I HOPE it may not seem unduly egotistical for the former editor of THE COMMONWEAL to point out that the taking over of control by the group now responsible for the policies of this journal is a pretty sound proof of the fruitfulness of the work done by its founders. Some of the new editors worked out their apprenticeship to the art and mystery of the press in THE COMMONWEAL'S office, as junior members of our staff. All the others have been associated with one or an-other of the many educational or cultural activities that have sprung up in the field of Catholic lay movements since THE COMMONWEAL began its career in 1924. Of course, it would be decidedly egotistical to claim that the influence of this paper was the main cause for the appearance of these other movements— liturgical, literary, artistic, sociological, philosophical, etc.— but it certainly is true that the first appearance of THE COMMONWEAL, fourteen years ago, was coincidental with, if not the most important aspect of, a widespread resurgence of American Catholic intellectual movements. It is also quite manifestly true that this journal had a good deal to do with the promotion and extension of this general movement, with many particular aspects of which it has been closely associated. 

Therefore, the changes that are now in process on this journal are far from being breaks with its former policies and traditions; on the contrary, they are the evidences of a legitimate and appropriate development of a living institution. In this field, as in all others, unless the pioneers find others to follow them, and to build solidly where they could only open the trails, and to explore the unknown possibilities, then indeed their efforts have been futile. So I think that as the one chiefly responsible for some fifteen years for the pioneering work of THE COMMONWEAL, I am fairly entitled not only to welcome my successors warmly and gladly, but also to find their advent to be a vindication of what began as a somewhat desperate adventure, and which has always remained hazardous, but which is now arrived at a point where a greater field of service than ever before opens before it, precisely at a time when youthful forces are eagerly ready to carry on the task. 

We who began the work are not, however, turning our backs upon it. As a matter of fact, those who may be termed the veterans of this campaign will remain associated with the new phase of the work, in an advisory capacity, or as contributing editors, writing regularly or occasionally for its pages, and, of course, remaining the well-wishers, helpers, elder comrades and friends of the youngergroup. My own part in the joint advance will be to write in this column about whatever I please, events, and persons, and books, and the ever-changing aspects of the affairs of the day. And in beginning my task, I wish not only to thank most heartily, for all their generous, and at times really self-sacrificing, support, the thousands of known and unknown friends of THE COMMONWEAL who have made its work possible, but also I beg them all—so far as what I say may count with them—to extend to the new directors of the work the same helpful interest which they have given so loyally and devotedly to my collaborators and to me. 

I would add my own conviction that if it were true that there was a need for such a paper as this, fourteen years ago, and surely there was, that need is far greater today. When we began publication, our country was just entering that epoch of frenetic financial prosperity (for some: for many indeed, but not for the nation as a whole), which in the opinion of the predominant leader-ship of our people was ushering in a new and permanent period of wealth, of ever-developing luxuries and comforts. We who were responsible for the direction of this paper did not wholly share that view; indeed, we may honestly say that in common with other observers we were not blind to the signs and omens of trouble approaching, and of grave national and international problems pressing forward. But I for one will confess that we failed to perceive how imminent was the disaster which began its tremendous course in 1929. In spite of all that was said by the Ilead of the Church himself, in "Quadragesimo Anno," the deepening and the darkening of the storm clouds of world revolution came upon us without a commensurate effort on our part— or, so I would affirm, on the part of Catholic leadership in general, clerical or lay— fully to arouse our own people, and to warn our fellow citizens. 

Now, we are in the very midst of the hurricane as it bursts. It is quite useless to attempt to return to where we were before 1929. A new world has to be built up on the ruins of the old; and to that task a paper such as this has a definite contribution to make. However, on this page, it is no longer necessary, in fact it would now be unfitting, to use the editorial "we," or "us"; for here I speak only for myself, and not for the editors of THE COMMONWEAL, save, of course, in so far as our views agree and support each other; as no doubt they often will. And no doubt they often will not do so, because, as they themselves will tell you elsewhere in this issue, while this paper has always been a forum for all sorts and kinds of opinions compatible with the controlling principles of our faith (indeed, at times we have resembled Donnybrook Fair!), it is the intention of the new group to enlarge that liberty, and to emphasize the note of individual opinion. 

We are all agreed, of course, that unless there be not only a great renewal but also a swift and certain and practical application of the truths taught by the Catholic Church, the present crisis of humanity cannot be solved peaceably or reason- ably. But it is the function of such a journal as this to discuss not only the "why " of such a situa- tion, but also—and perhaps the more important point—the "how" of the best possible solutions. nd it is precisely at this point where opinions inevitably differ. Now, whether this paper, col- lectively, through its editors, or through its indi- vidual writers, can muster the wisdom and find the power to speak the great formulas of true reforms which must be found lest society perish, who shall say? But that in trying our best to hit the mark we should at least turn out a readable and lively paper—that, I think, is wholly probable.