A SONG.

Away to the land of song and flowers,
With its zephyrs soft, its silv'ry showers;

Where the moonlight shimmers,
And the starlight glimmers,

And the nightingale thrills in the perfumed bowers.

Away to the home of the eglantine,

To the citron groves, and the crimson wine;

Where the orioles call,

As the soft shadows fall,

And the night is sweet with the jessamine.

Away to the lime and magnolia trees,

To the mock-bird's haunt, and the humming bees; Where the daffodils blow,

baseness has been the scorn of honorable men of every age as far back as the student of history can search. In nearly all the tongues that men have spoken it stands as a term of reproach and weakness. In our own language a flatterer signifies the most contemptible thing in the shape of man. Flattery is one of the basest and mo-t to be despised of those parasites which may attach themselves to the human character. In fact, the flatterer is a parasite itself, a sycophant. One of the virtues of democratic institutions is to make men generally candid and independent. There is no king with whom to curry favor, no scraping courtiers to do obseqious homage or lavish venal praise upon a royal master. Men stand or fall upon their worth, and if to further personal ends they sometimes resort to schemes of one kind or another, such are indefinitely more honorable than flattery, A man of thoroughly democratic bent never flatters. He hates flattery. He detests all the brood who flatter. He may seem for a time to compromise with those who caress him with the insincere and profusive tongue, yet he is all the while treasuring up a final contempt for him. Truth is hardly possible in a flatterer. This is a hard saying, but it is a true one. Through his slavish efforts to minister to the whims and tastes of those whom he serves his nature becomes warped, and his very intellect loses its natural bent. He has no inviolable principles. He adapts himself to all the circumstances, to all the likes and dislikes of his fancied dupe, regardless of personal convictions. He smiles, he scrapes, he fawns, he acts falsely, he lies to another in the meanest way that a man can lie. Yet pity him. Admonish him kindly. Reform him, and even this ungrateful world will bless your charity.

the plans of each other, and, finding that all are bent upon the same purpose, they soon become known, one to the other, and all resolve to make the pilgrimage together.

It is soon discovered that they represent nearly every class of society, and that of their number the knight stands out most prominent Tall and stately by nature, his fine physique reveals a person possessed of the sentiments, manners and feelings of the true chivalry of England, for he was the purest type of knightly character.

His deep, penetrating eyes bespoke the actions of one inured to the hardships of classical antiquity, and sparkled with joy for victories won. His high, broad forehead, his aquiline nose, his dark and profuse hair, gave him the appearance of one of no mean intellectual requirements. His dress was scanty, being a short, plain cassock, which time and wear had caused to be "besmotred with his habergeon." Of his headgear we know nothing.

This knight from youth vowed himself to chivalry, and armed himself as did the knights of a later time, who were, as Spencer depicts them, "yclod in mighty arms and silver shields."

Chivalry was as dear to him as life itself, and it was while on such exploits that he would give expression to his inward self. To him truth and honor were two precious gems, the value of which he could not overestimate; life was not so dear to him, for without these life, to him, was not worth the living.

He ever sought to breathe the fresh air of freedom, and to obtain the right that all might enjoy it equally with him; but never did he exceed the bounds of civility in this acquisition. civility in this acquisition. He always acted with courtesy to all, and thus caused himself to be honored, a thing he never sought for, and when it was given to him, unlike other mortals, he evaded it whenever he could.

"Though thus at times honored, he was wise,
And never yet no vilanie ne sade

In all his lif, unto no manere wight."

Not only did he seek to defend those weak and molested by useless wayfarer, but also in mortal battles had he been fifteen," fighting with the zeal and courage that would add luster to the heroes of this our own time. He did not seek wars, nor did he enter battles regardless whether the cause was a just one or nt. But once he saw the right he would not leave off until something definite had been accomplished. On land or sea, it mattered not to him, if orly right demanded his aid; fearless and undaunted he would fight to the last. Yet, notwithstanding that the rights of his people could at all times receive his protection, he found opportunities to wield his sword in greater and more exalted battles than worldly troubles can give. He fought for our true faith in the list thrice, and always slain his foe," sometimes alone and sometimes with a lord, "fighting against the foes of God his word," and thus by his examples urging others of his brethren to follow him, he has left to us the record of deeds well done, and furnished us with a true knight, who "should be ever honored for his worthiness." "He was," indeed, "a veray parfit, gentil knight," whose equal we meet with but seldom. D. E. L.

