the muse of history to pause in her chronicle of this A Country Village. T was a beautiful Sunday morning in May. The eastern hills, tinted with crimson blushes, were receiving the first caresses of the sun as we arrived at the pretty little village of Tiverton. last covering. The sun casts one sad glance upon the newly made grave, slowly bows his head, and mournfully sinks to rest. All is now clothed in darkness. The priest, the altar boy and the grave-diggers have all departed, but we stand there still, lost in our own reflections, until suddenly awakened to the reality of life by the whistle of the approaching train far down the valley. We hurry down the mountain and as we are entering the car there comes to us, gently stealing on the soft air of night, the sound of the vesper hymn. W. J. D. (3d Rhet.) The railway station, situated in the peaceful valley, S. commands a view of the village street gracefully winding its way up the gentle slope of the mountain. Here and there, throughout the valley and upon the mountain side, could be seen the brown cottages of the villagers. Hurrying noisily down the slope of the mountain could be seen little rivulets that from the distance appeared like silken threads." A little stream that, "like the grace of God," flowed gently and sweetly through the valley to meet the lake far beyond, glit Society Doings. O. L. A. L. A., March 28.-A most interesting and instructive literary program was rendered this morning. Rev. Father Lynch opened the exercises with a lecture on "The Short Story," after which an essay on the "Life and Times of Edgar Allen Poe," the author of the day, was read by Charles Mailie. William Coppinger read the poem, "Annabel Lee,” in a most creditable manner, while the original poem by David Dooling deserves special mention. The program was concluded by Joseph Maroney, who read a critical analysis of "Annabel Lee. tering like a crystal mirror under the tender glances R. of the sun. But the quiet of the valley and the mountain was suddenly broken by the ringing of the church bell ; and soon we could see the villagers with their wives and children hurrying to church, invited by that sweet-tongued messenger of God. Following the good people we arrived at their little haven of rest, situated on the summit of the mountain, as if standing guard over the valley that lay peacefully below it. Services had already commenced. We entered the church and seated ourselves in one of the rear pews. us. The peace of God dwelt on the faces of all around E. V. R. L. A., March 28.-"Resolved, That the United States should control and operate the Nicaragua canal." With a most convincing array of arguments Messrs. Coakley and Crane brought forth this question, opposed by no less formidable adversaries than Messrs. Gleason and Cunningham. The debaters were thoroughly prepared to speak on the subject, and entered into the contest with determination. The destructive work took place in the refutation, when the affirmative leaders, whose keen logic readily perceived the inconsistencies of their opponents' arguments, easily earned the decision awarded them by Judge Dalton. President Flynn instructively criticized the proceedings. April 4.-Literary exercises were not prepared today, so, after the miscellaneous business had been disposed of, the meeting adjourned. At the end of mass the priest, a venerable man, B. LA April 4 old in the service of God, turned and in a few simple. words reminded his flock of their duty to God and to their neighbor. After giving the blessing he dismissed the people and they all slowly departed to their homes, to partake of the principal meal of the week. After wandering through pleasant lanes, and lingering by the side of babbling brooks, towards evening we found ourselves in the little churchyard where "the rude forefathers of the hamlet lay." How different is the seene. The church bell that a few hours before had been ringing so joyously is now tolling slowly and mournfully, as if offering up its humble prayers for the poor, departing day. As we stand near a newly opened grave we see coming towards us a strange procession. The venerable priest, book in hand, followed by a little altar boy carrying the holy water, and, last of all, two grave-diggers, bearing all that remains of one who, after many years of pain and suffering in this life, has at length found peace, and comes to rest his weary head on the couch of Mother Earth until wakened by the trumpet of Gabriel. The body is lowered into the grave and receives its -The regular meeting of the society was called to order this morning by President May. Secretary King called the roll and the members present responded with quotations from Scott. The literary exercises of the day were then opened by Mr. Corrigan, who delivered an original oration on Napoleon Bonaparte. The work, from a literary and oratorical standpoint, was excellent, and deserved the hearty applause which followed the rendition. At this point in the program circumstances became such that the remaining exercises were postponed. After the regular business had been transacted the meeting adjourned. April 1.