him to write to keep the wolf from the door, and in the capacity of a reviewer and short essayist he has left us a choice collection of his wonderful imagination and deep insight. While he filled this position he raised the standard of taste in our land far more than our people can estimate. He laid bare the follies of many writers, and, if he lived, in all probability would have wrought a revolution in our literature. We can only say, like Brownson, he lived before his time. Had he been born later no doubt his worth would have been recognized sooner than in his own day, but, sad to say, our own people were the last to be convinced of the fact that within their very midst was a poet whose genius may be rated only second to Milton's, Shakespeare's or Dante's. Still, we may console ourselves with a saying of Johnson's, that "The best test of an author is that he be outlived by his works," and we feel that Poe's have stood the test, as his works are more popular today than ever before. T. L. L. (1st Rhet.) The Temple of Jerusalem. NE of the most interesting chapters of ancient history is the one devoted to the temple of Jerusalem-its erection, destruction and the attempt to rebuild it. The Hebrew state reached the zenith of its power during the reign of Solomon. That wonderful and wise ruler gradually strengthened and enlarged the dominions left him by his father. Magnificent buildings and palaces were erected, and the conditions being so favorable, and having such a vast amount of wealth at his command, Solomon planned to build a temple which would eclipse every piece of architecture then in existence in point of grandeur and magnificence. It is said that it required seven years to build this temple and the employment of 150,000 workmen. The most costly materials and the grandest specimens of art were used in its decorations. "And there was not anything in it that was not covered with gold."-Kings, -22. On the day of its dedication the sacrifices amounted to 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep, and the festivities were lengthened into fourteen days. In years afterward it was partly rebuilt, and more was added to its splendor, beautiful and rich vessels were given for the service of the temple by the Jews who had come from all quarters of the land. Thus it remained for several hundred years a living monument to the genius of Solomon, the pride of the Jews, and the greatest structure then in existence. The Israelites were a favorite people of God. They had been led out of the land of Egypt and the house of bondage; more had been done for them than for any other nation. But, alas! we well know how they repaid the care of their Savior. They became traitors to Him, His persecutors, and finally put Him to Death. The deicide was not to go unpunished; the blood of an innocent man and a God was on their hands, and it must be atoned for. "His blood be upon us and our children" was, indeed, the real zation of the awful but just retribution. The prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, uttered by our Divine Lord, was fulfilled. "Not a stone was left upon a stone." The entire city, though strongly defer.ded and well garrisoned, was reduced by the Romans, after a siege which was characterized by the worst scenes in history. The Jews would not surrender, and in time suffered terribly from famine. Their united effort was toward the preservation of their sacred temple; likewise the Romans sought to save it, but flames soon devoured the whole ed fice. The temple of Jerusalem, according to the Sacied Scriptures, is not to be rebuilt, but Julian the Apostate, desiring to falsify the Scriptures, resolved to raise it again. Immense sums of money were subscribed, the treasuries being obliged to furnish whatever was necessary to defray the expenses. All the formality of which the times were capable was brought forward on this occasion. Emperor Julian was the central figure and the leader of a vast enterprise, upon which the whole world looked, or, at least, seemed to look, in favor. The Christians looked upon it with great interest, knowing, by faith in the prophecies, however, what the result would be. "The Jews," as Gibbon says, "forgot their avarice," and came from every quarter of the world to be present for the reconstruction of their sacred building. The rubbish was carried away in purple and costly garments, the materials were prepared and the workmen commenced. Soon earthquakes rent the land and scattered the workers, but they tried to continue it till they were nearly scorched to death by the balls of fire that played havoc around the foundations. Whenever they resumed the work they experienced the same results. The Scriptures were verified, Julian was conquered, and the temple of Jerusalem is yet as it was prophesied to be, "not a stone is left upon a stone." P. H. McN. (1st Rhet.) Society Doings. S. ing the fact that many of our members were attending the pilgrimage to West Seneca, were most complete and pleasing. Francis McDonald read an admirable essay on the “Life and Times of Robert Burns," the author of the day. He was followed by Andrew Dimon, who read the poem, “Despondency," in a most creditable manner. James Dasey read an original poem, and William Donovan concluded the program O. L. A. L. A., May 2.-This morning's exercises, consid with a critical analysis of Burns' Bannockburn." R. E. V. R. L. A., April 25.