March 1887

THE

PF.TI :RITE. VOL .

"

X.

MARCH, 1887 .

No . 66.

OUR TRAMP ABROAD.

f is a strange thing," says Francis Bacon, " that in sea voyages, I where there is nothing to be seen but sky and sea, men should make diaries but in land travel, wherein so much is to be observed, for the most part they omit it . " If this were strange three hundred years ago, it is equally to be wondered at now . Doubtless we should all make a resolution to keep a record of all the interesting places we visit when we travel, and of any curious incidents that come under our notice . But communication between place and place is nowadays so easy, and we get over the ground so rapidly and see so much in a short time, as to make it almost impossible for ordinary mortals to chronicle their adventures.

There is, however, a means of escape for any Peterites that feel it to be their duty, but are too lazy to " make diaries ; " namely, to try and write interesting letters to their relatives from the places they visit, and such letters may possibly be afterwards available for reference to assist them in writing those articles for the School Magazine which, of course, all Peterites—Old or New—intend to write. " Have you been on the Continent ? " is a question often put, and it is one that the majority of Englishmen have to answer in the negative.

Various excuses are offered for not having ventured across the " silver streak ." One person says that travelling on the Continent is too expensive (though this is a fallacy, for with proper economy one can travel as cheaply in Switzerland as in England) ; another says he is afraid to go because he cannot speak the language, but this again need be no obstacle, as your mother tongue will get you through most difficulties . Another says he is " waiting for the Channel Tunnel ."

Well, I have no retort to meet this objector, and must confess that I hope he may have to wait a very long time !

146

OUR TRAMP ABROAD.

My desire to "go abroad " was not gratified till last year, but then, with the luck that usually follows leisure, I had a most delightful trip with two friends ; though we did not stray far from what is called the " beaten track ." In the space at my disposal, I intend to pass hurriedly over the better known parts I visited and give most attention to an account of Zermatt and the way thither, for comparatively few tourists go there, in consequence of the difficulties of the road for ladies.

I travelled to Paris from London, viii Dover and Calais, on a bright Sunday in June . This is a bad day to cross, as the Company do not expect many passengers and put on their smallest steamer for the run.

On a calm day this would not have mattered much, but there was a strong breeze blowing and ere long many of the passengers were glad to avail themselves of the " crockery," which two sailors served out in a most systematic manner to any that seemed to require such attentions.

The sight of a basin is the " last straw " to many a poor voyager, who has been warding off sea-sickness successfully till one of these is brought under his notice ! I was lucky enough to escape, though if the voyage had been much longer I too should have had to give in.

Three (lays was all I could then devote to the sights of Paris, as I had to push on to Bourg-en-Bresse to meet, by arrangement, my two friends—a lady and a gentleman—who were to be my companions for the trip . Bourg proved a charming resting-place as it is a thoroughly old-world town, where the peasants still wear those pictureque costumes and wooden shoes which artists are so fond of putting on their figures in French landscapes, but which are not often seen in reality . Next morning we visited the old cathedral, and then walked to Bron, a distance of about two miles, to see the celebrated church there, which contains some of the finest monuments to be seen in France . In the afternoon we pushed on to Geneva, where we arrived rather late at night, and found the station literally besieged with hotel ' buses, all the conductors of which trying to secure our patronage for their hotel by shouting, chiefly in French, at the top of their voices ! However, we had decided beforehand on the Hotel National, as it is situated on the outskirts of the town, and commands an excellent view of the Lake.

That first night, on retiring to our rooms and stepping out on the balcony which runs outside the hotel windows, we had a sight worthy of poet ' s song. The moon was about at the full, and shining on the

OUR TRAMP ABROAD .

147

placid waters of the Lake, reflected the beautiful outlines of the surrounding hills . while to our right the numerous lights from the lamps -on the bridges, which connect the two halves of the town, formed a 'striking contrast with the rest of the scene.

Geneva itself is disappointing ; it has fine shops and streets, but is only Paris in miniature. We had a most enjoyable day on the Lake while there, sailing up and down the entire length of it on the steamer -" Mont Blanc," which leaves Geneva at 9-15 every morning for Bouveret, at the other end of the Lake, calling at numerous places en route. notably at Ouchy, the port for Lausanne, and at all the close.together landing-stages of those charming winter resorts variously named Clarens, Montreux, and Chillon, where the English tongue is more heard than any other from November to April . We got off at Montreux for the double purpose of seeing the world-famed Glion Railway and having our mid-day meal, awaiting there the return of the 'steamer from Bouveret—the terminus of the Rhone Valley Railway.

The most striking feature of Geneva ' s Lake is the extreme blueness of its waters, though the passage of the Rhone through it can be distinctly marked by the waters being of a more brownish hue in the centre.

The boats we saw on the Lake had mostly got graceful lateen sails, which are rarely seen elsewhere, except on the Mediterranean shores.

