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, 1873. VOL. I. OUR ADDRESS, The appearance of a new local Magazine, though it may be of a semi-private character and unambitious in its pretensions, as in the present instance, is nevertheless an event of such rare occurrence, and, may we venture to say, of so much importance, as to require from its projectors some intimation of the objects they have in view in making so bold an experiment. We therefore deem it to be both desirable and appropriate to embody this information in the orthodox shape of an address to the reader. Various forms of introduction occur to us. Shall we liken our venture to a "bark launched on the sea of popular favour?" Too antiquated! Shall we "usher the little stranger into a troublous world, etc.," a la three volume novel? Too commonplace! Shall we apply a simile more in accordance with the spirit of the age and call attention to our express train of thought, in the hope that an intelligent public will appreciate our fare, and rush for return tickets? Too flighty! Must we then dispense with metaphor entirely, and adhere to sober fact? The wiser course! Such being the final decision, permit us to introduce the "Central Literary Magazine" to your notice, not as the perfect production of authors skilled in their craft, but as the humble result of the leisure hours of men engaged, for the most part, in commercial pursuits; and especially as an evidence of their desire to escape for a time, be it never so brief, from the narrowing spirit and wearying cares of business life. We are not unmindful of a somewhat prevalent feeling that there are already too many Magazines in existence; and to a considerable extent we share it. We believe that the intellectual food supplied by many of the periodicals of the day, varied, superficial, clever, and attractive as it is, goes far towards fostering-if indeed it did not create-that general disinclination for studious reading and earnest individual thought, which most of us deplore, but to which we yield ourselves willing and fascinated slaves. Possibly the present high pressure speed of commercial life may palliate, though it cannot entirely excuse this mental indolence. Our Magazine, however, so far from encouraging the habit of "thinking by proxy," depends for its existence upon the zeal, industry, and thoughtfulness of the members of this Association themselves. We believe that in this, as in other kindred societies, there are many and for them we have made an effort to establish this Magazine, as a fitting and appropriate medium for the expression of their opinions; while at the same time we desire to give to our Association a marked and distinctive literary character; not only to justify its title, but with a view to realize more fully than has hitherto been attempted what we believe to have been the intentions of its founders. Our Magazine is emphatically a labour of love, and we trust that the cordial support and hearty co-operation of the members of the C. L. A. will ensure for it a long career of usefulness, so that we may never be forced to confess with a sigh that it has proved to be "Love's Labour Lost." The field of Literature is wide, as the creative power of the mind is boundless; and we desire to avail ourselves of every possible variety and phase, so long as it is original and suitable. It may not, however, |
