“‘Dear Mr. Whittier;—The three literary circles, together with a goodly company of the citizens of Amesbury as their invited guests, are met to celebrate the return of your birthday. We have talked together of all that you have done and suffered in the cause of freedom and of truth. We have listened to many of your words, rendered by living voices. We have looked at your ‘counterfeit presentment’ as it has hung before us covered with evergreen—our New England laurel. Because you were not with us in person, to receive them, we desire to send you our most hearty congratulations on the completion of your seventy-seventh year. We rejoice that after your “Thirty Years’ War” you have been spared to enjoy so many years of peace, and that in the prolonged “Indian Summer,” the “Halcyon” days of your life, you are receiving a well deserved tribute of reverence and affection. We think ourselves happy to have known you, not merely as a poet, but as a citizen, a neighbor, and a friend.“‘We feel we can not better voice our sentiments than by retaliating upon you the words you once so fitly spoke of one who has been a co-laborer with you in the cause of humanity—the mild “Autocrat of the Breakfast Table.”“‘“The world may keep his honored name,The wealth of all his varied powers;A stronger claim has love than fame,And he himself is only ours.”’“‘In the name and by the request of three hundred citizens of your own village.’
“‘Dear Mr. Whittier;—The three literary circles, together with a goodly company of the citizens of Amesbury as their invited guests, are met to celebrate the return of your birthday. We have talked together of all that you have done and suffered in the cause of freedom and of truth. We have listened to many of your words, rendered by living voices. We have looked at your ‘counterfeit presentment’ as it has hung before us covered with evergreen—our New England laurel. Because you were not with us in person, to receive them, we desire to send you our most hearty congratulations on the completion of your seventy-seventh year. We rejoice that after your “Thirty Years’ War” you have been spared to enjoy so many years of peace, and that in the prolonged “Indian Summer,” the “Halcyon” days of your life, you are receiving a well deserved tribute of reverence and affection. We think ourselves happy to have known you, not merely as a poet, but as a citizen, a neighbor, and a friend.
“‘We feel we can not better voice our sentiments than by retaliating upon you the words you once so fitly spoke of one who has been a co-laborer with you in the cause of humanity—the mild “Autocrat of the Breakfast Table.”
“‘“The world may keep his honored name,The wealth of all his varied powers;A stronger claim has love than fame,And he himself is only ours.”’
“‘“The world may keep his honored name,The wealth of all his varied powers;A stronger claim has love than fame,And he himself is only ours.”’
“‘“The world may keep his honored name,The wealth of all his varied powers;A stronger claim has love than fame,And he himself is only ours.”’
“‘“The world may keep his honored name,
The wealth of all his varied powers;
A stronger claim has love than fame,
And he himself is only ours.”’
“‘In the name and by the request of three hundred citizens of your own village.’
“To which Mr. Whittier responded with the following charming letter:
“‘Oak Knoll, Danvers, 12 Mo., 23, 1884.“‘My Dear Friend:—Thy kind letter in behalf of the literary associations of Amesbury and Salisbury has just been received, and I hasten to express my thanks for the generous appreciation of my life work by “mine own people,” who know the man as well as the writer. That I am neither a prophet myself, nor the son of a prophet, may account perhaps for the rather remarkable fact that I am not without honor in my own country. I scarcely need say that among the many kind testimonials of regard which, on the occasion of my birthday, have reached me from both sides of the water, none have been more welcome than that conveyed in thy letter. If the praise awarded me is vastly beyond my due, I am none the less grateful for it.“‘I know too well my own deficiencies and limitations, but my heart is warm with thankfulness to the Divine Providence which so early led me to consecrate the ability given me to the cause of heaven, freedom, and the welfare of my fellowmen. The measure of literary reputation which has come to me is as far beyond my expectation as my desert, and I am glad to share the benefit of it with my home friends and neighbors. With thanks to thyself personally, and to those whom thee represents, I am, very truly, thy friend,“‘John G. Whittier.’”