-The regular meeting was called to order by President May. According to the custom lately adopted the members responded to the call of their names with quotations from Byron. The regular literary exercises were then opened by Mr. J. King, who read an admirable essay on the Character of Brutus." The question for debate was: "Resolved, That the charges of gross immorality against our soldiers in the Phillipines are false." Messrs. Touley and Lyons endeavored to prove the falseness of the charges, but their efforts were unavailing against the onslaughts of the negative debaters, Messrs. Duffy and McGuirl. The debate was awarded to the negative, after which the critic, Mr. Corrigan, read his report of the proceedings, which was accepted by the society. After the regular business of the society had been attended to the meeting adjourned. The Niagara Index. Entered at Niagara University P. O. as second-class matter. Published Semi-Monthly by the Students of Niagara University. fight. It cannot be otherwise with a body of men to whom a salary is an unknown quantity, but who labor for love of God, for love of Christian society; who are willing to spend themselves and be spent that sound education may be dominant in the land. Yet, these self-sacrificing benefactors, for such they are, made it plain to all who will hearken that their labors must result in disappointment unless co-operation be Subscription-$1.75 per year; single copies, 10c. forthcoming on the part of the student. He is an Address で Catholic Colleges in Convention. HE cause of advanced education received another powerful impetus during Easter week, when the representatives of Catholic colleges met in Chicago at their second annual conference. Fifty-one delegates from all sections of the United States were present to take part in the deliberations. The program, providing for two days' conference, embraced the following subjects: Uniformity of Entrance into Freshman Class; The Relative Merits of Courses in Catholic and Non-Catholic Colleges for the Baccalaureate; The Elective System of Studies; Religious Instruction in College; The Teaching of Modern Languages in College; Development of Character in College Students. Rt. Rev. Mgr. Conaty, of Washington Catholic University, presided. Abstracts of the several papers read were previously furnished those present, so that the discussions following might be of the closest and most profitable kind, nor did the members fail to make use of the opportunity offered them to sift with thoroughness and discernment the various propositions advanced for the betterment of Catholic higher education. The worth of these discussions may be inferred from the fact that the delegates present were truly representative of the Catholic teaching body throughout-the United States. Not one of them was without experience in the work of training our college youth according to the exalted standard set by the Catholic Church, while many of them are known as educators who for twenty, forty, and even fifty years, have been engaged in this noble and so often poorly appreciated labor of love. Hardly one of those present came from institutions made safe from a struggle for existence through means of endowments, yet each represented an institution hat is conducting a winning important, a responsible factor, whose apathy or earnestness can mar or make success. The most splendid system possible to be devised may be formulated, the best minds in the educational world may be devoted to the cause, the largest energies ever awakened may be consecrated to the furtherance of higher education, but if students are lacking, or, when present, are somnolent, unappreciative, then failure must be written above the lintel of every Catholic college. If our co-religionists who would have us ape with our meagre resources the elaborate appointments of heavily endowed sectarian colleges would only cease their unkind criticisms, inspect the creditable appointments which most Catholic colleges possess, send their sons to institutions of their own faith, or settle a few endowments on our struggling houses of learning, the efforts of such men as the delegates lately assembled in Chicago wou d soon throw open a field of effectiveness unsurpassed by Yale or Harvard. Among the papers read on the second day was one on "Religious Instruction in College," by Niagara's president, Father McHale. So admirably did it meet the views of the delegates that upon its conclusion a motion was made by Father Conway, S.J., and seconded by Father Quirk, S J., to have it incorporated in the records of the proceedings conducted by the Conference. The motion was carried unanimously. It gives us great pleasure to be able to present elsewhere in this issue Father McHale's paper to the