Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

TO THE PUBLIC.

THE publication of this journal has not been undertaken without the strongest assurances of co-operation and assistance from many of the most learned and distinguished members of the profession in different parts of the country, provided the plan and principles on which it is to be conducted shall meet their approbation. That it is of great importance to have such a journal published, and that it may be of extensive usefulness, seems to be too obvious to be insisted upon, and is, indeed, universally admitted. It is matter of remark and surprise, that, while we have so many political, theological, literary, medical, and other journals, we should be without even one devoted to legal science, than which no other comes more immediately 'home to men's business and bosoms.' This deficiency has been but partially and very imperfectly supplied by the leading reviews, some portions of which have been occupied with legal subjects, which have been admitted, however, not without some hesitation on the part of the conductors of the reviews, and, in some instances, to the prejudice of their popularity; since it is, in some degree, a departure from their plan, and unacceptable to many of their readers. But it is apparent that the most free admission of such articles into those journals, without, in fact, entirely changing their character, would, by no means, answer the demands of the profession, or even of that numerous class of readers who have a sufficient knowledge of the law as a liberal study, to be interested in its current topics of discussion, although they take no active part in the practice. The consequence is, that, for want of some

A

common medium of communication, the different members of the profession scattered through the country are, as far as their professional pursuits are concerned, in a manner insulated from each other.

For want of some mode of publication convenient for preservation, such as a law journal presents, many productions rich in learning and brilliant in thought, like the first article in our present number, if we may be allowed to speak of any part of our own journal in such case, are either consigned to oblivion, or, at most, reach only a limited circulation and short-lived publicity in a pamphlet form.* The loss to the profession and the community is still greater in those stifled efforts of genius which are now not put forth at all, but which are sure to be excited and called forth by an appropriate periodical work; which, by diffusing at large the knowledge that now remains in obscurity, and embodying the speculations and reflections that otherwise perish undivulged, would give to all the members of the profession the advantage of the learning and thinking of each one. Nor is such a work less called for on account of the productions which it may elicit, than by such as are already published. An increas ing tide of reports and law treatises is setting in upon the profession, only a very small part of which most of its members have the means to purchase, or the leisure to read; and yet they all find, in the course of their experience and practice, the need of such general information respecting the subjects and character of these works, as can be supplied only by a periodical journal. And the authors and publishers of reports and elementary treatises have an evident and strong interest in promoting a publication, one object of which is to direct the public attention to all those productions of the press which may deserve to be patronised and diffused. It is a cheering excitement to an author, who is devoting months and years in laborious and painful application to his work, to know that the fruits of his toil will, immediately on

* The Suffolk Bar requested a copy of Judge Story's Address for the press at the time of its delivery, which he, at that time, declined giving.

« ZurückWeiter »