The pleasure of this excursion depends entirely on the weather, and in this we were singularly fortunate both here and elsewhere ; indeed we lad not one wet day during the month we spent in Switzerland.

But I shall only have space to indicate the route we took in order to push on to Zermatt . From Geneva we drove to Chamonix in an open ' carriage, breaking the journey at the village of Sallanches, where we spent the night pleasantly, save for the annoyance of some big flies, nearly an inch long, which got into our rooms and punished us severely ; me especially . Next morning we were called at 5-30 to get the first view possible, from our approach, of the monarch of mountains.

-I must say a word or two about this sight, as it was one of the finest we had in Switzerland. There was mist over the land, continued up to white clouds in the sky, which seemed like the monarch's bedclothes . but through a rift his head was clearly seen, reclining, as it were, on his pale sky-blue pillow, his face looking almost as bright as the sun which was shining upon him . It seemed as if the moon had -suddenly come nearer to the earth, so celestial did the mountain

148

OUR ').RAMP ABROAD.

vision appear. Our hotel was well named Hotel Belle Vue, for it was indeed a " belle vue " which greeted our eyes that morning.

We remained at Chamonix several days to do some of the numerous excursions and climbs in its neighbourhood (some of which I may be able to describe in a future article), and from there we drove in a carriage built to suit the narrow passes through the mountains to Vernayaz in the Rhone Valley, arriving in time to visit the George du.

Trient before table d ' laute at the hotel . This is an immense cleft in the rock through which the waters of the river Trient rush with great fury ..

The sides are 48o feet in height, and the tops are so close together as. to exclude most of the light . The temperature inside is very low on the hottest day, as the sun never shines directly into the gorge . There' are ample indications on the sides of the rocks of the course the glaciers ). which assisted in making the cleft, have taken . A wooden gallery has been constructed in it, hung to iron bars driven into the rock, on, which we were able to walk about a quarter of a mile up to the foot of a. beautiful waterfall.

At Vernayaz we joined the Rhone Valley Railway, and took train+ from there to Visp, where we were to get horses for St. Nicholas, dt route for Zermatt . I never experienced such heat as we had during that railway journey through that torrid valley, and we were all glad to leave the hot railway carriage at Visp.

After refreshments, we arranged about horses . There is no road. from Visp to St . Nicholas—only a bridle path, tolerably well kept ..

We engaged three horses : one for the lady of our party, one for the gentlemen, (I and my friend walking in turns), and the third horse carried the baggage we considered necessary for out stay at Zermatt, though we had reduced it to a minimum at Visp . The route thebridle-path takes is very picturesque, especially after passing the village of Sta 1 den . At one time it descends to the bottom of the valley, ant ;l then ascends a steep zig-zag path to the top, only to descend again by another zig-zag in order to cross the river that flows through the valley.

The guides are the proprietors of their horses, and " Ferdinand, ' who looked after our lady ' s horse, proved a most interesting fellow We selected him because he could speak French (most of the guides at this end of Switzerland only speaking German) . Our other guide turned out a " gay deceiver," for he was recommended on account of the knowledge of English he possesed. In fact it was stated on his

OUR TRAMP ABROAD .

I49

behalf that he could speak three languages—German, English, and American—but we soon learnt that his knowledge of the last two was very superficial, in fact he knew nothing beyond a few stereotyped phrases (picked up at New York during a stay there) which he used on every suitable or unsuitable occasion . He was a very ordinary looking " Dutchman ." Ferdinand, on the other hand, had quite a distinguished air about him . He was a man of middle height, and carried himself with rather a military gait. When we made his acquaintance, he wore, .on the back of his head, a straw hat with a broad brim, and had a heavy moustache and "imperial ." His blue eyes had a very intelligent expression . We got quite interested in him while he was with us, both going up to Zermatt and coming down again, and we speculated among ourselves on his history, something of which we learnt afterwards from the lady who kept the buffet at Visp Railway Station.

Several things we noticed made us suspect he had "seen better days "; for instance, when given a parcel to carry, he would at once accept it, but rather than carry it himself he would pay a trifle to the first boy he met on the road, to carry it for him . This we discovered afterwards.

He was on most friendly terms with his mare, " Elizabetta, " to whom he talked in the most confidential manner, when not engaged in pointing out some place of interest to us ; and when we were ascending or descending the zig-zag paths referred to above, he guided her by holding her tail in his hand and giving a slight tug, to indicate the direction she was to go in.

But to continue our journey ; as it was almost five o 'clock before we got away from Visp, it was dark before our arrival, at nine o 'clock, at St . Nicholas, where we were to spend the night, so that the good cheer we received at the excellent hotel was very welcome, and we waited there till the extreme heat of the next (lay was over before proceeding.

