1884
Conducted by F. Weber Benton
The Legion Monthly Magazine, beyond containing a department devoted to the interests of the Legion of Honor, was purely literary. It was illustrated and contained forty-eight pages of reading matter…Seven numbers of The Legion appeared in 1884.
(From the Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri by Alexander N. De Menil, 1901).
“In isssuing to the reading public the Legion Monthly Magazine, we feel that we are taking a very important step, and one that, if crowned with success, and of which there are most flattering assurances, will materially advance the literary interests of St. Louis and the West. To that end, therefore, we have exercised great care in every detail, and especially regarding the merits of the literature and the style and quality of typography. With all our pains, however, past experience teaches us that anything like perfection is impossible in the initial number of any new publication, and in consideration of which we ask the indulgence of the public for any deficiencies or imperfections that may occur in this number. We trust to be fully systematized by next month and unnecessary for us to ask further leniency. It is not our intention to make any promises of any great things we expect to do or attempt, but offer this volume as a specimen of the others to follow; if we are enabled to improve upon it we shall be giving something better than expected; if not then we will at least keep our faith with the public by sustaining the present standard of our venture. We will say, however, that it is our aim and desire to excel, and feel confident that with our facilities and resources that we shall be permitted to make a faithful attempt. The magazine differs from other literary publications, inasmuch as it is not devoted entirely to general literature: a department being reserved for the LEGION OF HONOR, of such a high literary and social standing, however, as to be fully in accord with the ideas and character of the readers of refined literature. In order that it may reach out over the land and secure many readers and a wide circulation, we have decided on an exceedingly low price of subscription and believe that the desired result will thus be obtained.”
(Legion Monthly Magazine, 1/1884)