readers of the INDEX. Sixteen articles of association were drawn up and adopted by the delegates, so that what was only a tentative effort has now become a permanent organization. Henceforth when the Conference meets it shall be as the "Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities of the United States," and its concerted action, we are sure, is destined to accomplish the most gratifying results in behalf of Catholic education throughout this country. Unification shall be a fact, and a fundamental one, controlling, subordinating special pleas to general privileges, so that we may coufidently look forward to an era of prosperity for our particular colleges, and especially for the enlargement and paramount efficiency of our Catholic University at Washington. F CHEERFULNESS. OREMOST among the characteristics of a useful man is cheerfulness. He treads the daily paths of life mindful of the misery that surrounds him, yet he betrays no emotion of sadness. Firm of purpose, and with an eye to business, he makes a friend when occasion offers. He greets everyone with courtesy, and has but words of consolation and mirth for the unfortunate. He believes there is no evil but has its compensating balm. Such a one stands out in bold contrast when compared with his unsuccessful and friendless brother, the despondent man. Weary of all that pertains to life; desirous to be left solely to himself; ruminating upon thoughts which forbode still greater sorrow, he makes no effort to free himself from the fearful chains which bind him. Such a one as the last mentioned is sometimes found in our colleges. He may not be so deeply penetrated with gloomy thoughts, nor are they, perhaps, as continual, yet his condition is such as demands, on his part, a hasty and enlivening effect if he would make life worth the living. He may be affected, as is often the case among college students, with spring fever, and, yielding to the bad influences of this malady, casts aside all books and allows it to proceed unimpeded in its work of disturbance. If he is approached by a fellow-student he vociferates against the follies of some harmless yet jolly fellow. He grumbles at everybody and everything. Such a one is to be pitied rather than scorned. He should be given some task and made to perform it, for continued employment is the best means for dispelling sadness. Idleness is most effective in promoting despondency, labor its best cure. A student that is ever cheerful lives long in our memory. It seems to be in man's nature to remember joy more readily than sorrow. In cheerfulness we find an ointment capable of rendering the many ills to which man is subject, if not altogether agreeable, at least easy of endurance. There is no one so peculiar who does not desire to be happy, and as it is in the power of every individual to mould, at least to some extent, his own character, he can exert an incomparable influence over his different tempers and thus become acceptable to society. There is ever sunshine somewhere, and he who would possess it must be occupied with the honest duties of life. Wonderful, indeed, is the strength of cheerfulness. By it man may pass on his way rejoicing. Should a dark cloud overshadow him he is undaunted, but looks forward into the bright light of some future success. He makes the best use of everything at his command. He sees some good where others would not think to find it. Let us, thea, say with Carlyle : "Give us, therefore, oh! give us the man who sings HE philosophers were as busy as bees on the 27th ult., and, like the bees, improved the passing hours. In consequence, the hand-ball court is now in ship-shape order. The work has been thoroughly done, and the Philosophers are to congratulated on the industry shown, and deserve the thanks of all the Seminarians. Class games are now in order. These games serve to pass many an hour in as healthy and invigorating a sport as is available to anyone. Baseball and handball will build up a constitution that will defy the storms and winds of niany a winter that may fall to the lot of those who are destined to labor in the Lord's vineyard. ASTER SUNDAY was celebrated with all due solemnity. Rev. J. J. Elder, C.M., celebrated solemn mass at 8 A. M. Rev. J. P. Downing was deacon, and Rev. Mr. D. L. McDonald sub-deacon; Mr. D. J. McCarthy, master of ceremonies; Messrs. T. F. King and A. L. Sweeney, acolytes; Mr. W. D. Noonan, thurifer. In the afternoon solemn vespers were sung. Rev. J. J. Elder, C.M., officiated. Rev. Mr. D. L. McDonald, Messrs. F. J. Farrell, C. E. Tracy, J. J. Dowd, J. J. Henchey, were first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth cope-bearers, respectively. Messrs. D. J. Ryan and J. E. Kelly were the chanters; Messrs. T. F. King and A. L. Sweeney, acolytes; Mr. W. D. Noonan, thurifer. 