We were not sorry to exchange the bridle-path for the narrow, but well kept road from St . Nicholas to Zermatt . Many of the guides keep carriages at St . Nicholas, specially built for this narrow road . They profess to take only two passengers and no heavy luggage, but when "Elizabetta " was put into harness, Ferdinand drove us all in excellent -time . The road is, of course, uphill most of the way, and we were obliged to go slowly at the steep parts . Here the men went afoot and were thus able to gather some of the beautiful wild flowers which kept -increasing in number and beauty the higher we ascended . As we

150

OUR TRAMP ABROAD.

neared Zermatt, fresh mountain peaks came into view ; first theBreithorn, then the Little Matterhorn, and lastly the stupendous Matterhorn itself, which, in some respects, is more imposing even than Mont Blanc. Its form, which is like a pyramid, is peculiar to itself,_ and being so steep, it is never covered entirely with snow, the rock always showing through.

At Zermatt we put up at the Hotel du Mont Cervin (i .e . French for Matterhorn) where we were most comfortable . The next day we remained at Zermatt and strolled about the place, visiting the churchyard where are the graves of Mr. Hudson, a clergyman, Mr . Hadow, Lord Francis Douglas, and their guide, named Croz, who were killed , in 1865, in descending the Matterhorn, after having made the first successful ascent to the top . They had a rope bound round them for safety, as is usual, but in this instance it proved most fatal, for when Mr . Hadow lost his footing, he pulled the others with him—they being unable to hold him up— and they all fell, to be dashed to pieces 4,000, feet below Now the rock has been blasted in parts and rails fixed at the most difficult places, so that the ascent is not such a great feat any longer.

Zermatt is a small place, consisting of three large hotels and a few picturesque Swiss Chalets, but it is 5319 feet above the sea, and the air is delicious . The valley, however, is narrow, and the view restrictedr so that few remain there long . Herr Seiler, the owner of all the Zermatt hotels, has lately built a magnificent one higher up on the Riffelberg, about two-thirds of the way to his well-known little Riffel Hotel (from which Alpine peak-climbers make their early morning. starts) . This new hotel is, for distinction, called the Hotel Riffel Alp. Next morning we ascended the Riffelberg, to the left of Zermatt, by the zig-zag path which runs through a pinewood as far as the Riffel Alp . The views all the way up are excellent—of the Matterhorn,.

Rothhorn, Weisshorn, and also of the Gorner Glacier . The new hotel is fitted tip according to English taste and comfort . Here many English and American tourists come to spend their summer and recruit their health . We breakfasted here and then continued our climb to, the Riffelberg Hotel.

This is a "rough and ready " sort of house, built of stone ; the stone staircase has no bannisters, and the fireplaces are simply what that

OUR TRAMP ABROAD .

151

name indicates, for there are no grates, only a stone hearth for the fire in the rooms . We left our lady at the hotel, and my friend and I ascended the easy zig-zags on the rocky ridge above the Riffelberg, called the Gorner Grat, which is 10,289 feet above the sea, and commands a most imposing view . We met no one on our way to the summit, and were able to sit down there and, entirely surrounded by snow-clad peaks, to enjoy the impressive stillness ; in fact one has the feeling while there of being in another world . One thing that appeared strange was the apparent nearness of the surrounding peaks ; but when one throws a stone with all one's force it seems to travel no distance.

Here we sat gazing for some time on the heights of Monte Rosa, and then leaving the scene with reluctance, descended to our hotel, 2,000 feet below, arriving in time for table d' hole. The long table of the dining room was well filled at dinner time ; men of a variety of nationalities were there, the German predominating, and talking so loud as to monopolise the conversation . There was only one other lady present besides the one of our party.

We who were clad for the extreme heat of the valley below, found the temperature at this altitude anything but pleasant, so after dinner we retired to our rooms and enjoyed the grateful warmth of a bright fire of pine-wood logs, which we got them to make for us . Next morning we found the whole Riffelberg surrounded with a white mist, which completely hid the landscape, and had this happened a day earlier we should have missed the view of the amphitheatre of snow-clad peaks from the Gorner Grat. Under these circumstances the best thing to be done was to descend, to Zermatt as quickly as possible , which we did ; and after a time we got out of the mist and enjoyed the walk through the pine-wood extremely.

We remained that night at Zermatt, and there met our trusty guide Ferdinand, who had just brought up another party from St . Nicholas.

We arranged with him to start at six next morning for Visp, to escape the extreme heat of the day . By this means, we got to St . Nicholas in time for a light breakfast and pushed on to Stalden, arriving there by u o ' clock, thus being on the shady side of the valley all the way . We had di:leaner here, and rested till three o ' clock, only leaving for Visp in time to catch our train to Brieg, where we spent the night at Hotel des Couronnes et Poste.

Before saying good-bye to Ferdinand at Visp—which we did with mutual regret— he introduced to us a friend of his, who was going

152

OUR TRAMP ABROAD.

next day from Brieg to Andermatt with his carriage and four horses to meet a party, and he offered to take us there for the price of a carriage and two horses, of which good offer we took advantage.

