Deeply lamenting this unjustifiable state of public feeling, it
has been our constant endeavor, since assuming the Editorial duties of
this Journal, to stem, with what little abilities we possess, a
current so disastrously undermining the health and prosperity of our
literature.
We have seen our efforts applauded by men whose applauses we
value. From all quarters we have received abundant private as well
as public testimonials in favor of our Critical Notices, and, until
very lately, have heard from no respectable source one word
impugning their integrity or candor. In looking over, however, a
number of the New York Commercial Advertiser, we meet with the
following paragraph.
"'The last number of the Southern Literary Messenger is very
readable and respectable. The contributions to the Messenger are
much better than the original matter. The critical department of
this work- much as it would seem to boast itself of impartiality and
discernment,- is in our opinion decidedly quacky. There is in it a
great assumption of acumen, which is completely unsustained. Many a
work has been slashingly condemned therein, of which the critic
himself could not write a page, were he to die for it. This
affectation of eccentric sternness in criticism, without the power
to back one's suit withal, so far from deserving praise, as some
suppose, merits the strongest reprehension.
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