-The members assembled in their parlors at the usual hour this morning, President Flynn presiding. Roll call was responded to with quotations from Scott. Mr. Horan portrayed the beauties of Scotland's greatest writer, and Mr. Snyder read an essay on "The Eastertide." The debate which followed, "Resolved, that the rapid transit system of New York City is the greatest advancement of the century," was a spirited and hotly contested one. Messrs. O'Brien, Sharp and O'Connor set forth the great advantages derived from rapid transit, and Messrs. Donohue, Williamson and Flynn based their arguments on other advancements of the century. Judge Horan rendered a decision in favor of the affirmative. Mr. Snyder criticized the proceedings. Our reverend censor, Father Tracy, gave us some good advice. The meeting adjourned. SPRINGTIME. We greet thee, springtime, with thy gracious showers, That give rich balm to fructify the soil Which thou of frost and hardness can'st despoil, And in the budding trees take up their rest Where they at night may ease the wearied breast, That they in sorrow may not roam, Nor fly about for food in anxious quest. Yes, thou art come to dissipate their moan, Reviews, Notices, etc. J. A. K. FIRST YEAR'S LATIN GRAMMAR. By Rev. G. E. Viger, S.S. John Murphy Company, Baltimore. This new publication by the learned and experienced professor of Latin at St. Charles' will be welcomed by Catholic colleges. There is not a single college in the land in which the text-books used are not written or compiled mainlyby non-Catholics. It is refreshing, therefore, to see signs of activity in our own ranks in this respect. Father Viger's production ought to meet the success it so well deserves. A novel feature of the book which strikes the attention at once is the arrangement of cases in such a way as to aid the learner in grasping them quickly. We think, however, the vocative case might profitably be omitted, especially since it assumes a distinctive form only in certain words of the second declension. A note could very well indicate the existence of the case and the form it assumes, The book leaves much to the enterprise and activity of the teacher. We would be ashamed to think, much less to say, that sufficient interest in his work could not be found in every teacher to whom is entrusted the introduction of boys to the study of Latin. As the gifted author remarks: "Every teacher of a language should himself prepare exercises adapted to the capacity of his pupils, and be for them another Arnold." Of one thing Father Viger may be assured --any failure to appreciate such a work as this may safely be ascribed to an unwillingness in a teacher to make the sacrifices and exert the efforts required by his position. J. A. T. SUCCESS, a monthly journal of inspiration, progress and self-help, as it is styled, is a magazine of importance to every young man. It contains the careers of several successful men, with the evident intention of pointing out their salient qualities and characteristics for the gui lance of those about to adopt an avocation. Talks with young men, by J. Lincoln Brooks, are especially interesting and valuable. The lives of H. H. Vreeland and of Rev. Robert Collyer are brilliant examples of what energy, honesty and perseverance will do for every man. The evolution of a country editor shows that C. B. Landis knows his subject thoroughly. The April number of Success is replete with other short, interesting stories and "Talks." We especially and earnestly call the attention of the students to a valuable article entitled "Some Suggestions Regarding Money-earning in the Vacation Season." Read. and ponder well over the opportunity offered by the publish ers. Write for a sample copy to Success, McGraw-Marden Company, I Cooper Union, New York City. THE CARMELITE REVIEW, a Catholic magazine, published monthly, at Niagara Falls, Ont., by the Carmelite Fathers of North America, is doing much to promote the honor of Our Blessed Lady of Mount Carmel, and to spread devotion of the brown scapular. The May number, which now lies before us, contains many gems of poetry, chief among which is Flower Emblems of May," by Rev. K. D. Best. The prose article, "Notes of a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land," is replete with instruction, as the author writes from personal experience. The Scapular of the Slave" is written in an easy, flowing style, and describes the good work that Catholic missionaries are doing in far-off Africa. The editorials are such as one would naturally expect from these Fathers, who are eager in their cause, and always look to the need of their readers. Especially noticeable is the one on "The Much Maligned Monk." It rebukes the New York Tribune in a manner that cannot help but carry conviction as to the falsity of its statements. At the enormously cheap rate of $1.25 per year this magazine should not be wanting in any household. WE take great pleasure in mentioning our old friend, the Victorian, from West Seneca, N. Y. It is a monthly journal, published under the auspices of the Mother of God, by the Victoria boys. Surely, under the guidance of Our Lady of Victory the Victorian must be successful. It is bound in magazine form, and makes interesting reading. Some of the articles in the April number are very well written. Naturally, the matter printed is for the entertainment and education of the boys at the Home. However, it is a worthy publication, and deserves the support of all Catholics to whom it will be of interest to read how well these homeless boys can write. To