Of the remainder of our "tramp abroad" I do not propose to say much . We left Brieg next morning with our " four-in-hand " for Andermatt, via the Rhone Glacier and Furka Pass, taking two days over it . Thence we drove to Geschenen to join the St . Gotthard Railway (just below the famous long tunnel), and there got train to Lucerne . Here we found the heat intense, and a mist was hanging over the Lake, which made it useless to go to the expense of going up the Rigi by the climbing railway, so that a couple of days sufficed to see the principal sights . We therefore hurried back to Paris (travelling by sleeping-car at night to Bale), and arrived there without other inconvenience than having to turn out at midnight on the French frontier to have all our luggage examined.

But all good things must come to an end . As Shakespere says, " If all the year were playing holidays, To sport would be as tedious as to work ."

So perhaps it is as well for those, like me, whose holidays, as "they seldom come they wished for come ." We left Paris for England after a few days spent in that luxurious city, and crossed from Boulogne to Folkestone on a " pet day."

Thus ended a most interesting and enjoyable trip . It is one that I can confidently recommend to my friends .

R . W . C.

SCHOOL LETTER. S far as the School is concerned, football is over and boating is now the order of the day . Thanks to the untimely frost, very little football has been practicable this term . The Tadcaster match had to be given up, while for the two matches that were played, scarcely any previous practice was indulged in . However, we succeeded in defeating a strong team representing the York Banks, and in playing a very even game with Beverley, who were still in full practice.

An unusually early start was made in boating, and before Shrove Tuesday all the House Fours had made their appearance on the river.

Of the Senior House Fours, the Day Boys have only one of last year ' s winning crew ; they are fortunate, however, in securing the

A

SCHOOL LETTER .

1 53

services of Clarke, who rowed 3 in the School House boat last year, and these, with Hutchings and E . Procter, make up a crew that will take a good deal of beating. The School House have by far the heaviest boat, and they ought to turn out a very good crew . Gofton is stroke, being supported by Allan at 3, Crosthwaite 2, and Hood bow . The Rev. C. R . Gilbert's House have not a single member of last year's Senior left, but three of the winning Junior are available, so they will be preserved from absolute insignificance. The fourth place is filled by Bennett, which proves the enormous advantage of third boats . With regard to School Fours, those old rivals the Sixth and Civil ought to have a desperate struggle, though judging from physique the Sixth ought to be able to repeat their last year's victory . The Juniors and Third boats all seem about up to the average, and some very good races ought to take place amongst them . Several improvements have been effected in the boat house, and we would remind our readers that these are not accomplished without cost.

The Debating Society has begun with renewed vigour under the able and energetic presidency of Mr . Routh . The Society seems to gain ground steadily every year, and now a very considerable degree of interest is taken in the debates . Moreover, which is a very healthy sign, this interest is no longer, as has heretofore been the case, confined to sitting and listening . Silent members are now becoming rather the exception, and nearly everyone does his best to contribute more or less to the enlightenment of his fellow men . The motion on Irish evictions in particular called forth floods of eloquence worthy of an ancient school of oratory.

Shrove Tuesday for a wonder turned out fine, and tempted several parties to ply the well-turned oar in fours, and boats of other descriptions . Excepting for a little wind both river and weather were all that could be desired, and gave no one any cause to regret having trusted to them.

We were glad to see that a corres p ondent signing himself Cricketer," took up our suggestion with regard to the cricket colours, and having (to use his own words) done his best to find out all about them," had come to the conclusion that chocolate and white are really the School colours . We hope that, after this, we shall soon see them adopted . Owing to the abnormal shortness of the term, the boat races will soon be upon us, and in a very few weeks we shall all be tugging at our oars in earnest . Our only hope is that the best boats may win .

154

FOOTBALL. v . YORK BANKS, at York, January 26th.

As this match was played on the first day of the term, the School team was naturally placed at a considerable disadvantage from want of combination . It was very evident that several members of it had not recovered from the effect of Xmas orgies . Both P>ulman and \Vaud had left, so that only Gofton was left of the three-quarters, consequently Jackson had to be taken from half, and Wilson from forward to fill the vacancies . The forwards, were, further weakened by the absence of Rouse and Birks, who had not yet returned . We were, however, fortunate in having once more the services of T . P . Clarke . The Banks got together a very fair XV., and made a very creditable show.

The School won the toss, and played up hill first. Scrimmaging was the order of the day for a considerable time . The Banks were confined to their 25, and had to touch down once or twice . After fifteen minutes play Mawson, by smart following up, obtained a try, but the attempt at goal by Wilson was a failure . The visitors played up harder after this, but the School forwards took the ball well into their 25, when a neat pass to Wilson enabled him to cross the line.

Gofton failed to convert it into a goal . Almost immediately after some combined play between Wilson and Crosthwaite ended in the latter getting the third try, which was not improved upon . No further point was obtained up to half-time . As the School had now the advantage of wind and hill, it was expected that they would considerably augment their score. But this was not the case, as the Banks played much better than (luring the first half. The only point obtained was a try by Wilson, right behind, from which Gofton kicked a goal . The School was consequently left winners by r goal, 3 tries, and 8 minors to r minor. Of the School backs E . Procter gave a perfect exhibition of kicking, and Crosthwaite Allan, and Whaley among the forwards played grandly . For the Banks, Nelson, who saved several tries by his splendid collaring, Haynes and Procter among the backs, and Gabb, forward did excellent service.

