M. M. Robinson, Esq. editor of the Compiler, has issued the first or
specimen number of a new periodical to be published weekly in this
city, with the title of the "LITERARY JOURNAL." Its contents will
consist of _selections_ from the mass of contemporary literature,
American and foreign. We should rejoice in Mr. Robinson's success, even
if his paper was likely to conflict with the interests of the
"Messenger." In truth however, the two periodicals ought to flourish
together, and be mutually beneficial. Whilst the "Journal" will be
filled _exclusively_ with _selected_ matter, the "Messenger" will
_chiefly_, though not entirely, consist of _original_ articles. The
_former_ will improve the taste and enrich the mind of the reader, by
culling from inexhaustible sources whatever may contribute to his
gratification and amusement; whilst the _latter_ will furnish the means
of exercising the talents of _our own writers_--of imbodying our own
conceptions, and reducing to _practical use_, the knowledge which we
acquire. Whilst in order to write well, much reading is absolutely
necessary, so all the reading in the world will avail but little,
unless the free and familiar use of the pen is also obtained. We
certainly never shall become a literary people unless we learn to use
the treasures we accumulate from books; no more than the theory of
military tactics will ever make an accomplished soldier in his
closet--or the study of jurisprudence constitute a lawyer of one who
never appears at the bar.
The first number of the "Journal" is filled with reviews of foreign
publications, and other articles, which appear to have been judiciously
selected. We take the liberty of making one suggestion however, and
that is, that the source from which each article is derived ought to be
designated. If the name of the writer cannot be given, that of the
Quarterly or Monthly from which it is extracted, ought by all means to
be furnished. It would moreover be doubtless gratifying to the reader
to understand whether he is indebted to an American or British author
for the pleasure he receives.
Mr. Robinson will, it is hoped, be successful in his enterprise.