Father Baker, the spiritual father, we extend congratulations for the boys on the improvement and the prosperity of the Victorian. Address the l'ictorian, Victoria, West Seneca, N. Y. The subscription price is 50 cents a year. As far as we are concerned we have but one fault to find with the Catholic University Bulletin: that it does not visit us frequently enough. We would wish to receive such magazines monthly, at least. The April number before us presents its readers with its usual number of brilliant essays and interesting reviews. The list of papers contains: The Economic Structure of Society, by Dr. Neill; The Argument of St. Thomas for Immortality, by Dr. Pace; The "Reconstruction " of Christianity, by Rev. Dr. Fox; and The Restriction of Marriage, by Rev. J. W. Melody. A list of subjects as varied as they are interesting, and each written with an unusual charm and grace. The book reviews cover a large range, giving a brief but succinct insight into the characters of many works lately from the press. The Bulletin is a magazine that should be found on every clergyman's table. Per year, $2.00; single numbers, 50 cents. AMONG the daily papers coming to our table the Buffalo Courier easily takes the lead. It is newsy, bright, thorough and reliable; its telegraphic and cable notes are always readable and invariably present the latest phases of questions occupying the public eye. The editorial page is pregnant with sound sense and a judicious weighing of public occurrences. An evidence of the popularity of the Courier is the fact that it is the only daily in the state outside of New York City whose circulation reaches 40,000. A special feature of the Courier is its Sunday edition; it is veritably a feat in modern journalism. We recommend it to our readers; price, daily, one year, $3.00. The Niagara Index. Entered at Niagara University P. O. as second-class matter. ton. Yet among the many places of interest they should be able to decide on some one place that they may, at least for a day, revel in the beautiful surroundings of their college home. Then, too, the band was an important factor at this time of the year, in Published Semi-Monthly by the Students of cheering our fagged spirits. The musicians used to Niagara University. Subscription-$1.75 per year; single copies, 10c. Address SOM THE NIAGARA INDEX, Niagara University P. O., N. Y. MAY 15. 1900. LAST CALL. OME time ago we called the attention of those of our subscribers and advertisers who were in arrears to settle their accounts. We stated then that it was with reluctance that we brought ourselves to speak upon such a subject. It is doubly so for us now, since we have to refer to it again. Little or no attention has been paid to the appeal or statements sent out. The scholastic year is fast drawing to a close, and we must soon meet heavy obligations, else. suffer unpleasant consequences. We would again kindly urge all to pay up their debts before the end of the month. Our treasurer will call upon the students of the University some time this week. Be prepared to meet him. W EXCURSION TIME. E are now far advanced in the month of May, and with the fine weather our thoughts naturally revert to former days-to days when trips were in order, and mirth and enjoyment went hand in hand with the extra tasks of preparing for the final examinations. As yet we have heard of no plans for a day's outing, not even a suggestion. In former years the students looked with pleasure to a trip to Lundy's Lane, Queenston Heights, the Indian Village. The Fort was a favorite resort, and the barbecues which where held there were enjoyable features to break the monotony of the student's everyday life. Lewiston affords a delightful day of sport to those who take pleasure in fishing. Fish are there in abundance, and are not afraid to bite at good bait. All necessary tackle can be secured at moderate rates, and the best accommodations are afforded. Those who do not enjoy fishing will find little, if any enjoyment in Lewis assemble in the front of the building and by mellifluous strains give enchantment to the already striking beauties of nature which encompass us. We would like to see the band resume this old custom; it would be a fitting close to the many high-class musical treats we have had the pleasure to attend this year. The habit of allowing time-honored customs to die out seems to be becoming prevalent. It is a habit which we do not wish to see. By these trips little or no time is lost from study, as they are usually taken on free days, and the day spent in such recreation refreshes the mind and enables it to do its work quicker and better. Hence we hope that this year we will see manifested that good, brotherly spirit of old, and that all will do their best to bring about these trips, if for no other reason than that they may be able to describe on their return home the nature of these historical places. We would especially call the attention of the Seniors to a trip to the Fort, and with due co-operation on the part of everyone a most enjoyable day will be spent. W CARPING CRITICS. E have not to go outside the college-world to discover the fault-finder. Clothed with all the pomp of a royal knight, he is here to dictate and rule. Before his advent things were out of their element, the labor of years is naught, and must suffer under the heavy hand of his censorship. The happiest results accruing from strenuous efforts are condemned, simply because they do not meet the favor of his