The following represented the School :—E . Procter (back); J . G . Wilson, J . E . Gofton, H . Jackson (three-quarters) ; W . L . Procter, N. L . Hood (half) ; R . Crosthwaite, O . W . Whaley, IV. Hutchings, T.P. Clarke, H . Smith, H . Allan, A . C . Clarke, F. Mitchell, and A . Mawson (forwards) .

FOOTBALL.

1 55

z' . BEVERLEY, at York, February 26th.

This was the last match of the season, and considerable interest was taken in it, as the match with Beverley last term had ended in defeat . The School were sadly in want of practice, as they had only once had a game of any sort for three weeks . Still the match was very close, and there was little or nothing to choose between the two sides . 'F . P. Clarke was unable to play, but we had the services of \Vaud . Beverley elected to play down hill with a strong wind behind them . Gofton kicked off and the ball was returned into touch at the half-way flag . The game was mainly a forward one at first, and the ball remained in neutral ground for the first twenty minutes or so, the tackling on both sides being too safe for any long runs . At last one of the visitors' three-quarters took a long low drop, the ball hit the posts and went off at right angles about twenty yards . One of the forwards, who was apparently off-side, dropped on the ball and claimed a try, which was allowed . A beautiful goal was kicked from it . The School were rather pressed after this, and had to touch clown twice . After half-time, having the advantage of wind, hill, and sun, they made a vigorous attack upon the visitors ' 25 . Wilson made a short dribble, and then picking up managed to evade his opponents and secured a try for the School . Gofton ' s kick only missed by half a foot Nothing further was scored until just before time, Beverley obtained a try close to the touch line. The kick was unsuccessful . The School backs were not particularly brilliant, Procter repeatedly failing to get his kick in . The halves were quite out-classed, and did not feed the three-quarters at all well . The forwards played a very good game throughout. Dunkerly and Brough among the forwards, and the threequarters showed up most prominently for Beverley.

With this match the School season closed . 13 matches were played, of which 6 were won, 6 lost, and 1 drawn, a record which if not brilliant is by no means poor, considering the great disadvantages with which we had to contend . By next season, Wilson, Crosthwaite, Whaley, Clarke, Procter, Smith, Rouse, and Hutchings will have left, so that only five of the regular XV will be available . Still, as there are several promising players rapidly coming to the front, there is no reason to be despondent, and we heartily wish the team of 1887 good luck .

It may be of interest to add that of the 63 tries obtained during the whole season, Waud obtained 19, Wilson 12, Bulman 7, Gofton 6,

15 6

FOOTBALL.

Crosthwaite 5, Jackson 6, Rouse 3, Whaley, Clarke, Smith, and Hutchings i each . Wand also dropped a goal.

A TEAM v . WHITE ROSE A, January 3oth.

The School was strengthened by the importation of Wilson, Jackson, Gabb, Allan, and Procter, as very few members of the second team were available . The match was well-contested throughout, but was of a somewhat rough character . The White Rose had only a vague idea of the rules, so that a considerable time was spent in instructing them that it was necessary to put the ball down at once when collared . In the first half Wilson obtained a try after a very unnecessary maul, but failed to improve upon it ; 6 minors were also scored . The home team scored a few more minors, but could get nothing more substantial until close on time, when Wilson receiving a pass from Jackson, handed off his opponents, and crossed the line.

The shot at goal went wide of the posts . The School backs played a safe game throughout, while Allan and Gabb performed herculean feats forward .

EDINBORO' LETTER. RIEF as is the time which is allowed us in which to glean material for an Edinboro' letter, yet it is not so brief but that we may be able to gather a few facts that may be of interest to your readers.

First and foremost let us turn our attention to Football . The University XV . share the honour with the West of Scotland Club of possessing an unbroken record in purely Scottish matches . In November last, the inter-city match was played at Glasgow, and resulted in a win for Glasgow . L . E . Stevenson figured as one of the leading forwards in the Edinboro' team . The second contest of importance in Scotland came off at the end of January, and resulted in a win for the East over the West, by a goal and two tries to a goal and a try . Stevenson, Morison, Johnston, and Simpson were those of the University team chosen to play for the East . Johnston was the first to score for the East, and in the second half of the game Stevenson succeeded in getting another try . The winning point was scored by Irvine, of the Academicals . The game was splendidly contested throughout, and was productive of some very fine play . We must not omit mentioning that Stevenson was chosen as a forward reserve for

B

EDINBURGH LETTER .

t 57

the International team . Many, indeed, thought he should have got his cap, as he undoubtedly has shown splendid form throughout the season.

