The Portsmouth Inquirer

English, vs. American Literature.

We have noticed lately, that many of the American prints have expressed in very strong terms, their disapprobation of the course of certain publishers who have re-printed British periodicals and standard works. They argue that such re-prints bring American Magazines into disrepute, kill them off and starve American authors. Now this is a tacit acknowledgment that the productions of American authors will not compare favorably with those of foreign authors, and it will be so taken and interpreted by John Bull himself. It is unjust to our countrymen, illiberal in sentiment, and prejudicial to the American character abroad, thus to squint at the suppression of foreign literature in the United States. A Yankee is not ashamed of his country, nor his countrymen; nor, is he afraid of competition, but rather invites it. This is our character abroad, and it is true. The foreign reviews, in whose pages may be found productions from the pens of the most celebrated English writers, have been published in this country for several years; yet there has never been a period when American Magazines were better patronized, and American writers better paid for their labors than at present. This fact alone assures us that ours has not suffered from being brought along side of English literature—indeed, such being the case, it but affords a stimulant to American enterprise and talent, which the sooner manifest themselves from having incentives. The noise, therefore, which is made by certain publishers, has its origin in pure selfishness, and is not calculated to raise the character of American authors at home, or abroad : but, on the contrary, will injure it. This, however, does not seem to be so understood by a certain class of newspapers.