Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

The American Art Union. The progress of the Arts in this country is quite remarkable, when we take into consideration the f iut that only three quarters of a century have elap d ince its independent existence wasachieved and acknowledged— during the whole of which period it lias been absorbed in those eminently utilitarian pursuits which are unfavorable to the development ~f \rt. The formative condition of a nation is too practical for the manifestations of Genius, either in Poetry or Painting—and the wonder is not that \meriea has produced comparatively few eminent Poets- or Painters, hut that she has produced any. Every exhibition of high Art hitherto made in our land is proof of the irrepressible energy and vitality of Genius ; for nothing short of such qualities could t r iumph over the cui-bono spirit and practice of the a *e. But, while we thus contend that the past and, to a great extent, the present condition of our coun try is unfavorable to the rapid growth of the Fine Arts, we claim, nevertheless, that in spite of oppo sing influences —chief of which is the accumulative spirit that governs all classes—much, very much, has been done, and our Poets, Painters and Sculp tors, may already compete for the laurel of fame with those of the old world ! We have placed at the head of this article the name of a very important Association, whose object is to foster the Arts among us, and whose influence has already been felt to the remotest borders of our territory —not only in the diffusion of a taste for the productions of the Painter and the Sculptor, but in the establishment of kindred institutions in various parts of the land. We presume that our readers are well aware of Ihe character and objects of the “ American Art Union,” and we shall not enter into details in this notice. From a small beginning, only a few years since, it has gradually risen into a magnitude and importance, second only to those of the National Academy of Design. Its influence on the people is even greater than that of the latter, since its com munion is open to every individual who will contrib ute an insignificant annual fee—thus bringing thou sands into direct contact with works of Art and their authors —a contact which cannot fail of beneficial results to the masses. During the last year, ten thousand persons were gathered into the fellowship of this ‘ Union,’ and, with a generous fund of Fifty Thousand Dollars, the Directors gave employment to numerous Artists—thus benefitting them in a two-fold sense, and bestowing the fruits of their la bor upon the supporters of the ‘ Union.’ A nobler or more practical scheme of patronage to that class who, while they are proverbially careless of money, cannot, more than others, live without it, has never been devised; and we earnestly hope that the present year will swell the number of its mem bers to Twenty Thousand. As an inducement for hundreds and thousands to contribute at once to its funds, we will mention that one of the prizes for dis tribution at the Anniversary, in December next, is a splendid series of Allegorical Pictures, by the la mented Cole. It is called the Voyage of Life, and embraces four scenes. They were sold lor six thou sand dollars, and the ‘Union,’ finding them attain able for a sum within its means, wisely purchased them, and they will become the property of soma happy shareholder, to the amount of Five Dollars, in the Association. We need not inform our readers that this is but one prize of hundreds which will be distributed by the American Art Union. They are probably aware, too, that every subscriber receives one or two highly elaborated Engravings of a large size, fully equivalent to the amount of his annual contribu tion —thus securing to its support the aid of the sel fish, as well as of the generous patrons of the Arts. It is too late in the day, to assert the value of Art as an element of the highest species of national progress. The point is conceded by common con sent. The narrower argument, deducible from the beauty of Painting and Sculpture, and their power to soothe and charm the mind of man, is not alto gether unworthy of regard. To every one of pure tastes and informed judgment, “Painting is wel come and we may say, as the Poet in 1 imon did, “It tutors nature; artificial strife Lives in these touches, livelier than life.” But we are digressing from our immediate pur pose, which is to claim for the American Art Union 1 the cordial cooperation of the lovers of Art in the South. We hope that the day is not distant when the South, so fertile in themes for the pencil, trill no longer be barren in its productions, hut will have her Artists and her “ Art Union ” also. Not that we would make Art or Literature, sectional — but that we of the South may assert our right to be represented in the realm —we ought rather to say the Republic—of Genius, and