Gallicanism-which we pray Heaven has A passing thought presses upon our now become a thing of the past-yet re- mind as we close this rambling commains the powerful defender of religion mentary upon European affairs. It in the Old World. From her shores suggests to us a question: What liberstill proceeds that holy light, carried by ties might be obtained if the blood now saintly men, which diffuses the truth to be shed for the gratification of the into strange lands, and adds more con- ambition of crowned monarchs was quests to the triumphs of the Cross. offered in the cause of the people from Many of her famed philosophers have whom it flows? Surely they must have fallen away, but there is still a grand, grievances and dear hopes far more imposing majority remaining who worthy of fighting and dying for than acknowledge their powers to be from the struggle they are now engaged in. God, and use them only in His service. While the people of Poland and Ireland On the other hand, Prussia represents are suffering under oppression and that gloomy infidel state of thought wrong, their brothers, their fellow-men, which is fast becoming a German char- are battling for the despotism which has acteristic, and from the spread of whose so securely bound them. We are not influence Europe has more to fear than advocates of rash, misguided revolution; she had from the barbarian incursions but, at the same time, we cannot recogof centuries ago. A state of unbelief nize the value of that teaching which which recognizes no authority, and authorizes slaughter in aid of "legiti which is perfectly regardless of the re- mate" rulers and denies the right of sults it may bring forth is, indeed, popular uprising. Why men should dangerous to universal society, and did sell their lives to kings, who give them its diffusion and importance depend but scant return, and refuse their blood upon the success of Prussia, the best to liberty, is a problem difficult of soluinterests of humanity would be arrayed tion. One fact at least history will subagainst her cause. tantiate more human misery has been caused by kingly ambition than by the rash efforts of a blind patriotism. More blood has needlessly flowed upon the field of battle, when one scheming ruler contended against the other, than was ever shed by desperate slaves who died, well avenging wrong, rather than live enduring despotism. When men, nations and principles shall one day come to be impartially judged, revolution, with all its rashness and want of forethought, with all its disregard of results and its many abuses, shall receive less condemnation than the bloody deeds of war sanctioned by emperors and kings. And, perhaps, another age shall come when nations like France and Prussia will not dare to violate the laws of a higher civilization, which shall have for

However, as we have said, it is our belief that Europe, though prepared, does not deserve a general decisive war, and when France and Prussia have both fought themselves tired, without either obtaining any marked advantage, then they will listen to overtures for peace.

There are many brave Celtic hearts anxiously hoping that through this struggle the cause of Ireland may be regained; but events go to show that England, with a caution born of her fast-waning power, will not involve herself in war. If she is compelled to do so, then comes "Ireland's opportunity," and one good at least shall result from the difficulty between France and Prussia—the liberation of a noble, generous people!

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its foundation the Heaven-born principle | plan, yet it was an indication that even of Peace.

SURPLUS POPULATIONS.

a liberal Government was inclined to rid itself of a large portion of its people, ostensibly to improve their condition, but in reality to relieve itself of the burden. of their support.

The crowded condition of the large cities of the world, and various proposed plans of decreasing their surplus It is incumbent upon us in this counpopulation, have often, in modern times, try to seriously consider the magnitude occupied the attention of statesmen and of this question and devise means, if philanthropists. There has been, how- possible, of preventing a still further inever, notwithstanding the efforts power-crease of population in our already overful Governments have made to induce crowded commercial centres. While so emigration from cities to the rural dis doing we will not only be bettering the tricts, but little progress manifest in the condition of the masses, but also consolving of the momentous question in- tributing to the true glory of the nation.. volved. It is likely to be an affair To succeed in such an affair we must which, though provocative of many fine not tear men away from familiar scenes, theories and admirable schemes, will and transfer them to occupations entirely never be finally settled by the equaliza- dissimilar from their former ones. For tion of population in any country. instance, it is not judicious to take the Great Governments and powerful cor- shipwright, mason or machinist from the porations may, by a well-devised system, city and place him, even under the most ameliorate the condition of the poorest favorable auspices, in the country for classes, yet they rarely meet with suc- the purpose of tilling the soil. He cess when they attempt to transfer these would, inevitably, fail to become an agclasses, in any great numbers, to a scene riculturist until he had learned the bitter and occupation different from that to lesson of experience. It would be sheer which the inhabitants of cities have folly, then, for any philanthropic emibeen accustomed. Misery and disap-gration society to disturb existing relapointment generally attend these enter- tions, by encouraging men of this class prises; not always because of anything to leave their natural abode in order to inherent in them, but usually in consequence of the incapacity or rapacity of those who control them.