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THE NIAGARA INDEX,

Niagara University P. O., N. Y.

JANUARY 1, 1900.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

NCE more the wheel of time has completed its circuit. Today it starts on its course again, and we notice a complete change, not so much in those things which impede or advance the welfare of a nation, but in the characters which mark these revolutions. We look at the calendar and no more do we notice the figures which indicated the departed year, but in their stead the flaring numbers of 1900 loom up before our gaze. We stop, and, behold! we have grown old. Yes, all grow old. Even the INDEX is getting old. Yet we revel in the fact that as Father Time is changing our auburn locks, slowly yet surely, to those of a silvery hue, we are better and wiser than former years. To our patrons and advertisers, friends and foes, if, perchance, we have any of the latter, we extend the best wishes of success. This is the happiest season of the year. We ourselves are happy, and We ourselves are happy, and we trust that all our readers are enjoying this same gift.

And why should we not rejoice? We have many advantages over former years. When we compare the college of today with that of other days the conclusion is forced upon us that we should be happy. The fettered systems of bygone times cause us to marvel when we consider the progress students then made. They stand out in grand contrast to the various facilities of today. The infant days of our Alma Mater were days of trial and labor to every one of her students, whereas today her students have every convenience. The accommodations are all that could be asked; new methods have supplanted the old ; improvements are seen on all sides. Even we whom local custom characterizes as "orphans" are in want of nothing. We are as comfortable and happy as is the king in the midst of all his earthly possessions.

It is our hope that every student is enjoying the holidays immensely. That the resolutions of each one have been, not many, but of good intent; and we trust

college journals. To every one who is determined to do this, to those who are not so determined, to all friends and helpers, the INDEX offers a New Year's greeting, happiness and succees.

T

A REVIEW.

N"turning over a new leaf" at the beginning of a new year one naturally reviews, both for delectation and knowledge, the old leaves of the book of his life. That book is for externes sealed, but for the individual himself it is forever opened. Some pages are a cause of delight, others are a cause of fear. Delightful it is to one who has filled his life with usefulness, with good works and with kind deeds; fearful to one who has wasted a year in idleness or dissipation, and to one who can only look back to it with sorrow and regret. In the life of an institution it can in a way be said that the leaves of the book of time can be reread, can be looked over both for instruction and enjoyment. The past year has, within the sacred walls of our college home, been fraught with many occurrences of note. In point of attendance we may be proud, for a great number of students claim this their home. The Seminary, while not crowded, can accommodate but few more. The spirit manifested in all departments is most praiseworthy. The literary ambition in the study hall, while it is not as healthy and active as it should be, and while great improvement could be made, is not at low ebb, and is steadily rising, and in a very short while will, let us hope, be at high tide. To strive to be an orator, a speaker, is the secret wish of nearly every student. A great number are striving for the place of honor in the oratorical contest, and this is certainly to be admired and praised. Any contest of this kind, where the brainpower is brought into healthy activity, while study in composition writing accompanies it, should be fostered and entered into with the proper spirit.

Athletics occupy a prominent page in the book. On the gridiron our eleven have lost quite frequently, yet our representatives have been admired and praised wherever they went, for their gentlemanly behavior, both on and off the field. That such has been the case is a matter of congratulation to everyone connected with the eleven.

The INDEX has noted from time to time the various great improvements made during the year. Niagara University has made great strides during the past yea

in this respect, and stands today a grand institution, an enduring moument of untiring zeal to the priests of the Congregation of the Mission, who have so long and so bravely striven to raise it to its present high standing. To the Faculty the thanks of all are due. Its members have done great things for us in every way, and it should never be forgotten. Perhaps in after years we shall remember to thank them.

The most enthusiastic and enjoyable meeting of Niagara's Alumni should have a prominent place in this book. This meeting will be treasured in every heart, to be looked back at with the greatest pleasure. With sorrow do we look back to the death of Father P. V. Kavanagh. That was the sorrowful and most momentous event of the year. We all know what we lost in him, and he shall occupy the golden page in memory's book.

