or expense in rendering the work acceptable to its patrons. From the New York Evening Star. The Southern Literary Messenger, for March, has been received, and a particularly good number it is. There is one point in which this Messenger stands pre-eminent, and that point is candor. If there is any thing disgusting and sickening, it is the fashion of magazine and newspaper reviewers of the present day of plastering every thing which is heralded into existence with a tremendous sound of trumpets--applaud every thing written by the twenty-fifth relation distant of a really great writer, or the author of one or two passable snatches of poetry, or every day sketches. From the Natchez Courier. Last but not least, as the friends of a literature, emphatically southern, we welcome the February number of the "Southern Literary Messenger," a work that stands second to none in the country. Its criticisms we pronounce to be at once the boldest and most generally correct of any we meet with. True, it is very severe on many of the current publications of the day; but we think no unprejudiced man can say it is a whit too much so. The country is deluged from Maine to Louisiana, with a mass of stuff done up" into books that require the most severe handling. The Messenger gires it to them. It is a work which ought to be in the hand of every literary southerner, in particular. It is published by T. W. White Richmond, Va. SUPPLEMENT CONTINUED. From the Baltimore American. From the American Sentinel. The Southern Literary Messenger.-We have read with great pleasure the March number of this excellent and popular periodical. It is replete with sterling articles which will be perused years hence with the same profit as to-day. The Sketches of the History of Tripoli and other Barbary powers, are continued, and present the American reader with the fullest and most graphic acWith much pleasure we redeem our promise to recur count of the capture of Algiers, by the French, ever to Professor Dew's Address, in the March number of published in this country. The author of the 'Essay the Southern Literary Messenger, on the "Influence of on the Classics,' writes con amore, and seems fully imthe Federative Republican system of Government upon bued with the spirit of those authors whom he recomLiterature and the Development of Character." It is amends to our study. Is he not in error in saying that pregnant theme, handled with ability. Mr. Dew ranges by 'natural philosophy' we comprehend physics and freely and with a clear practised eye over the entire field of history. His illustrations are copious and pertinent. His views strike us as sound, well founded and well supported. morals. Those who are interested in the cause of education should read the Rev. Mr. Stanton's Address on the importance of the Manual Labor School System. No unprejudiced mind can avoid being convinced of the He first discusses ably the opinion, that the patronage importance, nay absolute necessity of uniting physical of a king, court, and nobility are necessary to the sup with mental and moral education. Judge Tucker's Inauport of literature. In the outset he makes a declaration gural Address will be read with pleasure. He pays a as just as it is important,-namely, that of the several handsome compliment to the memory of his predecessor motives which operate on the literary man, love of fame, in the Virginia Historical and Philosophical Society, and the desire to be useful, and the love of money, the first points out in an able manner the field the society has to exerts an infinitely more powerful influence than the occupy. Mr. Maxwell's speech before the same Society, last. He afterwards shows that not only is the stimulus of on moving a vote of regret for the decease of the Chief pecuniary gain as strongly administered to the literary Justice, is worthy of the orator and of his subject. It man under our political system as under the monarchi- is a chaste and beautiful specimen of eulogy. Professor cal, but that the stimulus as well as the others, espe- Dew's Address on the influence of the Federative Recially the love of fame, will hereafter operate more ener- publican System of Government upon Literature and getically than they have heretofore done in any part of the Development of Character,' is the longest article the world. Such he clearly demonstrates will be the in the number, but not greater in length than in exceleffect of the republican form of government, acting upon lence. It will repay an attentive perusal. Let us hope an intelligent aspiring people, whose innate resources that those good effects which the Professor anticipates the rivalry among many and separate States will further from our system, may all be realized. The poetry in tend to develope. the present number is peculiarly good, much better than He dwells with suitable emphasis upon the contrast the common run of Magazine verses. "The Patriarch's between the influence of the monarchical and republican Inheritance,' attributed to the Rev. Mr. Stockton of forms, as to its diffusiveness. In a federative republic Washington, has been extensively republished and unithe stimulus given by government to thought and action versally applauded. Life, a Brief History,' is very pervades the whole nation: in a monarchy it expends pretty and very true. Less space than usual is devoted its chief force in the capital. This is strikingly exem-to critical notices. An interesting review, however, of plified in France, whose literature centres in Paris. "In Dr. Hawks' History of the Church, is to be found in such a body politic, you may have action and life, and the Reviewer's department. The present number was even greatness at the centre, whilst you have the torpor and lethargy of death itself at the extremities." delayed some time for Mr ew's Address. The April number will appear in a few days. The South can surely sustain with pen and purse, a periodical, and the Messenger is fully worthy of their support. From the Columbia Telescope. Among the attractions of the March No. of the (Richmond) Literary Messenger, it contains, besides its usual abundance of interesting matter, the late Address of Professor Dew "On the influence of the Federative Republican system of Government upon Literature and Mr. Dew introduces a statistical estimate of the future condition of this country as to wealth and numbers with this remark:-"supposing our system to continue as perfect in practice as it undoubtedly is in theory." The perfection of a theory consists in its practicability. In proportion as it is practicable is it excellent, and therefore a theory which should cease to be good in practice would thereby be proved to be bad as a theory. We make this comment for the purpose of drawing attention to a common error as to what a theory properly is,-an the Development of Character." The performance has all error which associates with the term theory the idea of something opposed to and adverse to practice; whereas the two are in reality, intimately united, mutually dependent one on the other, and forever seeking closer harmony. With some of Professor Dew's opinions towards the conclusion of this Address we do not concur. The whole however is written with ability and care, and should have a wide circulation. the characteristic merit which marks whatever Mr. Dew attempts-great clearness and preciseness of thought, excellent and able views developed with great force and happiness, and a style admirably simple and unaffected -the fittest possible vehicle for discussions of that sort in which Professor Dew has already so much distinguished himself. The Messenger contains also a good article on the study of the Classical tongues. ADVERTISEMENT. There being a report, in New York and elsewhere, that Mr. Simms, Author of the Partisan, is the Editor of the Messenger, I take this method of stating that such is not the fact. T. W. WHITE. |