“‘Oak Knoll, Danvers, 12 Mo., 23, 1884.
“‘My Dear Friend:—Thy kind letter in behalf of the literary associations of Amesbury and Salisbury has just been received, and I hasten to express my thanks for the generous appreciation of my life work by “mine own people,” who know the man as well as the writer. That I am neither a prophet myself, nor the son of a prophet, may account perhaps for the rather remarkable fact that I am not without honor in my own country. I scarcely need say that among the many kind testimonials of regard which, on the occasion of my birthday, have reached me from both sides of the water, none have been more welcome than that conveyed in thy letter. If the praise awarded me is vastly beyond my due, I am none the less grateful for it.
“‘I know too well my own deficiencies and limitations, but my heart is warm with thankfulness to the Divine Providence which so early led me to consecrate the ability given me to the cause of heaven, freedom, and the welfare of my fellowmen. The measure of literary reputation which has come to me is as far beyond my expectation as my desert, and I am glad to share the benefit of it with my home friends and neighbors. With thanks to thyself personally, and to those whom thee represents, I am, very truly, thy friend,
“‘John G. Whittier.’”
The “Crescent” circle, ofWakefield, grew out of a meeting held last September, and addressed by Mr. Fairchild, of Malden, in the interest of the Chautauqua movement. A circle was formed as a result of their meeting. About twenty members are now recorded on the books, although more than that proposed at first to join. The meetings are quite interesting, the programs being varied.——The “Alpha,” ofUxbridge, is a new name on the books. This cutting from a recent letter is suggestive of their spirit: “We start with six members only, but all areveryenthusiastic. We propose to do thorough work. Our object is improvement and genuine culture. We shall use the best means to bring in others to reap with us the golden harvest, and not be selfishly content with ‘our set.’”——There are inFall Riverabout sixty members of the C. L. S. C., but the “Amity” circle is the first organization in the city. It at present numbers only thirteen members. A larger number certainly ought to be in the organization. The “Amity” will undoubtedly soon bring them in.——FromPittsfielda friend writes: “I am happy to report to you a constantly increasing interest in the C. L. S. C. work in Pittsfield. Our circle reorganized in October for another year’s work. To the leadership of our efficient president, the Rev. Geo. Skene, we owe our present prosperity. We have now sixty-four members, twenty-three of whom belong to Class ’88. We have one graduate, our president, who took his diploma at Chautauqua last summer. We also have one member of Class ’85, making five classes represented in our circle. Our meetings are full of interest, and the attendance is excellent, the smallest number present at any meeting this year being twenty-five. Programs are arranged by a board of seven managers, who serve for three months. Singing, prayer, roll call, with responses by quotations and reading of minutes of last meeting, always form the opening exercises. We have also used the Chautauqua vesper service, and enjoyed it. Our pastor has had the Sunday vesper service several times, and we have found it very enjoyable in both church and circle. We have had, too, experiments in chemistry, illustrating some of the articles on that subject inThe Chautauquan. As another specialty we have had ‘pronunciation of Greek names,’ conducted as the old fashioned spelling matches. This proved highly entertaining, as well as instructive. We have recently changed our name to ‘Bryant Chautauqua Circle.’ We think it particularly appropriate, as Cummington, the birthplace of Mr. Bryant, and where he spent much of his life, is situated only twenty miles from this town. Another circle has been formed here since November, taking as a president one of the members of our circle. They have at present thirty members. On Monday evening, February 2d, Dr. Vincent gave a lecture, both circles attending, and after the lecture a joint reception was given him. It is expected that arrangements will soon be made for occasionally holding union meetings. Thus the C. L. S. C. prospers in Pittsfield. We find that here, as elsewhere, the C. L. S. C. is promoting the best interests of the people.”——For several years the two or three members of the C. L. S. C. inMarshfieldhave been accustomed to meet weekly for reading, study and conversation, but they never dignified the gathering by the name of a local circle. Within a few months they have organized under the name of the “Webster” circle, inasmuch as they are the nearest members of the C. L. S. C. to the home and burial place of that great statesman. They meet once in three weeks, and have a membership of eight or ten, including representatives of nearly every class.