The INDEX also turns over a new leaf, because the old

leaves have been so closely written on that a new leaf is necessary. In INDEX history perhaps but once before has such a gathering of old eds. been seen as during this year. But that they are always welcome, and will be received with true INDEX hospitality, they know. The traditions of the old office have been received from the revered ones of long ago, and to us are sacred, and rest assured, dear eds., will be cherished by us of the present. The INDEX pursues the even tenor of its way, doing good wherever it can. Even to its enemies it has the temerity to say that it can benefit them. With good will, and the hearty wish of a prosperous year, the INDEX turns over its new leaf. What will be inscribed thereon the INDEX will let all know next year.

W

STUDY THE LANGUAGES.

ESTWARD the course of empire takes its way," and the student is bound to follow it. We have not in mind the idea that he must be coutinually camping on the trail, or that he must give up his quasi-abiding habitation in this broad land of ours and circumnavigate the globe-since the aforesaid empire has done so. But to be able to meet with more or less confidence and a bold front the conditions of life that such imperial peregrinations entail he must burnish his necessary armor of prudence and caution. with just a few of those things" commonly considered superfluous; and not the least of them is the study of the modern languages. Though it is somewhat of a fad nowadays in so-called cultured society to throw the classics to the dogs, we take it for granted that no student who knows what the true duty of the student is will consider his course complete without an acquaintance, and that more than merely passing,

Greek and Latin are of

with the ancient authors. such paramount advantage that only a lazy sciolist would argue against their preservation.

But the modern languages have not had such a direct bearing on our tongue and lives until imperial expansion became one of our government tenets. The foreigner who formerly came to our shores found it convenient and easy to conform himself to our mode of life, our customs, and to speak our tongue, to become Americanized; it was his part to study us and learn our mannerisms. But now we find ourselves entering at another gate; we are the foreigner, we the student. We are meeting a strange people at their own hearthstone, demanding of them to exchange their imperial penates for republican; asking them to forget their centuries of royal conquest and imperial pomp, and to look with confidence on a future of democratic republicanism. We must therefore study them, mingle with them and bring to bear on them

the influence of our modus vivendi. Our foundation lies in the study of their language; Norman-like oppression will not do; the language is theirs, and decades will have passed before its disappearance.

The people of the West Indies will henceforth be an important factor in the business and professional life of America; intermingling is nowadays a consequence of subjugation. It is incumbent, then, on students going out into the world to take up the duties laid down by their elders to prepare themselves. German and French are useful, but Spanish is necessary. We have had established lately in our language course a chair in Spanish, the occupant of which, Father Hickey, possesses a close knowledge of the language, both from study and intimate association for years with its people. We have also in our midst students whose native tongue it is, giving us a means of putting our class study of the grammar to practical use, which is, after all, the only way a fluent command of any tongue can be obtained. Therefore, students, take hold of this opportunity and use it to your advantage. You know not what life has hidden in its folds, or where your steps will lead you.

that village were rather chary of praise to the Juniors, but their account must be taken with "a grain of salt." The game was entirely in our favor. At no time was our goal in danger. The ball was continually in the enemy's territory. The game was hotly contested, and was characterized by the fast, straight football of the Juniors. In fact, the Batavians were outclassed in every play. The Juniors repeatedly advanced the ball for gains, and were seldom held on downs, while the contrary may be said of the other eleven. At one time we rushed the ball to within a few yards of their goal, only to lose on a fumble. The interference of the Juniors was excellent. Farrell made the only touchdown of the game, in the first half. Watts kicked the goal. The score was, Juniors 6, Ex-St. Josephs o. The teams lined up as follows:

ON

right halfback

fullback.

Referee, Lyons.

Halves, 15 and 20 minutes.