0 UR genial and masterful chef, Brother Dan, proved well his abilities on Sunday, the 15th ult. On that day he prepared a feast for the INDEX scribes that was fit for the gods. Through the kindness of our generous procurator, Father Hayden, the present staff and the former editors, still in the house, were treated to the usual Easter banquet, and to say that it was a record-breaker in every respect is putting it mildly. The festive board groaned under a load of viands and delicacies gathered from every clime and prepared with consummate skill and taste. Wit, humor and not a little wisdom poured from the mouths of the feasters and helped to make the occasion a red-letter day in their editorial history. To Father Hayden, for his hospitality and generosity, we extend our sincerest thanks. By his kindness on this and many other occasions he has earned the unending gratitude of all INDEX Scribes. To Brother Dan we are also thankful for the fine spread he prepared for us, and assure him we will always stand ready to cast our vote for him as the prince of good chefs. we have seen our champions battle for nearly two hours HE first baseball game of the season has come and gone. with our old rivals, the North Buffalos, and be victorious. Yes, we won the first game, and from the magnificent showing made by the Reps. upon this occasion congratulations are in order to all concerned. Great preparations had been made for the game. The diamond had been scraped and rolled until it was as level and as smooth as was possible to make it. The stars and stripes floated over our grand stand, which was filled with representative men from Niagara Falls, almost all the Board of Aldermen being present. A sprinkling of the fair sex added a pleasing touch of color to the scene. The sidelines were crowded with enthusiastic fans. His Honor Mayor Butler, of Niagara Falls, threw a new ball from the grand stand, and Umpire Stine then called the game. From a spectator's point of view the game was a very interesting one, abounding in brilliant plays, and never monotonous. Although the team work of both nines was decidedly loose at times, yet, taking into accout the fact that outdoor practice was impossible to within a few days of the game, this can easily be understood and readily excused. Knorr, the Buffalo pitcher, lasted but a short while, while Friel's curves remained practically unsolved throughout the game. The latter pitched a really phenomenal game, allowing but three hits, and not allowing even one opponent to walk. He fielded his position in fine style, accepting six chances without an error. The 'Varsity's stick work was really astonishing. Capt. Clarke's three two-baggers were of the screaming order, and came when hits meant He also played a great game at first. Cavanaugh also wielded a mighty bat, securing three hits, two of them twobaggers. Bartkowski, three times up, has also three hits to his credit, besides playing a good second base. Watt brought the spectators to their feet in the ninth by capturing a terrific liner in deep left center. The score: runs. been small. The game was won by our errors, followed usually by a collection of consecutive hits by Buffalo. McAndrews played in his usual fine form, cutting off several hits. Clarke played the initial bag without an error. Brodrick played well at short, accepting some very difficult chances. There were no especial features to record. The team work of the Reps. was indeed very weak at times, lacking the clockwork precision which results only from long and severe practice. Practice should be the motto of the Reps. The score: NIAGARA. McCarthy, r. f. McAndrews, 3. b.. Brodrick, s. s.. Clark, I b. Cavanaugh, 1. f. Watt, 2 b.. Friel, c. f. Dowd, c.. Bartkowski, p. Totals.. BUFFALO. Halligan, 1. f.. Flood, 2 b Shearon, r. f Gettman, c. f. Carey, 1 b.. Hallman, s. s. Andrews, 3 b. Schreckengost, c Hooker, p. Clarke, p.. Totals A.B. R. B.H. P.O. A. E. 3 I I I 4 I I 4 I O O I A.B. 553545+231 112603122 I 2 2 13 I I I I I I I 12 27 I 3 7 8 9 ∞100 1100 0103 5101 Two base hits. Friel Clark; sacrifice hit, Carey; left on bases, Niagara 3, Buffalo 9; stolen bases, McCarthy, Flood, Gettman 2; double plaps, Brodrick to Watt to Clark, McCarthy to Clark, Bartkowski to Clark, Carey to Clarke, Andrews to Carey; struck out, by Hooker 3; hit by pitcher, Schreckengost; wild pitch, Bartkowski; passed ball, Dowd; bases on balls, off Bartkowski 5, off Hooker 1; time of game, 1.40; umpire, Stine. UR Reps. went to London, Ont., on the 28th ult. and won game from the London The International League team, the last year's champions. features of the game were the heavy batting of 'Varsity and Watt's two bagger in the fourth with the bases full. We can only append a summary : By innings. 