From the United States Gazette.
Southern Literary Messenger.—Backward, like every thing else this spring, the April number of this periodical made its appearance in the first week in May. It is a good number, and though the reader may think the variety of its articles not so great as in some of the preceding, it contains many interesting papers. The first consists of “MSS. of Benjamin Franklin,” comprising a Lecture upon Providence, never before published, and two humorous letters in the manner of those in the Spectator, published originally a hundred years ago in the Pennsylvania Gazette, and now republished from the original manuscripts. The article upon Maelzel's Automaton Chess Player is the most successful attempt we have seen to explain the modus operandi of that wonderful production. The writer advances a multitude of reasons to sustain his position, that a human being is concealed in the box and figure, and might be considered to have achieved complete success, were it not that an objection at once suggests itself. Could any human being have played so often and so long without once betraying himself by a sneeze and a cough? The “March Court” is a racy sketch, and the writer brings before us the justices, jurors, counsellors, clients, planters, pettifoggers, constables, cake women, candidate and jackass, as large as life, to say nothing of the sheriff running down a man who endeavors to escape, not punishment for some offence of his own, but the honor of sitting on the jury to decide upon the guilt of others. Nothing of the kind can be better than the anecdote in this piece, of the suppression of the British authorities by the report from the British cannon during the last war. The dramatic sketch entitled “The Death of Robespierre,” is much to our taste. The incidents are well told, the language is poetical, and the versification smooth and harmonious. It is to be hoped that the readers of the Messenger will hear again from this author. The Essay on “Woman” is, we conclude from the signature, from a female hand, and contains just views upon a subject long neglected, but now beginning to attract a proper share of attention—Female Education. The present number is smaller than usual, its predecessor having exceeded the standard, to admit Professor Dew's Address. The subscription list continues steadily to increase, and includes the names of several Philadelphians. The citizens of Richmond appear determined to give it a liberal support, and testify their opinion of its excellence in the most substantial manner.
From the Methodist Conference Sentinel.
Southern Literary Messenger.—We are indebted to the politeness of the publisher for the May number of this periodical. We have looked over some of its articles with pleasure. Among others “Odds and Ends,” “German Literature,” and “American Social Elevation” are well worthy of an attentive perusal. The character of this monthly “Messenger” is, in the general, unexceptionable, and it will, beyond question, exert a powerful, and, we trust a purifying, influence upon Southern literature. “The Hall of Incholese” is not only a failure in that department of literature with which it claims affinity; but it certainly possesses a character that can reflect but little credit upon the heretofore well established reputation of the “Messenger.” It seems neither fit to “point a moral, nor adorn a tale.” If the author has any desire for distinction in that particular line of writing, it will be necessary for him to form a more extensive acquaintance with “the little figure in black” before he can even hope for success. It would be better however to withdraw from the association altogether. In objecting to this article, we cannot be understood to object to the work in which it is found. The “Editorial Notices” are, to us, the most interesting part of the periodical. We turn to them with pleasure, in anticipation of an intellectual feast, and we are never disappointed. Though we sometimes differ with the editor in matters of taste and opinion, yet we find satisfaction in following the ever flowing stream of thought along which he leads his readers. We bid it welcome to our desk, and heartily wish it success.
From the Petersburg Constellation.
Southern Literary Messenger, for June.—Our best thanks are due to the attentive proprietor for his prompt attention in forwarding the Messenger. As usual, it contains many pleasing articles: the MSS. of Franklin are literary curiosities. An excellent moral tale, entitled “Losing and Winning,” adorns the number. Our present limits will not permit more than these cursory remarks, but if enterprise and talent are any guaranty for success, Mr. White need feel no alarm for the ultimate success of his efforts in favor of Southern Literature. Let the New York Mirror snarl if it will; there are papers in each Messenger which will outlive all the Norman Leslie “Pencillings by the Way,” and “Wearies my Love of my Letters?” of its erudite editors. Kennel a stag-hound with a cur, and the latter will yelp in very fear.