The match above-mentioned is, in all probability, the last in which we shall ever have the pleasure of seeing A . R . Grant-Asher figuring, as he sustained a compound fracture of the thigh . We might mention that C . Rose is figuring well in his club, the Collegiate.

The first of a series of Smoking Concerts, managed by the Students ' Representative Council, will take place shortly, and will no doubt receive a hearty support from the students.

The site for the Union has at length been fixed, and everything is ready for a start to be made.

Before closing, we must not omit to mention the universal sorrow felt at the death of our Lord Rector, the late Lord Iddesleigh . In commemoration of this sad event a funeral service was held at St. Giles ' Cathedral, which the Senatus attended in full academic costume.

The Prince of Wales has been asked to allow himself to be nominated as the new Lord Rector ; but we learn that he has refused, excusing himself on the ground of want of time.

J . S.

CAMBRIDGE LETTER. F the task of writing a Cambridge Letter had been imposed on us a a few days earlier, we should have been forced to speak with fear and misgiving of a subject which is, perhaps, at the present time, that of most interest, the 'Varsity boat . Early in the week our outlook seemed rather gloomy ; Muttlebury had been unable to row all the term, and it was said all hope of his coming back was at an end ; Fairbairn was reported to be unable to row, and Orford, the best of the new men, had sprained his ankle badly while getting into a pant . Our prospects were, however, considerably brightened when, on Wednesday, both the former appeared again . Muttlebury at six, and Fairbairn at five, thus settling two of the middle places which have been subject to such constant changes . If Orford could only recover in time to take his place in the crew, the boat should be at least strong . Seeing that the crew has not yet, as far as we know, been finally settled, it is hard to say anything of its prospects on the Thames ; but though Oxford have rowed as they are for some time, and would appear, therefore, to

I

15S

CAMBRIDGE LETTER.

have the better chance, it must be remembered that the case was just the same last year, and it was not till they left Cambridge that the crew underwent their final change.

The last few days the " Lents " have been the all absorbing interest ..

There was some very exciting racing, especially among the boats at the. top of the first division . On the second day Corpus did not catch Jesus till within a hundred yards or so of the post, while on the third, Corpus, Jesus, and Lady Margaret were within a few feet of one another at the finish . In the end, Corpus, in which St . Peter 's was. represented by Fausset, remained head . We must congratulate the latter on getting his oar, and also on being elected Secretary of his College Club . The only other Peterite rowing was Crawshaw, who , stroked the first Pembroke boat.

Since last the Peterite appeared we have been honoured by a visit from Mr . Gladstone, who met with what the papers call an "enthusiastic reception ." The great man visited various Colleges, and amongst other things planted a tree at Newnham, which has since disappeared, and though a correspondent of the Review hopes the remover has by this. time had enough of "fearful joy, " and awaits anxiously its return. " (sub node) " still remains wanting.

We hear that the ~'dipus Tyrannus has been selected as the play to be performed next October term . Judging from the success with which the Eumenides met we look forward to it with pleasant anticipation .

C . H. OXFORD LETTER.

HE river has for the last few days been the chief centre of attraction it has, in fact, presented much greater attractions than it usually does in the Torpid 's week . The storms of bitter wind and rain which usually greet those persons who are brave enough to hold out on• the barges watching the struggle, were on this occasion entirely absent.

Owing to the low current, too, the labour of the crews was considerably heightened . The results, at any rate in the first division, do not at all represent the interest and excitement of the races ; for, though the first five boats rowed over night after night, yet, with the exception of B .N .C . first, which never allowed Exeter to a p proach nearer than half a length, almost every night witnessed a hard struggle between some of

T

OXFORD LETTER .

159

hem . As usually is the case, those who ventured to foretell results, were proved lying prophets . Queen's, they said, would make several bumps, and might even finish head of the river ; Queen ' s fell two places,. and finished eighth . University was certain to go down ; on the contrary, it rose two places . St . Catherine's was stroked by Peel, but was unfortunate enough to go down ; Cobb rowed bow in New Coll. second, which, after making a bump, was in turn bumped by B .N .C. second . This latter boat has only been put on the river this year, but has already risen four places . The Rai/le, the little paper which always attends the Torpids, has shewn itself as lively as usual . In one of its numbers appeared a Latin poem, by a writer whom we used to be chiefly acquainted with through a certain work on Greek prose . It is pleasant to think that he can lend himself to composition on such light subjects as Torpids . The following verses are an extract : Torpido quis quis cupis interesse Ocius lecto careas alunda Vesperi somnum repetas teneilis Ocius agnis.

Mane to cruda repleas bovina, Seu magis pullus placet, aut ofellee Oris extinguat silientis ignes Mot hius humor.

Sic tibi parcet bent remignnti Raucus e ripa reboans magister, Ante ccdentem tua sic phaselum Prora vorabit.

It would be rash to venture on any prophecies concerning the University boat race . We hear that the Oxford crew are improving, so let us hope for the best.