30 2 3 27 13 3 Totals Earned runs, Niagara 3; left on bases, Niagara 7. N. Buffalo I; two base hits, Clarke 3, Cavanaugh 2; stolen bases, Bartkowski 2, McAndrews I, Friel 1, McCarthy I, Cavanaugh 2, Dowd 1; double plays, Brodrick to Bartkowski to Clarke, Brooks to Moser to McGamwell, Moser to McGamwell; struck out, by Friel 5, by Knoor 2, by Kickebush 3; passed ball, Julius ;sacrifice hit, Watt; umpire. Stine; time of game, 1.50; attendance 2,000. Niagara...... I O London.. invited guests gathered there to enjoy a rare musical treat. Three distinguished vocalists and a finished pianist, together with three singers from the student body and the N. C. A. Orchestra, rendered a program delightful in its pleasing variety and appropriateness. Messrs. Dunman, Williamson, Riester and Lautz, of Buffalo, N. Y., are well known in musical circles, both in that city and in this vicinity. Messrs. Powers, McDermott and Farrell sang their solos with feeling, and they certainly deserve great praise for their creditable performances. The orchestra, directed by Prof. G. A. Ostertag, discoursed sweet music upon the occasion. The present orchestra and beautifully. The thoughts which the most of the books now in circulation contained, if they do contain anything worthy of the name thought, are nearly all borrowed. So well was the reverend gentleman received that on the following night, when a gaudeamus was given in his honor, he was forced to give a short discourse on one of Shakespeare's best plays, "Hamlet." This, too, was well received. CHE Our Table. HE April number of the Fordham Monthly contains some If the number of poems, interesting contributed matter. compared with the prose articles be any criterion, the Fordhamites must cultivate the divine muse with no little pertinacity. The essays on “ Gerald Griffin" and Sienkiewicz are bricfly but ably written. The peak of Parnassus is pretty high up in the clouds, so high, in fact, that most undergraduates are compelled to rest content looking at it through a telescope from a distance. In the present issue, however, the contributors of the Monthly seem to have scaled the peak and kissed the rock of divine inspiration. The verses are unusually good and may well occupy the space given them. The "Educational Notes" are an interesting feature and are quite in place in a college paper. The ex.-man should put forth a little more exertion and give his college brethren the benefit of his critical acumen. K CHE Roncovieri HE evening of the 16th ult. was a most pleasant and instructive one for both the Juniors and Seniors. At the solicitation of the many friends he had made here during his short stay Father Malloy, of Germantown, Pa., who conducted the retreat of the Juniors during Holy Week, gave a very learned lecture on the "Catholic Concept of Literature." The reverend gentleman, by his clear exposition of the subject, showed that he is well versed in the philosophy of letters. Following the teaching of the School he demonstrated that literature is but the re-expression of what really exists; that things are not because we think of them, but we think of them because they are. He spoke at length concerning the literature which is read today by the generality of people. The true worth of these works he did not consider great, except as a deans to enable the youth to dress his thoughts clearly UR thanks are due you, Miss Leaflets, for your kind and charitable compliance with our recent request for requiem remembrances. But, the fact is, we didn't die, after all; we were compelled to disappoint many of our friends, our Irish blood positively refused to lend its aid to any shuffling-off process during a time so near the celebration of Ireland's feast day; the operation, consequently, has been indefinitely postponed. We were more than glad to be sufficiently convalescent to receive you at your recent visit. We are sorely tempted to make some complimentary remarks, and true, concerning your present number, but there are who look askant at such apparent return of encouragements, no matter how well deserved. So, for their sakes, we will forbear. Were it not for them, however, we might tell you how well pleased we were with several articles in the present issue, how we enjoyed most of the poetic efforts, and how sympathetically wise we looked when reading some of those excellent essays-but, circumstances will not permit those things at present. Although for a quarterly this issue was somewhat tardy, we expect at least another visit before commencement. 兴 HE North Carolina University Magazine is a well-arranged, representative journal. Although for a monthly it does not contain quite the number and variety of articles' usually looked for, it nevertheless makes up this lack in the quality of the few articles printed-and quality is always preferable to quantity, especially when that quantity, as in some exchanges, is simply an overflow of witless nonsense. Among the short stories thus far coming to our notice in our exchanges we do not hesitate to place “Ole Marse Henry among the best. The author steered wide of that rock of destruction so easily foundered upon by writers of dialect stories -dialect of the Chinese-puzzle sort. The opening sentence, however, requires more than one trip of the eyes to get a grasp |