everobservant eye. His apparent object in the world is to set all things aright. He is a self-constituted supervisor, minus a salary. What an important individual he is! But, oh, how vain his pretensions and how foolhardy his mission! It seems almost unreasonable to think that such a character really exists, nevertheless, the fact remains. In our own limited observation we have noticed such men within college precincts; and undoubtedly with those of wider experience the case is only too evident. Possibly we might have tolerated such narrow-mindedness in an uncultured and unrefined time, but in an age such as this we hardly expect it. Undoubtedly bigotry and prejudice are roots of the evil; they are offsprings of minds yet unbalanced, and live in an atmosphere wholly infested with ignorance. Surely, such are not the surroundings of the present day college man. Bigotry now is ignorance. Liberality has superseded it. Men, as a rule, no longer condemn blindly, but perseveringly wait and investigate the merits of the case in question. The prudent man gives an opinion only after the most careful deliberation, and even then is not too anxious to have his opinions wafted "on desert airs." Our censorious. friend first condemns, then thinks, if, indeed, he thinks at all. Notwithstanding the fact that others see things in their proper light, this has little influence on his delicate and always correct judgment. Should we come across a specialist in the profession, say one who would pose as the sole authority on any one theme, we might, perhaps, excuse him for lack of experience. They are not satisfied to stop here. Their knowledge of affairs is only limited by the vast range of all the arts and sciences. Did such persons possess the least particle of ability themselves we might sometimes, perhaps, follow their advice, but they do not, and furthermore, it would be inconsistent with their profession to attribute it to them. They simply stand by and dictate the work. If an opportunity afforded itself they would tell the chief executive a few of the finer elements of successful ruling, and how to conquer nations by means never before conceived of. They are, in fine, the acme of perfection in the chrysalis. BY SPRINGTIMe laziness. the professional lazy man. The energetic one, too, experiences symptoms suspiciously akin to that "tired feeling." The difference in results arises from the fact that the lazy man's laziness generally wins the day and goads its victim unmercifully, while the vigorous individual, after a more or less severe mental wrestling, can hold his head up in the consciousness of victory. He realizes the fact that there is no "royal road to learning," and with chest out and resolute countenance puts his best foot forward towards the goal. And, after all, this is the better and pleasanter way of the two. The man who starts in to loll his way through finds himself eternally grumbling and discontented-and when he comes up for the annual exams. experiences, to his chagrin, that, as they say quite expressively if not too euphemistically, he is up "agin it." We are all looking forward to June and the rest that it brings, but there is an important fight to win in the meantime. But a successful fight comes only after vigorous, unremitted training; our training will be found in our application to our studies. Don't let us be found self-complacently vegetating in some shady nook of the campus, afraid of the sun's pleasant rays, but exercise and keep the brain wheels lubricated; then, when vacation comes we will feel more like having our fling, and will be better able to appreciate freedom. Remember all that is promised to him qui persevaret usque ad finem, and take a new resolve to see the remainder of the scholastic year through "game." Other Matter. HE Feast of the Translation of the Relics of St. Vincent de CHF Ft wt of the Trandati sof day, the 20th ult morning solemn mass was sung by Rev. J. J. Elder, assisted by Rev. D. J. McCormick and Rev. D. L. McDonald as deacon and sub-deacon, respectively. Mr. J. P. McDermott was master of ceremonies, and Messrs. M. J. Dooley and J. F. Fagan were acolytes, and Mr. J. F. McGinn thurifer. Our Very Rev. President, Father McHale, discoursed on the great charity of this saint, and exhorted all to imitate him. In the afternoon, after vespers and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the veneration of the relics took place. Y one of Fate's characteristic ironies the busy time and the lazy time of the student's year are coincident. "When shepherds pipe on golden straws" and the blue-bird and robin chortle through the trees, when every sunbeam is like a beacon-light to life and liberty and happiness, and old mother earth buds forth in blossoms bright and fragrant, when the atmosphere itself is saturated with the perfume of dreamland and repose, the perennially "ti ed" student suffers the martyrdom of a legion. The nodding flowers beckon to him through his window, and the birds chant forth alluring carols, but pore he must over those somnific books and stoically close his imagination on the enchanting scenes that well thereto. In fancy free his mind would roam over hills and dales and seaside sports, but the demon of the classics calls out tyranically to him from the dry pages before him and, willy-nilly, he must hearken to the cry. The higher he would soar in the realms of phantasy musicians, John and Mary McKay. Mr. McKay has certainly the more pronouncedly does that bugaboo