that their aim is high, and consequently that their pretensions may be considered ambitious. For such an imputation they are, however, fully prepared. They desire to be judged by their Journal itself, rather than by professions which can but very inadequately describe their hopes and objects. They recognise to the full the serious obligations of all who, in these difficult times, seek to influence the thoughts of active and reflecting men; and they do not feel that it is a necessity of journalism, though it is too much its present character, either, on the one hand, to yield to the hasty judgment of first impressions, and to pander to ignorance and prejudice, or, on the other, to deny to public opinion its legitimate power. The mere fact that the SATURDAY REVIEW is contemplated is a sufficient proof that its conductors are scarcely satisfied with newspaper writing as it actually exists, either in its moral or in its critical aspects; but whether their periodical will prove a popular innovation on English journalism must depend on causes which they can only partially control. They appeal, however, with hope and confidence, to public support, assured that earnestness, sincerity, and independence of thought and conduct, can never plead in vain to the educated and reflective mind of this country. The proprietors of the SATURDAY REVIEW have entrusted its publication to Messrs. JOHN W. PARKER and SON, WEST STRAND, to whom Communications and Advertisements may be addressed. The First Number appeared on Saturday, November 3, 1855. Price 5d., or 6d. stamped. The conductors of the SATURDAY REVIEW decline to receive books, prints, &c., gratuitously for review. As the limits of no periodical admit of a proper notice of all new publications, the conductors will provide for themselves the works which they may select for criticism. |