CRITICISM.

Grey River Argus, Volume 21, Issue 2936, 11 January 1878, Page 2

CRITICISM.

We clip the following from an article upon newspaper criticism which appeared recently in an English paper : — " Sound and wholesome criticism is the life blood of creative genius ; and newpaper criticism is undoubtedly generally accurate and good. Upon the press are many men whose natural gifts are essentially critical, and whose range of study and mental balance enable them without fear to exercise their powers. Others there are who, to some extent, atone for the want of these qualities by the possession of strong sturdy common sense. All such men, however, are too slow to dogmatise, and are more ready to describe than to judge. Their aim is always rather to enable others to form a rational view than to cram their own conclusions down the public throat. Sparing alike in censure and in praise, they become respected in conveying either. By their means faults temperately pointed out are corrected, and merits frankly confessed are treasured and cultivated. By such men the influence of the press was built up and is preserved ; and though that influence may be overrated, and confidence in any particular journal may be misplaced, ifc is undeniably true that newspaper criticism, honestly and not immorally and contemptibly employed, is one of the most trustworthy and potent guides of the general thought of the day."