The Virginian

Boston has been called the "Literary Emporium of America"—and if the number of periodical works give any claim to the distinction, she deserves in some measure this compliment. She has nine daily papers—the same offices circulate also eight weekly and semi-weekly papers. She publishes one paper tri-weekly, four semi-weekly, and twenty weekly. She has three magazines, issued once a fortnight; six monthly, and one every two months. She has six quarterly publications, including the republications of the Quarterly and Edinburgh Reviews, one which appears semi-annually, and three of the class called annually—Thus she has 59 periodicals—besides the annual Reports of her various Societies; such as Peace, Prison Discipline, &c.

In another respect, she has a much better claim to this distinction. Some of her periodical papers are no better than her neighbors. Her newspapers are not more distinguished for their depth, sagacity or wit. But it is her various schools which are entitled to the highest praise. Her elementary schools and her high schools, her seminaries for the females, are warmed into life and usefulness by the munificence of the funds on which they are founded, by the constant superintendence of their trustees, and the untiring interest taken in them by the government and citizens of the town. The vicinity of Harvard College stimulates their efforts. We cannot prize too highly the attention which is paid to these institutions—for the generous maintenance, with which her opulent citizens contribute to the endowment and support of all her public establishments. This public and patriotic enterprise is worthy of praise, and worthy of imitation.

[Richmond Compiler]

Men must have public minds as well as salaries, or they will serve private ends at the public expense.