VOL. I., No. 1.]

IN

To Our Readers.

N prefacing the first number of the TOYNBEE JOURNAL with a few words to our readers, we do not forget the French proverb: Qui s'excuse s'accuse we shall make no excuses, lest they should turn to self-accusations. The proof of a paper is in the reading, and we must stand or fall on our merits, not by our professions. But the only way in which we can hope that the TOYNBEE JOURNAL will ever have any merits on which to stand is by securing for it the generous support and co-operation of our readers; and with that end in view, it is necessary, for their guidance, to say a few words on the immediate scope and object of our undertaking.

It is a common remark that the advantages of University life are even more social than educational. It were truer to say that the educational advantages and the social are different sides of the same shield. There is in a University a floating atmosphere, as it were, of intellectual interest which generates in every mind capable of receiving it a contagious enthusiasm for true knowledge. Union is strength in things mental as well as in the body politic. Nor is this the only way in which the friendships formed at a University promote knowledge; for the man who comes into daily contact with minds and experiences other than his own will gain an insight into men and things which is denied to the recluse who shuts his study-door and pores with blinded eyesight over nothing but his books. And knowledge in its turn promotes friendship; for the common pursuit of knowledge leads to a ground where the accidental circumstances which divide men disappear, and all may enter into a common inheritance.

It is the promotion of this side of University life to which it has been thought that a Student's Journal might contribute. Journalists are credited with

[PRICE ONE PENNY.

for us, and rid us altogether of the trouble of thinking for ourselves. All these are, perhaps, doubtful blessings; but on the social side the influence of journalism is all to the good. By their "quickness in seeking and supplying information, and continual vigilance of comment, newspapers," says Professor Jebb, "have induced an electric sympathy of social feeling which is quite a new feature in the world."

The TOYNBEE JOURNAL has not the world for its province. Politics it will rigidly exclude, confining itself to such social and educational topics as fairly come within the range of University Extension work; but within these modest limits its aim will be to promote that same electric sympathy of social feeling. We shall, in the first place, endeavour to be a faithful means of communication between our readers to let them hear in good time of all arrangements concerning lectures, classes, conversaziones, and so forth. And then we hope to assist in the communication of ideas as well as of facts; and under this head we cordially invite contributions

-whether articles or shorter notes-from all who take part or interest in University Extension work. Our correspondence column will, we hope, be fruitful, amongst other things, of suggestions for improving and increasing that work; and, finally, if our readers care to make us the means of asking and answering questions amongst themselves, a column for "Notes and Queries" shall always be at their service. Our own function will be to fetch and carry, providing such convenient vessels as we may. It is a small service; but we can promise our readers at least this, that the "small service" shall be "true service while it lasts."

they had superseded the pulpits, and Carlyle called them a new order of preaching friars. They make peace and war (generally, alas! the latter), they dismiss ministers, they send out generals, and as for humbler individuals, they make our opinons

University Teaching. Such an object may seem to be beneath the call of the times; and many who hear the strife of parties, or listen to the cry of the starving, may condemn those who give their energies to spreading a system of edu