The “Phelps” local circle, ofNew Haven, Connecticut, of the C. L. S. C., started in November with five Chautauquans, and now numbers twenty-six, with a number of others who are reading. So far they have kept very closely to the Greek part of the course, and in the meetings have had a number of map exercises, which they find very interesting.——West Winsted, of the same state, has a year-old circle, from which we have had our first letter: “Our local circle numbers sixty, thirty of whom are regular members of the central Circle. Nearly all of these members belong to the ‘Pansy’ class, and are loyal to it. We have never labored under great difficulties, always having had good meetings. We have a most efficient lady president, to whom, in a large degree, the success of our circle is due. Early in the fall of 1883 a few enterprising men and women sent for the books for the year and commenced reading, hardly daring to hope that a circle would be formed. Our village is not lacking in literary circles, having an almost countless number of different kinds, and for this very reason it seemed that another one would not meet with success, but at the first call nearly forty responded. We organized our circle that night and continued the meetings during the year, taking up the work in essays, questions and readings, and observing, as far as possible, the memorial days, by appropriate exercises. This year we reorganized in October, and, if possible, have had more interesting meetings than last year. Some of our members who have a long distance to walk in order to attend have proved themselves filled with the Chautauqua enthusiasm by their regular attendance, whatever the condition of the weather. At our last meeting we had chemistry for the topic, and devoted the evening to experiments, having twenty or more, nearly all of which are given inThe Chautauquan. We have had sometimes, in addition to the regular literary work of the evening, a personation of some author given by a member, the remaining members guessing the author personated. One feature of our program for January 20th was a match, similar to an old-fashioned spelling match, upon the questions on ‘Preparatory Greek Course’ inThe Chautauquanfor October and November. From the fact that new members join our ranks at almost every meeting, we are encouraged in the feeling that though popularity is not the winning feature, the good ‘Idea’ has taken deep root.”
ARhode Islandfriend writes fromWarren: “To the numerous reports from local organizations, I am pleased to add a few lines from the ‘Delta’ circle, organized last October, in this part of ‘Little Rhody.’ It consists of nineteen ‘regular’ and four ‘local’ members, assembling on the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month. Our president and vice president are enthusiastic Chautauquans, respectively of the classes of ’86 and ’87, the remainder belonging to the class of ’88. Our programs are arranged by ‘the committee of instruction’ during the intermission, and reported to the circle before its adjournment each evening. In the arrangement of these great help is rendered by those published inThe Chautauquan. Our memorial days have been pleasantly observed, and we shall shortly have a Sunday evening vesper service. We also intend to have a supper, the cooking of which is to be ‘à laChautauquan.’ While waiting for the Chautauqua songs our president has carefully prepared by hektograph, for our use, both notes and words of several selected from his copy, and we are delighted with the harmonies. Should we discover any new departure that would be helpful to local circles, we shall write again.”