To turn to Football . In the match against the Clapham Rovers, Wilson played half for the Rovers, as they were short of men . The 'Varsity pressed their opponents too hard to admit of his shewing any very brilliant play, but he saved well all through . The Association team have on the whole been very successful this term, despite the defeat they suffered from Cambridge . They always seem to play much better in the latter part of a game, taking some time to get together.

A conspicuous illustration of this may be seen in the match against Aston Villa, in which the 'Varsity let their opponents score four goals in the first quarter of an hour . It is only fair to state that the ' Varsity had the blazing sun in their eyes for the first half of the game . As it was they nearly drew, obtaining three goals later on .

a6o

OXFORD LETTER.

The fire at Queen 's, though so long extinct, still continues to remind us of its ravages . For the last few weeks we have seen a solid mass of scaffolding gradually surrounding the damaged wing . Pole has been added to pole, and p'ank to plank, until the structure bids fair to overtop all the surrounding buildings . The three statues, though they stood up so grandly on the night of the fire, and defied the flames to harm them, must, it appears, come down after all, as the stones underneath them are injured . As there appears to be considerable doubt about the identity of these statues, a suggestion (which appears at least as likely as any other) has been offered, that they are intended to represent Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

We are glad to see that at last some efforts are being made to put an end to the extensive book thieving by which the Union library has been robbed of so many volumes . A graduate member of this University was a short time ago brought before the Vice-Chancellor's court charged with this offence . It is to be hoped that he will be made an example of.

Oxford, like all the rest of the world, is discussing the best method of celebrating the Jubilee . The preparations will be on an extensive scale, if report says true . Report even ventures to say that the Queen will be present in Oxford, and will have a degree conferred up on her .

The city authorities, if we are not mistaken, are already beginning to look for sources from which they may meet the expenses ; they evidently are hard up, and will leave no means untried . The trees in the Parks' road—trees, alas ! no longer—have been the first victims.

For some time past we have been watching them denuded of their branches, and reduced to forlorn stumps . Can the wood thus procured be of sufficient value to make it worth while perpetrating such barbarism ? Will the trees in the Broad Walk be the next victims ?

We conclude with all good wishes to those old Peterites who are within a few days to be tortured in the schools . May their pens scratch on merrily as any there, and may results prove that they have not scratched in vain .

DEBATING SOCIETY. HE first meeting of the Debating Society was held on January 29th, when the following were elected officers :—President, Rev . W. Routh ; Vice-President, J . H . G . Wilson ; Secretary, H . W. Allan,

T

Messrs . Carroll, Birks, Rose, Lane i, Lane ii, Douglas iii, Metcalfe,

DEBATING SOCIETY .

161

Bennett, Young, Naylor, and Crowther were elected members. It was proposed by H . W . Allan, seconded by O . W . Whaley, and carried that every member of the Society in the Sixth Form bring forward one motion during the Session . Proposed by J . H . G . Wilson, seconded by 0 . W . Whaley, and carried, that the members of the Lower School be admitted, but not allowed to speak or vote.

The Debating Society met on Saturday, February 5th, when a motion was brought forward by 0 . W . Whaley, That modern civilisation does not tend to happiness . " The proposer argued that civilisation did away with manual labour and likewise with chivalry, that it tended to make society artificial, and that modern dress was as uncomfortable as possible . The motion was seconded by A . C . Clarke . J . H . G. Wilson, opposing, said that there must be civilisation or none at all . As far as he was concerned, he preferred the former. Rev . W. Routh said that if machinery were done away with the population would have to be lessened by 15 millions ; that if we had received some diseases through civilisation, we had also through it received cures for others.

FOR .

O . W . Whaley.

A. C . Clarke .

C . Whaley .

AGAINST. J . II . G . Wilson.

II . W . Allan.

R . Crosthwaite.

N . L . Hood.

K . T. Wilkinson.

M . II . Carroll.

Rev. W . Routh.

On division the numbers were For Against

6 r8

The motion was therefore lost by a majority of 12.

This, for the first debate of the term, was above the average, and though considerably one-sided, was by no means devoid of interest, The comprehensiveness and vagueness of the subject, however, did not allow of the matter being fully discussed.

On Saturday, February 12th, J . H . G. Wilson brought forward a motion that " The state of Eng'and is rotten ." Wilson urged, as an. argument for the motion, the present inefficiency of the army and navy.

He pointed out, too, the lack of patriotism in the country, and desc ibed with considerable vigour and vividness the wretched state of Parliament," and the want of unity so conspicuous in it . 0 . IV . .

162

DEBATING SOCIETY.

Whaley, in seconding the motion, pointed out the racecourse and the publication of " unpalatable matter " in the papers as a great argument in favour of the motion . The motion was opposed by K . T . Wilkinson, who considered that, in comparison with other states, we could not be placed below them, and that in many cases our state was preferable to theirs.

FOR.

AGAINST.

J . H . G . Wilson (2) .

O. W . Whaley .

M . H . Carroll.

