THE Central Literary Magazine. It must be distinctly borne in mind that this Magazine is neutral in Politics and Religion; and that each contributor is responsible only for his own Contributions. No. I. JANUARY, 1875. VOL. II. A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR. Two years have passed away since the somewhat Utopian idea of establishing a periodical in connection with our Association, assumed a practical and tangible shape as the Central Literary Magazine. It now enters upon its third year, commencing, at the same time, a second volume; and, we trust, we shall be readily excused if we venture to congratulate our readers on the fact that, it has already exceeded the average existence of amateur publications, and has sturdily survived the ominous head-shakings, and discouraging forebodings of some of our local literati. It will doubtless be remembered, that in our opening address we were careful to define its purpose and character, and to describe it, simply, as an appropriate medium for the expression of our opinions; not with a view of coping unequally with practised or professional writers, but as a relief to the wearying routine of business life, as well as affording an outlet for those thoughts and aspirations which so often arise unbidden in the minds of thinking men, be their occupations never so uncongenial or, apparently unfavorable to the cultivation of literary tastes. And we rejoice to know that in this spirit it has been received, welcomed, and made use of by many a hard worked man— "Who through long days of labour, And nights devoid of ease, Still heard in his soul the music Of wonderful melodies." And we avail ourselves of this opportunity to thank those gentlemen who, always busiest of the busy, have yet felt it to be their duty as well as their pleasure, to help on the good work of establishing, what we believe to be, the only magazine of its character in the Midland Counties. |