England endeavored many times in the past to inaugurate the emigration on a larger scale of her civic populace to Canada and Australia; and the Gladstone Ministry were, a few months ago, again considering the advisability of of fering free transportation, and agricultural implements at a low rate, to all those who wished to emigrate to the British colonial possessions. Of course, events of a later date and more pressing nature will prevent, at least for the present, the accomplishment of the proposed

follow what, at first, must be for them a very precarious mode of existence.. No man will deny that, while an agricultural life has the very best of influences upon humanity, the narrow, crowded and filthy habitations of the poorest classes in cities are conducive neither of happiness, health or morality. Then there must be another portion of our community for whom these societies can do great good, by inducing them to settle upon the rich, untilled soil of our Western States, and thus prevent the great moral and physical evils that would be entailed upon these emigrants by remaining in seaport towns. The greater

part of the Irish, Germans, English and for themselves, and of a sound and praoFrench who seek our shores, belonged tical education for their children.

to the agricultural class in Europe; but on coming here desire, for the most part, to remain in our large and flourishing cities. Strangers in a strange land, their condition is often almost intolerable. While there is no demand for the labor in which they are skilled, there is also an overcrowding in the occupations peculiar to cities. Their limited resources are soon exhausted, and poverty, misery, disease, and oftentimes absolute destitution become their sad portion. In the country they would have been, most probably, successful farmers, who could point to a little homestead, to a few head of cattle, to a well-filled barn, and to a few acres of cultivated land, which they had won by their honest toil, under a fostering Government. It is the duty of the press, and of men of influence, to try to divert the stream of agricultural emigration to our Western States, not only to benefit the class itself, and to develop the resources of our country, but also to prevent the overcrowding of our commercial cities. The people of the West should offer suitable induce ments for immigration, and, above all, set forth through the public press the real social, material and religious advantages of their respective localities,

PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS.

We lately overheard a discussion, with which we were much impressed, upon the supposed unwarranted number of those who espouse a professional career. In it the idea was scouted that young men should not enter the professions whose ranks are supposed to be filled to repletion; and the fact that there is a number of unemployed doctors and lawyers was attributed more to the failure of individual exertion than the nature of the vocations they desired to follow. We are induced to believe that there is a great deal of truth in this assertion. If we examine the career of those who have not found in professions the realization of their hopes, we will discover that either they overrated their own powers, or more likely lacked the energy and purpose to achieve success. The argument is advanced that professions are now so crowded, that in them but one of two results can be obtained

the positive triumph only within the reach of extraordinary ability and talent or a life of barely-sustaining slavish toil. Such is not true, and the laws for professional success are no more arbitrary than those in any other department of The Catholic clergy of Iowa, in an ad- life. Indolence ever indulges in vain dress upon this subject to our distin- complaining, caring to make no other guished fellow-citizen, Hon. Richard effort than that employed in lamenting O'Gorman, have set the initiative in over a miserable, yet self-chosen lot. The what we hope will be a successful at- lack of opportunity put forward as an tempt to introduce into the West skilled excuse, very often means the want of Catholic agriculturists. Let them go to noble, manly resolve. Let sluggards those places where nature will smile cry out as they will. Genius never acupon and religion bless their industry. complishes more than industry, and the Let them be careful to settle in localities honest heart that relies upon God and in which there are Catholic churches and spares no labor will receive its due reschool houses. They may then, in all ward. human probability, be assured of mate- Young men, when about choosing for rial prosperity and religious consolation themselves a mode of life, should not

entertain false opinions of these profes-1 In our last number we copied from the sional careers which form the noblest New York Tablet a notice of the compaths to fame. While care should be mencement exercises of Manhattan Coltaken to consult their own tastes and lege, in which was inadvertently omitted ability, the want of genius or the num- any mention of the brilliant oration on ber of competitors should not dismay "Decentralization" of Mr. John M. them. All other considerations being Grady, A. B. Mr. Grady, who graduequal, a firm, undaunted spirit, a fearless ated in the Class of '69, has won merited bearing in the face of difficulty, and an reputation during the past year as Prinunceasing industry will bring them cipal of St. Philomena's Academy, Sydhonor and perhaps fame in their chosen ney Place, Brooklyn, and as "Alumni profession, while their untiring endeav- Orator" on this occasion elicited the ors will gain for them the admiration of hearty plaudits of a numerous audience society. by his earnest eloquence and profundity of thought.