N the 8th ult. the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the B. V. M. was celebrated with the great pomp and magnificence that befits this holiday. In the morning solemn high mass was celebrated by Rev. R. F. Walters, C.M., assisted by Revs. J. T. Lynch, C M., and J. J. Lee, C.M., as deacon and sub-deacon, respectively. At 2 30 p. m. solemn vespers were sung by Rev. R. F. Walters, C.M. The other officers were: Messrs. A. T. Hartigan, P. J. Powers, A. Freker, D. J. McCormick, M. O'Connor, T. Farrell, cope-bearers; Messrs. D. McDonald and D. J. McCarthy, first and second masters of ceremonies, respectively; Messrs. D. J. Ryan and J. E. Kelly, chanters; Mr. C. E. Tracy, thurifer; Messrs. J. T. Cox and S. F. Milner, acolytes. Immediately before benediction Rev. J. P. Downing, C.M., received new members into the B. V. M. Sodality, and invested them with the scapular. That such a large number was received is a matter of note, and promises much for the spiritual welfare of the students. All regretted the absence of their spiritual director, Rev. J. V. O'Brien, C.M. The evening of the day was most pleasantly spent by the Seminarians. A gaudeamus was held in their recreation room. It was certainly a very enjoyable affair, and came as a fitting close to this great day. gram was long but varied, and every number was pleasing. The names of the participants, however, cannot be added, for so much matter is now at hand that we cannot afford the space. But we add our sincere regrets that such should be the case.

A$

The pro

S a parting close to the year's literary work the R. E. V. R. Literary Association enjoyed a sumptuous repast given by their worthy Censor, Rev. J. A. Tracy, C.M. It was a reunion of the old and the young. Former censors and the honorary members graced the occasion with their presence. After each one had satisfied the cravings of his body by the

consumption of delicious viands and was enjoying the flavor of some choice Havanas, Jas. O'Brien, as toatmaster, thought it fitting to give to the mind also such food as was needed. He spoke, in short, of the year's work, and what the society had accomplished. He then called upon the Honorary Censor, Father News, for a few remarks. The reverend gentleman, with his usual eloquence, brought back pleasant memories of former days, when the society was in its infancy. He spoke of its struggles, its hardships, and the zeal its members had for its advancement. He then told the members that the course the society had now to travel was a smooth one, and therefore the strides forward should be great. Father Tracy, the present Censor, then spoke of the society as it is today, and dwelt upon the spirit of emulation that now exists. Mr. Joseph Murphy spoke eloquently on the motives of the society. Mr. Thomas Farrell took as his theme the honorary members of the present, and showed the good will they bear toward their society. Mr. John Keenan spoke of the different authors, the best to read, and the class of subjects he thought most suited for this society to discuss. Mr. John McGinn, in his fiery eloquence, contrasted the past with the present, and held up to the present members high models of the literary firmament. Mr. Daniel White gave some very good ideas regarding the importance of each member doing his duty to his society. Others who spoke were Robert S. Williamson and William J. Burke. They discoursed concerning the sentiments of the active members. After the singing of the society song and the exchange of the best wishes of the season all retired, much pleased and benefited by the evening's entertainment.

N the evening of the 15th ult. the P. V. K. Shakespearean Society presented one of Shakespeare's tragedies, "Julius Cæsar." In many respects the rendition fell short of last year's production. The individual work of Mr. Thomas Larkin as Marc Antony, and Mr. William J. Burke as Brutus, is deserving of much praise. A large audience witnessed the production. We hope the society will appear again during the year.

N the evening of the 6th ult. the R. E. V. R. Literary Association made their annual appearance before the public. Under the proficient training of Father Tracy, their censor, they produced one of Father Grace's best plays, "The Pluribus." This play, coming as it does from the pen of this gifted writer, needs no comment as to its merits. Considering the small number from which Father Tracy was forced to select the cast the presentation was, on the whole, very laudable. The play requires a large cast, and furnishes a wide field for action. It could scarcely be expected, then, that from so small a number a professional could be selected for each part. They showed their grit, and have set a good example for the other societies to follow. Let them profit by this example, and let them come forth and show the public their worth.

OVENA for the feast of Christmas began on the 16th ult. The great inconvenience caused by the departure of the students for their homes on the 20th made the work of carrying it out most difficult. Yet the zeal and perseverance of the ' orphans' must needs force every difficulty to yield before their mighty strength. The novena was brought to a successful close on the evening of the 24th. Christmas morning dawned bright and clear, and after the 8 o'clock mass Father News gave the Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The psalms, hymns and antiphons sung during the novena