[From Mannin vol 1, 1913

Foreword.

AM glad to respond to the request that I should write a few words of introduction to the first number of MANNIN. It gives me special pleasure to do so, because it marks an endeavour to carry on the work of my old pupil and life-long friend, Mr. A. W. Moore. No one has ever laboured more patiently, or with more success to further the interests of our Island than he did, and while Arthur Moore’s History of the Isle of Mann will ever remain as the most permanent literary monument of his loyal service, his Manx Note Book may be regarded as the worthy ancestor of MANNIN.

It is most important to take steps without delay to preserve what is of value and interest in connection with the history, language and antiquities of the Isle of Mann. As Manxmen like Archdeacon Gill and Dr. John Clague pass into larger life, we lose treasures of old story which can never be regained. It is impossible to save all that such old veterans stand for, but much may be done if only there are organised channels into which the abundance of their ripe memories may be turned. Such, I take it, will be one object of MANNIN. I well remember the visits which Prince Lucien Bonaparte paid to the Island to study the special characteristics of the Manx Language and the diligence with which he sought to increase his knowledge up to his very death. Most of the results of his research have been lost, partly from want of just such a storehouse as MANNIN will provide. But let us remember that we not only need the main channel, we also need the tributary streams. There is still an abundance of tradition which lies hidden away in humble cottages and lonely farms, and which care and diligence may still collect and put into permanent form, if only we do not let our love for Manxland grow cold. It is late, but not too late to do this; and I trust that those who are to control the destinies of MANNIN will speedily and wisely organise the means of doing it. The cares of a huge diocese forbid the hope that I can give much help, yet I trust that I may yet do something.

One thing more. There are sides to modern life in the Isle of Mann which are being paraded in fiction, as though they reflected what Mannin Veg Veen really offers to our friends who visit us. I have recently seen such a book^*, and my soul revolts from such a travesty of Island life. My hope and my prayer are that this new effort will help to bring out the high value of what is truly Manx, and that MANNIN may thus indirectly foster a knowledge of what we really are : a people who love what is straight and clean and wholesome, a people who, left to follow their true instincts, hate religious bickerings and party strife, a people who love that righteousness which exalteth a nation, and hate the sin that is a disgrace to any people.

T. W. RIPON; formerly T. W. SODOR & MANN

The Palace, Ripon..

*[FPC] : This is almost certainly Hall Caine's Manxman.