have noticed it. These commendations may be valued, because they emanate from sources beyond the influence of private friendship; and therefore it is that suggestions of improvement should be, and we have no doubt will be, duly regarded by the editor and publisher. No periodical in the country has been so successful in obtaining the aid of able and distinguished writers; and quantity of matter is much greater than need be. We entirely agree with the editor of one of the prints that a choice tale in each number would add to its attraction, as something is due to the tastes of those who have neither time nor relish for the higher grades of literature. Specimens of the writing we refer to have often been given in the Messenger, but the supply may not be as abundant as needful. The hint, we are sure, is enough to prompt the effort to obtain regular contributions of this sort.
The criticisms are pithy and often highly judicious, but the editors must remember that it is almost as injudicious to obtain a character for regular cutting and slashing as for indiscriminate laudation.
Mr. Poe's Reply
To the Editor of the Compiler:
Dear Sir—In a late paragraph respecting the Southern Literary Messenger, you did injustice to that Magazine, and perhaps your words, if unanswered, may do it an injury. As any such wrong is far from your thoughts you will, of course, allow the editor of the Messenger the privilege of reply.
The reputation of a young Journal, occupying a conspicuous post in the eye of the public, should be watched by those who preside over its interests, with a jealous attention, and those interests defended when necessary and when possible. But it is not often possible. Custom debars a Magazine from answering in its own pages (except in rare cases), contemporary misrepresentations and attacks. Against these it has seldom, therefore, any means of defence