secure to ourselves a share in the pleasures and profits resulting from the successful cultivation of the fine Arts. The people of the South have both the means and the leisure for indulgence in matters of Art, and it has too long been a reproach to us that we not only derive our Paintings and Statuary from the North §®®Tfm BR El RHTBR &R ¥ Hi &&B IT ITB • and from Europe, hut even form our conceptions of excellence in these departments by the standard of others. Female Seminary. No more judicious or needful movement has been made in our town than that announced in our ad vertising columns this week —and we congratulate the community that at length measures have been adopted to establish a Seminary for Young Ladies with accommodations corresponding to its character. The want of a respectable edifice, in a pleasant po sition, has been an insurmountable obstacle to past efforts to sustain a female school of high order. We have wondered at the apathy of our citizens on this subject—and the more so that sueli an institution is more needed here than at almost any other point in the South. Os Mr. Magill’s qualifications to preside ove ■ such a Seminary, we are so entirely satisfied as to commend, without hesitation, the enterprise to the regard and support of all who have daughters to he educated. We emphasize the word, because we mean more by it than what is generally understood; we mean trained both in mind and body for the prop er discharge of “ woman’s mission,” so important and alas! so little understood even in this age of in telligence. arfje Hitciarw ®EJorHr Literary Announcements. —The Harpers will publish immediately Macauley’s History of Eng land. from advance sheets, obtained at the cost of Five Hundred Dollars each. E. H. Butler & Cos. have issued in superb style “ The Female Poets of America,” with ten Por traits. No fewer than three elegant volumes of the American Female Poets are announced this Fall—a gratifying token surely, that the ladies of our coun try are not only beautiful but highly gifted. Thank God for them and their works, say w'e most heartily! Necrology. —The Literary World of the 14th has a brief notice of the late Dr. J . L. Martin, our Charge d’ Affaires at Home, where he died in the discharge of his diploma ic duties. Dr. Martin was a North Carolinian, and his career, though some what brief, has been marked with distinction, both as a statesman and a scholar. Until 1844, he was connected with the “ Globe” newspaper, and sub sequently was Secretary of Legation at Paris, until he went as Charge to Rome. The “ Literary World” pays a high but merited compliment to his taste and ability. ©ur ©osstj) ©olumn. Os what more fitting theme can we chat together, dear reader, than the season ! We cannot hope, it is true, to say anything new on the subject, for it has long since been exhausted by poets and prose writers, so that it may with great propriety be re garded as “ done brown !” Yet will we venture to gossip awhile of the days which Bryant calls the “ saddest of the year.” And truly do And meadows brown and sere,” speak to the heart of man in tones of sadness, as they convey to him the irresistible intimations of the speedy approach of that season in his life when its summer fruits, however scanty they are, must be garnered against the Winter of Death. It is from associations like this that Autumn is called the sea son of sadness—for who among us has so improved the golden hours of Life’s bright Summer, as not to tremble when we think of its harvest. Let us not, however, pursue the theme in its saddening tenden cies, but rather contemplate it in its aspects of joy ousness. Autumn is the season of plenty. Its sym bols are golden sheafs of grain, gleaming clusters of the purple grape, vermillion-tinted apples, and all the treasures of Ceres and Pomona, which make glad the heart of man. In this view, it is the sea son of thanksgiving; and we honor the custom, which obtains in some of our sister States, of pub licly acknowledging the bounty and beneficence of that Being who appoints the seasons in their round. There is a peculiar fitness in such public acknow ledgments of the source of all good, and we should rejoice in the observanceof a great National Thanks giving at this time of the ingathering of the fruits of the earth. We know that some call in question the benefit of such public acts, on the ground that they are a matter of form, only, with thousands. Be it so ; we believe that the more formal recognition of our great Benefactor is not without its happy re sults ; for, so long as a nation, by its acts, confesses the Providence of God, it is insomuch removed from that terrible scourge of nations, as of individuals— Infidelity. “ Let all the people praise thee, oh God! let all the people praise thee !” said the royal singer; and at this, of all seasons the most fraught with His bounty, we echo tho grateful sentiment of the