K. T . Wilkinson.

N . L . Hood.

J . F . Leaf.

Rev. W . Routh.

On division the numbers were For Against

q IS

The motion was therefore lost by a majority of q.

The speeches throughout were somewhat vague, but were successful in keeping up the interest in the debate. Several members, too, made promising debuts, and their speeches augur well for the future of the Debating Society.

We should have mentioned that, previous to the debate, J . H . G. Wilson, seconded by O . W . Whaley, moved that " the opposer of a motion should in future speak before the seconder," urging that in this way the seconder would be better able to speak, and further interest would be added to the debate . The motion was carried nern. con.

On Saturday, February r 9th, A . C . Clarke brought forward a motion that " The Glenbeigh evictions in Ireland were justifiable . " A . C. Clarke argued that the land belonged to the landlords, and that, therefore, if their tenants did not pay rent they were justified in evicting them . In his opinion the chief cause of the evictions were the Irish Nationalists themselves. The motion was seconded by J . H. G. Wilson, who said that landlords had been especially lenient in Ireland, and that Ireland ought to be treated in the same manner as other countries .

FOR .

A. C . Clarke .

J . II . G . Wilson .

O . W . Whaley .

C . Whaley .

N . T, . Hood .

J . E . Gofton.

II . F . Chadwick.

A . T. IIopkins .

AGAINS T.

R . Crosthwaite .

H . W . Allan.

J . F . Leaf.

K . T. Wilkinson.

M . II . Carroll.

NEUTRAL.

Rev . W. Routh

163

DEBATING SOCIETY.

The House divided, with the result For Against

tq 9

The motion was therefore carried by a majority of 8.

The debate was well sustained throughout, and more members gave 'their opinion on this motion than in any other debate in our memory.

On Saturday, February 26th . Rev. C . R . Gilbert moved that "Further restrictions on the liberty of speech and of the press are absolutely .necessary for the well-being of the community ." The mover touched upon the waste of time in the House of Commons, especially referring to the debate on the Address . He thought that wherever the expression of opinion was harmful to the community it should be restricted, but not otherwise ; as an example, in his opinion the meetings of Socialists should be forbidden in populous towns . With regard to the Press, he did not advocate restrictions on political news—although the desire to see their speeches in print caused several members of Parliament to speak oftener than was needful—but only on criminal news.

A . C . Clarke seconded the motion, and said that as time was pressing he would merely say that he heartily agreed with all the opinions of the mover on the subject. O . W . Whaley thought that liberty of speech and of the press was one of the greatest blessings of the country, and that any curtailment of it would lessen the well-being of the community . The opposition was supported by J . H . G. Wilson, who said that the expression of opinion acted as a safety-valve for the evil plans and intentions of men.

FOR

AGAINST

Rev . C . R. Gilbert .

A . C . Clarke .

O . W. Whaley.

J . H . G . Wilson.

Rev . W . Routh.

The House divided with the following result : For Against

ro

to The result being a tie, the Rev . W . Routh as President, gave his tasting vote against the motion which was therefore lost by a majority of r.

This debate was not so well attended as usual, though this does not account for the small number of speeches made . The members did not appear to possess their customary fluency of speech ; perhaps, indeed, because they did not wish to waste time, and decided to put in practice the restrictions on public speech, which were advocated by the mover of the motion .

164

CORRESPONDENCE. To THE EDITORS

OF

THE " PETERITE . "

DEAR SIRS, In answer to your correspondent, who signs himself "School House, " I beg to state that it is hardly fair to say that the teams "were not at all representative, " as, to the best of my knowledge, at our first meeting there was only one man absent from the School House team,, and at the second meeting, although there were two men absent, yer they were ably represented, having two second XV day boys playing for them, whom they themselves selected . I think, therefore, that the. gentleman signing himself " School House, " has suffered his loyalty to. his side to overcome his sober judgment when he says that "no decision,. can be come to as to their relative merits ;" for in as much as we beat them so easily when they had first one, and then two men away, I . feel sure that you will agree with me in thinking that the result would, hardly have been doubtful, even had they played their full strength.

I remain, Yours, &c ., CLIFTON GREEN HOUSE.

NOTES AND ITEMS. J . 'H . G .WILSON has been elected to a Hastings Exhibition at Queen's College, Oxford.

R . CROSTHWAITE and A . RousE have been elected on the Boating Committee.

The REV. E. BARBER has been appointed to the Archdeaconry of of Chester.

The REV. C . R. GILBERT has kindly presented "The Life of Bishop, Hannington, " by the Rev . E . C . Dawson, M .A ., to the School Library,.

We have received the announcement of the marriage of LIEUT . W . J. P. KAVE, of the Buffs, to the daughter of Major-General Hardy, at Dovev The Editors beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following contemporaries :—" Lorettonian" (2), "Sedberghian," " Shirburnian ,""Ulule BIRTH .—On January the 29th, the wife of Rev . W. Routh of daughter.