Loyola University Maryland - Evergreen / Green and Gray Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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18 THE LOYOLA ANNUAL Gilbert Kntl} (A Competitive Essay: Adapted,) O one has come in touch with the writings of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, the talented young English poet, au- thor, journalist and critic, without feeling something of the nature of the man himself, which is so prominently displayed in his writings. After perusing the cheerful platitudes of some of the earlier literary lights of England, it is v ith a gasp of relief that we turn to some of the inspired absurdities and bold truths expressed by some of the younger generation, with such a man as Chesterton as their leader. Few people at present appreciate the value of Chesterton’s writings and the influence that they must finally have on modern literature, and the per- versity of modern thought. The ideal of Chesterton’s youth was Whitman, whose in- fluence we see in all of Chesterton’s earlier works, and it was under Whitman’s tutorage, as it were, that he became a so- cialist. While a socialist Chesterton was a strong revolutionist, treat- ing traditional Christianity as a trumped up reversion of Christ’s doctrine, while he praised the Founder. However, we are glad that the revolutionary period of Chesterton’s life was of short duration, for in his first prose work, ‘‘ The Defendant,” we see the socialist gradually turning protectionist; the rad- ical becoming conservative. As in his poems he has attacked and ridiculed the champions of traditional and historic religion and materialistic progress, so in the “The Defendant” he at- tacked those who would do away with the existing order; those whom he fittingly calls in his subsequent books the “ iconoclasts.”

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THE LOYOLA ANNUAL 17 A. Ktlip, S . 3 Rev. Stephen A. Kelly, S. J., a former President of Loyola College, died at the rectory of St. Joseph’s Church, Philadel- phia, on Sunday, February 13th, 1910, in the 77th year of his age. Father Kelly presided over the destinies of St. Ignatius’ Church and of Loyola College for nearly seven years, or until the summer of 1877, during which time he devoted all his energies to building up the College and maintaining the high standard it then enjoyed. An excellent business man, he realized the necessity of reducing the large debt that was upon the church and the old College buildings, and, with this object in view organized the Church Debt Association which did so much to relieve the burden that weighed so heavily upon the institution. Through his efforts, many im- provements were made, and the original debt materially re- duced. Father Kelly was a handsome specimen of a manly man, whose kindly heart was concealed by what some regarded as rather a dignified exterior, but he was ever ready to do a favor, and always willing to take his share of the duties per- taining to the office he held. He was a noted pulpit orator; his commanding presence, clear and distinct enunciation gained for him a wide reputation as a forcible and learned speaker. His innate modesty was so great that though he was recognized as an eloquent preacher, he disliked to be seen in the pulpit, yet never shirking his duties in this re- spect, he preached regularly on his appointed Sunday, at Sodality and weekly devotions in the month of May. Father Kelly was popular with all. Beloved by the com- munity, admired by the students, and esteemed by a large circle of warm friends, he was always the courteous gentle- man, the sincere and kind friend, the ideal Priest. Matthew S. Brenan. 2

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THE LOYOLA ANNUAL 19 The anonymous author of “ A Criticism of Chesterton,” writes that a number of causes were influential in the change of attitude, but especially the communing v ithin himself, which v as caused by the Boer War, and the growth of the Imperialistic spirit in England. War was good; it was noble and elevating if waged by equal pov ers, still better if the w eak conquered the strong, but degrading if the strong overwhelmed the weak. As when years before the “ Letters of Junius ” ap- peared, the same sort of interest w’as aroused in 1900 by the cryptic signature G. K. C.; all v anted to know who he was, and though he was with the losing side, by his pov erful per- sonality he compelled men to read him, and his fame was national at the end of the war. Chesterton’s next move was a denial of so called prog- ress,” in that fantastical creation — ‘‘ The Napoleon of Not- ting Hill.” It was not, however, until Chesterton published “ Heretics ” that he raised his standard and showed his aver- sion to anything that was narrow, or clannish; to whatever was abstruse or obscure; his motto seems to be “let every man stand forth in the fight, and if his doctrines or theories can resist the attacks of critics — such as Chesterton — well and good, for then they are orthodox, but if they cannot, the authors are heretics and are ostracised.” It is some years since the publication of “ Heretics,” an astonishing book, in which with the liberty of a free-lance he showed keenly and persuasively his total disagreement or doubting compliance with things in general as they exist to- day. The book appears to the reader who endeavors to grasp its purport, to be directed in its attack against the notion, that men’s attitude toward the universe is great or small only in the relation which this position bears to the expressive grace of its delineation. This work which delights the cul- tivated, and reasoning mind, says plainly, “ the one most im-