on quitting Downside 65 on the Prospect of O'Connell's imprisonment on viewing a game of Cricket at St. Gregory's 46 69 80 133 147 119 92 73 157 140 TRANSLATIONS :- 22 THE EDITOR'S ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC. It is with the greatest diffidence, that we present this, the first number of our Magazine to the Downside Public, a diffidence caused not only by the consciousness of our inability, but also by the sense of the weighty responsibility, which we have undertaken. This diffidence would have prevented our venturing our slender bark upon the stormy sea of public opinion, and individual criticism, did we not feel confident, that being engaged upon a good work, we should meet with every indulgence at the hands of that Public, whose gratification, together with our own individual improvement, constitutes, the end, for the happy attainment of which, this Magazine has been established. The re-establishment of the Magazine at St. Gregory's has long been considered a desideratum by those students, who mindful of the bright example given them by their predecessors, were anxious to follow in the same honourable track. The utility of the project was on all hands admitted; its practicability however was considered as problematical; the problem then, relying on the generosity and public spirit of Gregorians, we are determined to solve. It may be alleged that in undertaking the publication of a periodical, the students of this establishment have overrated their literary abilities; were this the case, our presumption would deserve no encouragement. We feel however tolerably innocent on this score; the Downside Magazine owes not its existence to any such vain estimate; its principal object is the improvement of those, who think proper to contribute articles to it; it puts forth no pretensions to literary excellence; in soliciting your support, it founds not its claims on the intrinsic worth of its contents, but relying upon the goodness of its cause, it boldly and with confidence demands your patronage. It may here be proper to inform our readers, that this Magazine is the property of a society, composed of such students, as make a certain fixed subscription in aid of its funds; these funds are exclusively appropriated to the expenses of printing &c. connected with the Magazine, an Editor for which, is selected by the members at their quarterly meetings. We cannot mention the Downside Literary Society, without alluding to the debt of gratitude, which every member of the society, which every person interested in the existence of the Magazine, is under to our much beloved and respected Prefect, for the warm manner in which he approved of our project and promised us his support, and also for the handsome donation, which he made in aid of our funds. We must now express our intentions with respect to the conduct of this our Magazine. It will, if possible, appear on the first of every month.-Contributions will be gratefully received from any individual, and if suitable, will be inserted in our pages.-Theology and Politics are forbidden topics.All communications are subject to our editorial veto, and we shall not consider ourselves bound to make known the reasons, which may actuate us to refuse insertion. Some of our readers no doubt prefer serious topics; others would wish to see the Magazine crammed with lighter reading; we, by steering a middle course, shall endeavour to give satisfaction to all parties. In conclusion, let us warn all those, who may feel interested in the continuation of this periodical, that though the funds already collected, may suffice for the publication of three numbers, yet for the Magazine to become firmly established, it must by its sale, cover its expenses. To effect this most desirable object, let every individual, into whose hands this periodical may come, endeavour to extend its circulation by every means that lies in his power; thus only will the ends for which the Magazine is established be obtained; thus only will the Students of St. Gregory's be able, with honest pride, to boast, that that, which was by many considered impracticable, has through their spirited and unremitted exertions been successfully achieved. THE BAND. We observe with no little satisfaction, the rapid progress which this excellent little corps is making. Most of our readers must remember the many delightful treats afforded by its performance some time back, and it will be gratifying to them to hear that although during the last few months, in consequence of the departure of some of its most efficient members, it has been "mute as Tara's harp," its strains will soon again be heard resounding with their pristine vigour through Downside's halls. Most certainly its soul of music has not fled;--its able and spirited Conductor, is we are assured, equally enthusiastic, and as much interested in its improvement at the present, as at any previous period, and it must not for a moment be supposed that the abilities of its present members are at all inferior to those of any of their predecessors, We may confidently look forward to the pleasure of many entertainments from this worthy and talented corps during the ensuing year. REVIEW. 'Little Jack Horner ' And said, what a good boy am I ! Among all the publications sent us, we are unable to select one worthy of the slightest observation on our part. When we look on the host of scribbling that has been perpetrated during the last ten years, what a world of trumpery, what a universe of trash, what an immensity of humbug, has rushed from the never failing fountain of man's brain thro' the mighty flood-gates of the press! Alas! when will this sad state of things come to an end? when again shall we have our fine old bards to sing, and fine old heroes to sing of? In fine, when again shall we have our Horners, and Giant-killers and Tom Thumbs? It is with mingled feelings of hope and anxiety that we look to the rising generation. Come, then, all ye generous youngsters, the most dirty-faced amongst you, come, and we will tell you something to gladden your magnanimous hearts,― something wherewith to take an ideal shot. Would you not rejoice to have your names" married to immortal verse" like the celebrated "little Jack Horner?" act then as bravely as he, take as noble a part, and your fame will be unextinguished -inextinguishable. Striplings shall sing your praises, and bearded men shall smile approval. But our fervency is carrying us over the borders among the roses-we must return to the proper path. |