Psalmist, “ Let all the people praise thee!” . . . . We hope to resume, about the first of next month, the publication of *• All About, with Pen and Pencil.” We will say to our readers in the Caroliuas, that the next series will be devoted to their beautiful and romantic scenery. We have al ready three tine Engravings on hand —one of Jocas see Valley, and another of Tablo Rock, while the third is a characteristic swamp scene; all of which are in South Carolina. We hope that our friends in that State will do all in their power to extend our circulation, and wo confidently anticipate large ac cessions to our list, by the time this series is com menced We intended to have directed the attention of our readers, three weeks ago, to the ad vertisement, on our last page, of the “American Art Union,” by its Honorary Secretary, 11. \V. Fargo, Esq., of Augusta; to whom all subscribers, and those wishing to avail themselves of the benefits of the * Union,’ should pay their fees as soon as pos sible ; for we are advised that subscriptions will not be received, as heretofore, up to the time of the dis tribution. A few weeks bonce, it will be too late to secure a share in the Engravings of the currentyear, and a chance for the “Voyage of Life,” and other splendid pictures The pretty little story on the previous page is from a charming volume en titled, “Household Tales and Traditions” We arc indebted to the publishers of IVhele, ’s Monthly Journal for tho use of tho wood-cut which illustrates it A friend of our’s once told us an amu sing anecdote, which we may call—A new way to spell Potatoes. A wag asked an acquaintance of his if he could spell Potatoes. On being answered by an orthography entirely orthodox, the question er rejoined, “That may do very well; but I can shew you how to spell potatoes with only one letter!” Upon being challenged to the proof, the wag hand ed his friend a slate and told him to write an o.— This was done, and by direction a second o was writ ten. Then a third, and a fourth, a fifth, and asixth. Having added still another, making seven, the wri ter demurred, exclaiming, “ I have already put down seven o’s, and defy you to prove your point.” “Softly,” said the wag, “softly! You say you have put seven o’s on your slate; now put eight o’s will you!” “ Potatoes !by St. Patrick!” exclaim ed the victim, as he added the final o! Notices to Correspondents. Bayard. —Your letters Nos. 11l and IV are on file for insertion. The former was intended for this issue, but the Printer could not make it “availa ble.” We wish you “ much joy” by the way, and regret that we were not . Alton —Will pardon us, we arc sure, for delaying his last favor under the pressure of circumstances. It shall soon appear. J. A. S. —We feel assured that the fair lady to whom your rather pretty verses are inscribed, would be pleased with them: but that they possess suffi cient general interest to claim a place in the “ Ga zette,” we doubt. Bear in mind, we pray you, that we reluctantly reject quires of tolerable verse, be cause we dare not open the door for its admission, lest we should be overwhelmed by a flood of rhyme, and so come to an untimely death. James. — We did not include an extra copy of the “Gazette” in either of the Premiums offered for clubs, but we will make the addition now to the two last propositions. Ella. —We know it is ungallant to say “ no” to a lady in Leap Year, but what can we do else ! A Constant Reader. —We respect “ a constant reader,” especially if he is a paying one, but we cannot help saying in reply to his objection, that we “don’t tell enough funny stories,” that we would gladly publish more if a proper regard to the variety of our subjects would authorize it. We think our pages are generally pretty well seasoned with humor. Query.—ln reply, we beg leave to say, that while we have required only the first of the prize articles to be Southern in its character, the preference will be given—other things being equal —to Southern subjects, in adjudging all the prizes. We are ear nestly desirous of developing the intellectual powers and resources of the South. Samivel. —The other poem shall have place in due time. ©ut 3300 k Gallic, THE ANNUALS FOR 1849. The Gem of the Season. Quarto, New York: Leavitt, Trow & Cos. Our vocabulary of praise will certainly be well nigh exhausted this week —for some of the most beautiful gift-books that will grace the season, are through the courtesy of the publishers, lying on our table. Os these, we must rank first the superb vol ume fitly named—“ The Gem of the Season.” Its exterior of green and gold is splendid, and gives promise of riches of Art and Literature within. — Nor is the promise a vain one —for twenty large and highly finished engravings on steel, and thirty-three articles in prose and verse constitute its treasures. All of the plates are beautiful specimens of Art — and some of them of the most exquisite