LY.

ANNOUNCEMENT.

Ar a late meeting of the Manhattan

It is with feelings of sincere regret College Alumni Society, the following that we announce the withdrawal of officers were elected for the ensuing Mr. Edward C. Hughes from his position year: President, James A. Deering, A. as an editor of the DE LA SALLE MONTH- M.; Vice-Presidents, John M. Grady, A. An earnest desire to make his As- B., Rev. John J. Kean, and Robert Ogsociation's enterprise a success, and an den Glover, Jr., A. B.; Recording Secunsparing exercise of labor in its behalf retary, R. O. Glover, Jr., A. B.; Correhas brought about a ate of ill health sponding Secretary, Denis Mac Mahon, which now compels him, after more than Jr., A. M.; and Treasurer, Richard J. a year of untiring effort, to seek a long Morrison, A. B. period of rest and recuperation. The members of the De La Salle Catholic We have received notice of several Association owe a debt of gratitude to Literary Entertainments, etc., which him, their comrade, who has so faithfully with other matter we have been comperformed the trust placed in his hands, pelled to reserve for next month's issue. and we know that our readers and friends must also thankfully appreciate the services of one who has done his share in advancing the cause of Catholic litera-pired with the June number are requestture, without any hope of personal re-ed to immediately renew the same; ward.

We respectfully ask the indulgence of those who have favored us with new publications to be noticed. Next month we shall endeavor to make up for all arrears in this respect.

NOTICE.

SUBSCRIBERS Whose subscriptions ex

otherwise we cannot keep their names upon our books. Those who do not receive their Magazine regularly will oblige by notifying us and we shall send the missing numbers. All remittances should be made by registered letter or money order-we will not be responsible for money sent in any other way.

SCIENTIFIC NOTES.

on the "shingle," or large pebbles lining A CURIOUS MELON.-The wonders the shores. Along the northern coast of pertaining to organized structures are the island there is a long, low cliff of finenot confined to animals, but there are grained compact limestone, which, under many plants whose form, instincts and the stroke of the hammer, clinks like. capabilities are most curious and inter- steel. The waves beating on the shore esting. In a tract of country in the at the foot of the cliff cause the fallen southwestern part of Africa, distinguish- fragments to rub against each other and ed for its dry but rich soil, a gigantic to give out a sound resembling the chimes perennial melon has been discovered, of distant church bells. This phenomwhich is a most delicious, wholesome enon occurs when the gales blow from fruit, and which is largely consumed by the north, and then, as the winds subside, the native inhabitants as food. In or- low, wailing sounds, like whispering der that this melon may flourish, it is voices, are heard in the air. English necessary that it should strike its roots travelers assert that the effect is very down through the sand thirty feet to impressive, and have been awakened at reach permanent moisture. This it does, night under the impression that they and grows in great luxuriance where all were listening to church bells. else is shriveled and parched by heat. But this is not all. If it were simply a huge melon, with smooth and delicate skin, every one would be destroyed by the wild beasts before half matured. To prevent this, nature has armed its outer rind with a covering of long, sharp, terrible thorns, which so lacerate the mouths and noses of animals that they are glad to leave them alone in all their tempting freshness. Man, with his hands and sharp knives, finds little difficulty in opening the luscious fruit. The natives have no necessity for putting fences about their melon patches, for the plants are self-protective.

THE TRADITIONS OF WINNIPEG.Manitobah Lake, which has given a title to the province formed out of the Red River region, derives its name from a small island from which, in the stillness of night, issues a "mysterious voice," though there is no real "mystery" about it. On no account will the Ojibways approach or land upon this island, supposing it to be home of the Manitobah "the Speaking God." The cause of this curious sound is the beating of the waves

STORMS IN THE SUN.-Scientific investigation into the mysteries of the sun's surface has been great this year. A great magnetic storm is predicted. An examination of e sun through powerful instruments has revealed new and wonderful appearances on its surface. Immense spots, millions of miles in extent, are said to have appeared. One of them recently moved a hundred thousand miles in a second.

We are told that violent physical changes are going on; that the magnetic storms are regulated by fixed laws, and occur every eleven years. The next one is to be in 1870. Its effects upon magnetic instruments will be noted with intense interest by the scientific men of the day. What effect these storms will have upon the atmosphere, vegetation and light of the sun, will afford plenty of food for speculation and thought.

Among the peculiarities of the bay owl of Nepaul and Northern India, is its friendship for wild animals. It lives on good terms with the tiger, and sometimes alights on its back.