of commencement time, final "exams.,"flare up before him. No wonder he heartily endorses old Omar's opinion about the book of verse, a jug of wine and a loaf of bread underneath a bough." Who would hesitate to consider that "paradise enow" this enervating season? "Spring fever," however, tackles more than HE Faculty and students were very agreeably entertained a store of wit and humor on which he drew to excellent advantage, and many were the good jokes and stories he told in his own inimitable style. In his catchy songs his rich, sonorous voice penetrated the entire hall. Miss McKay has a sweet soprano voice, and favored us with several fine selections. The command both have over the piano is astounding. The numbers received with special delight and admiration were "Mary Kelly's Beau," a dialogue song, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "St. Mary's Chimes," and a "Regina Coeli," composed as a duet by these talented people. It is the earnest wish of the entire student body that they return soon again. CHE HE May celebration by the B. V. M. Sodality was a noteworthy event of this year, and a golden one in the history of Niagara's sodality. For many weeks the members had been practising the different numbers, and so well were they rehearsed and learned that not even the slightest hitch was perceptible. Our Lady's month was fittingly inaugurated with sacred song, oratory and classical music. In fact, the entertainment rivalled any previous attempts in this line by the sodality, and was by far the best and most enjoyable of the many entertainments given this year. May 1st dawned warm and bright, and continued so throughout the day. Solemn mass was celebrated by Rev. J. V. O'Brien, C.M., assisted by Revs. E. J. V. News, C.M., and P. J. Conroy, C.M., deacon and subdeacon, respectively. Rev. Mr. D. L. McDonald was master of ceremonies; Mr. D. J. McCarthy thurifer, and Messrs. C. E. Tracy and T. F. Farrell acolytes. Our Very Rev. President, Father McHale, preached a very eloquent and impressive sermon on the devotion to the Mother of God. Missa S. Joseph, by Groiss, was sung. Mr. J. F. Houlihan presided at the organ. Owing to the very pleasant weather a great number of visitors was in attendance in the Alumni Hall at the afternoon ex ercises, which began at 3.30 P. M. When the curtain arose the stage was revealed decorated very beautifully. A semicircle had been formed from evergreens at about the center and the words "Hail Mary" appeared in white letters, producing a very striking effect. The statues of St. Aloysius and of Our Lady of Victory were also tastefully mounted on evergreen pedestals. The program was entirely sacred in character, and was rendered well and with effect. The chorus work by the ninetyfive members was particularly good. The interludes, "Ave Maria" and "Nearer, my God, to Thee,' were played with feeling, and were very pleasing. Mr. J. E. Kelly, in his oration, "Regina Coeli, Patrona Nostra," extolled the glories and triumphs of Mary in a masterly manner. The subject was well treated by Mr. Kelly; his finished delivery and splendid voice added much to the forceful impression he made. The program is too long to criticize in detail. Mention must be made, however, of a few numbers. Mr. J. F. Farrell was in splendid voice and sang his solos very well. Mr. W. J. Keefe's splendid, clear soprano voice was used with good effect in his several appearances. "Lauda Jerusalem," a grand tenor solo, was well sung by Mr. E. F. Rice. The difficult trio, "Jesu Dei Vivi," was particularly well rendered by Messrs. M. A. Lavey, J. F. Farrell and H. P. Lyons. Mr. J. P. McDermott was also in good voice, and sang with telling effect. His fine tenor voice was best heard in Mozart's grand "Magnificat," which was the best rendered of all the numbers. Mr. J. J. Flynn's learned essay on St. Aloysius was well received. Mr. E. J. McCue, in his original poem, paid a beautiful poetical tribute to the Blessed Virgin. The orchestra, directed by Prof. G. A. Ostertag, deserves a special mention. "The Holy City" and "War March of the Priests" were perfectly played, the delicate effects produced in these numbers being almost marvelous. Prof. Ostertag's violin, upon which he is a master, was heard in several numbers. Mr. J. F. Houlihan, by his great ability and perseverance, brought the sodality soloists and chorus to a point of perfection, and to him the sodality extends a hearty vote of thanks. To Father O'Brien, their popular spiritual director, great credit is due for the Messrs. J. P. McDermott and J. F. Farrell. III. Original Poem, "A Tribute to Mary," Mr. E. J. McCue. IV. Triple Quartet, "Magnificat,” .Mozart Bach-Gounod Sodality Choir. V. Interludes, VIII. Trio, Vocal, "Ecce Panis Angelorum,".... Verhayden Sodality Choir. Soloist, Mr. W. J. Keefe. N. C. A. Orchestra. .Stevenson .Kreutzer HE Reps. journeyed to Hamilton May 5th to play their old rivals, from whom, it will be remembered, we won a handsome silver cup a few years ago. Friel pitched a magnificent game, striking out four Hamiltonians and allowing but five hits. Five errors by the Reps. resulted in as many runs, notwithstanding Friel's great pitching. However, by good work in the ninth, when Hamilton had a chance to tie the score, the game resulted in another victory for us. In this inning Brodrick made the star play of the day. With a man on third the batter drove a low, swift liner, good in any game for two bases, which Brodrick by a great effort captured. |