character. Among these we may mention —Chapman’s picture of Washington’s Birth-place—engraved by Smittie. “ Sugaring off” —a life-scene of much variety and merit. Huntington’s “ Washington crossing the Delaware”—and the “Glee Maiden,” painted by Lander. Uiere are also three fine inezzo-tint pic tures of the Mexican wnr. Os the Literary portion of tho volume we may safely say, that it is worthy of its accompaniments. Among the authors aro Miss Sedgwick, Mrs. Childs, Mrs. Sigourney, Fanney Forester, Mrs. Butler, John Inman, and many others —not forgetting the gallant Maj. General Butler. Fortunate indeed will that fair maiden be, to whom this superb volume may come as a Christmas gift; for if there is anything handsomer in the shape of an American annual for 1849, wc Lave yet to sec it. The Snow-Flake —Philadelphia: E. IJ. Butler k Cos. The title of this volume is indicative of purity and freshness —and an examination of it warrants us in saying that it is no misnomer. It belongs to a less expensive class of annuaries than the “Gem of the Season, ‘’ and is far more modest in its pretensions ; but as the purses of many people are not so large as their hearts, they will be obliged to choose from the less costly gifts. To such, then, we recommend “ The Snow Flake.” Keep its beautiful name in your recollection, reader, and let it be your accept able offering to a loved sister, or pretty cousin, or a lovely maiden dearer still! It contains nine beauti ful mezzotints, and a presentation page gorgeous with crimson and gold. Tho articles are quite numerous and of great va riety, illustrating scenes in every quarter of the globe; and the book will possess a value long after the date upon its title page has grown old. It is tastefully bound in embossed morocco, and the letter press is very handsome. The Christian Keepsake and Missionary Jour nal. Philadelphia: E. H. Butler & Cos. This is a beautiful religious offering, as its name I imports—containing several fine mezzotint engra vings, and a variety of choice articles from well known pens. There are three beautiful companion pictures and articles, entitled Faith, Hope and Charity— an exquisite Scene on the Delaware, and a graphic picture called “ The Last Penny.” As presents are most prized that have an inherent value independently of the attractions of morocco and gold, this souvenir has a high claim on the popular re gard. It inculcates beautiful truths in a guise not less beautiful. Elegant without and excellent with in, “ The Christian Keepsake” is a token that it would be an honor either to give or to receive. Christmas Blossoms and New Year’s Wreath. Philadelphia : E. H. Butler k Cos. The gift books designed for the young are too generally made up of inferior material —destitute of any merit. Not so, however, with the charming little volume under notice. It is so veiy beautiful, that were we twenty years younger than we are, our mouth would water for it of a certainty. It is a dainty book, of faultless typography and beautiful paper, containing six of the prettiest, most child like and winning pictures we have ever seen, the names of which are so well chosen, that we present them in their order. They are, 1. Going to School ; 2. The Pet Kitten ;3. The Youngest; 4. The Wood en Pail; 5. Fidelle; and 6. Ellen—a darling of four or five summers, kneeling in a chair, and looking the very picture of innocence and loveliness Our little readers must beg papa or mamma, un cle or aunt, brother or sister, to give them “ Christ mas Blossoms,” instead of those frail toys, or still more perishable bonbons, which vanish with the season. Life of Roger Williams— Founder of the State of Rhode Island. By William Gammei.l A. M. One vol. 12ino pp. —Boston: Gould, Kendall k Lincoln. Roger Williams has been justly styled “The A postle of Religious Liberty,” and his life is au illus trious example of devotion to this truth, and of in flexible adherence to Christian principle. His his tory is an eventful one, not only individually consid ered, but more particularly in connection with the gradual but irresistible development of the great principle, freedom of conscience. Prof. Gammell has given the world a delightful memoir of a truly great and good man. He has not eulogized the sub ject of his biography, for his failings as well as bis excellencies are candidly exhibited—yet the reader is compelled to acknowledge that such characters are as exalted as they are rare. The memory of Roger Williams will be coeval with the existence of that religious tolerance to establish which be endur ed so much. The Seven Capital Sins. Envy, or Frederick Bastien. By Eugene Sue. .New \ork: Bur gess & Stringer. The admirers of the great French Novelist will eagerly devour this second of the series entitled a above. We cannot conscientiously eotnniend it to the perusal of our readers, detesting as we do the immoral tone which pervades its author’s works. 191