BOUQUETS
That we reserve for ourselves the compliment of the firstbouquetwe trust will not be regarded as an impropriety. The necessity of making a formal bow on entering for the first time the presence of the great Public is well recognized, and in the performance of this duty, which holds for us a rare pleasure, a little well meant selfishness is perhaps pardonable.
Dixieis introduced to your notice as the result of the latest attempt to establish a Southern magazine. Despite the precedents of failure that are ours, we believe success to be possible for such a venture under existing conditions. It is difficult to accept as truth what has been said so often of the Southern people, that they are in general unappreciative of good literature and good art. That we do not concur in the belief the appearance ofDixieis conclusive evidence. We confidently expect the most liberal support from the cultivated class of every state of the South, believing a periodical of this order—a native production having at heart the interests of the Southern people—will meet with an eager and a sincere welcome.
We have thought it best to make a modest beginning rather than to herald our undertaking with a brilliant first number at the cost of strength that might better be reserved for exigencies of the struggle yet to come. We have chosen to build, and would have our success—if success await us—be the result of growth. Having obtained the services of a number of the well known writers and artists of the country, we are in the position to promise a continual improvement both in the contents and the appearance of the magazine.
It was found necessary to make the first number somewhat local in tone, but this is only a passing condition. We have secured for future issues contributions of more general interest.
With this brief introductory note,Dixieis offered to your consideration.
The greatest praise is due Mr. Philip de Boilleau for his beautiful and distinguished painting entitled “Hydrangias,” which we reproduce on the opposite page. This picture,—an harmonious arrangement in soft grays,—was painted in Milan during the past summer, and has only recently been brought to Baltimore. We consider it one of Mr. Boilleau’s best works, and pin this modest littleboutonniereon the lapel of his coat in recognition of his resourceful and extremely personal talent.
“Hydrangias”Painted by Philip de Boilleau.
“Hydrangias”
Painted by Philip de Boilleau.
The presence of the Boston Symphony organization in Baltimore this fall was thoroughly enjoyed, but it would not have been financially possible had not ten of our wealthy and very liberal citizens formed a guarantee fund and contributed enough money to insure the entire success of the venture. We have not yet seen any public commendation of this very public spirited action, and therefore feel that it would not be amiss to assure these gentlemen (whose names are withheld at their own request) that the professional musicians as a class, and the real music-loving Baltimoreans as well, are deeply appreciative and grateful for the signal liberality they have shown and the example they have set for others to follow. Such things should not be taken as a matter of course, or be passed over in complete silence.
Mr. George N. Mackenzie’s suggestion, made public in theSunof Dec. 13th, of placing tablets on houses that have sheltered famous persons should commend itself to all those interested in historical work or the improvement of the city. Southern towns are particularly rich in this class of historic objects, as the result of a pronounced reverence for old things and a reluctance to tear down and rebuild. However strongly present methods of progress may demand the destruction of these ancient piles, we cannot altogether condemn the unprogressiveness that leaves them standing. They are a means of important instruction to the public; and their presence in a town cannot but add to its attractiveness and prosperity, if attention is properly directed to their existence. It may safely be said that the solidarity of the English nation is in great part maintained by the constant inspiration afforded by the innumerable monuments, of all kinds, that cover English soil. They are material evidence of past greatness. Is there a more powerful agent than precedent? We step from the past to the present, and in proportion to the firmness of the position of the rear foot we advance. Preserve the monuments at any cost! The houses of great men are as sacred as their graves; and it should be a shame to that city that negligently or wilfully suffers them to be destroyed.