Almost as numerous reports reach us this month from the “Empire State” as we received last; several are of circles hitherto unknown to our columns. The “DeKalb” circle, ofBrooklyn, is one of these. It was organized in the fall of 1883, with fifteen members. Since that time the membership has increased to twenty-six.——AtBataviaa local circlewas formed in October last, and consists of about fifty members. These are mostly beginners in the Chautauqua course, with a few who will finish next year. They have done some good work in the way of essays, readings and experiments, and hope to do more. The work upon Greece has been made particularly interesting, from the fact that the leader, the Rev. C. A. Johnson, has described so faithfully many of these landmarks of the past as seen by him in recent years.——In October, 1884, a new C. L. S. C. was organized atWhitestown. It is called the “Hestia” circle, and has fifteen enthusiastic members, all ladies. At one meeting leaders are appointed to conduct the exercises on the various readings at the next meeting, having as many different leaders as there are different subjects in the readings for the week. The leaders are appointed in alphabetical order, so each member is required to lead in some exercise as often as once in every three or four weeks.——The “Lakeside” circle, ofFair Haven, is to be counted “one of us.” Many readers have been at Lakeside, but the circle is a new organization. Thus far the work has been, most of it, on the Greek course; they take the questions inThe Chautauquan, have essays on the leading characters, selections, questions, discussions, etc. The president drew for them a large map of Greece, which was a great help in fixing the position of the different places in their minds—an admirable plan, which more presidents would do well to follow.——A delightful circle of seventeen exists in the pleasant city ofRome. Unfortunately, they have recently lost their president, a gentleman of scholarly taste, to whom the success of the first two years of their life was largely due.——AtLittle Geneseethere is an enthusiastic circle of sixteen members. At each circle one of the members presents a program for the next session, every member taking his turn in the order in which his name stands on the secretary’s book. Although not formally made a rule, it is understood that no member shall refuse to undertake any work assigned on the program. Chautauqua songs, roll call, and “Questions and Answers” fromThe Chautauquanare the standard features of the programs. Essays, discussions, select reading, questions, etc., furnish variety, and conversation is always in order. At the last circle the responses were to be from “Kitchen Science.” The responses assumed form, as well as expression, and a bountifully spread table gave opportunity for practical tests of kitchen science.
AtLatrobe, Pennsylvania, a C. L. S. C. was properly organized, and went earnestly to work October 1, 1884, with twenty-five members. It being the first Chautauqua circle in the place some difficulties had to be overcome before getting rightly started. The circle is now under good progress, and doing a good work. They have enjoyable monthly meetings, where a regular program is carried out, consisting of readings, recitations, music, etc. The benefit gained by the members is far beyond expression. Both old and young are alike profited and pleased with the readings. October 22, 1884, the circle was called to mourn the sad death of Miss Alice Newcomer, one of their most beloved members.——A very interesting variation from the usual response by roll call has been introduced into a program of theHarrisburgcircle. It is that each person respond by mentioning some one important event which has occurred in the past month. This circle sends a very skilfully prepared program.——AtBerwickthe C. L. S. C. pursues the plan of study laid down inThe Chautauquan, finding it admirably adapted to complete the required reading in the given time. A friend telling of their prosperity says: “We have lost a few members by removals, and one or two have withdrawn, after a year’s study, but the backbone and sinew of the circle remain, and the body is growing vigorous and symmetrical. At the dawn of the Chautauqua year we were compelled to part with our learned and valued preceptor, Prof. L. H. Bower, who was called to the Dickinson College Preparatory School. The circle, with appropriate ceremony, presented him with a copy of ‘Knight’s Illuminated Pictorial Shakspere,’ in eight volumes, as a token of their appreciation of his services. His talented brother, Prof. A. V. Bower, was elected to succeed him as president of the circle, and the change was made without any friction whatever. We congratulate ourselves upon being members of the Class of ’86.”
The outlook which a friend fromMarylandsends of the new circle atFrederickis very encouraging: “Through the energy of a lady of the Methodist church we have organized a C. L. S. C. local circle under the name of ‘Mountain City.’ We organized November 24, 1884, with nine members, elected a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. We are glad to say we now have thirteen members, and hope soon to increase this number. We have enthusiastic meetings every week at the homes of the members; read in the circle some ofThe Chautauquanrequired readings, and carry out as far as practicable the programs for local circles, and expect to observe all memorial days.”
We have just received a very encouraging report from theMadisonville, Ohio, circle which was organized last year. They have twenty-five members, all of whom take a great interest in the circle. The committee of instruction, composed of the officers, has a full program prepared for each meeting. Two ministers of the town belong and take an active part. Miscellaneous questions have been introduced, and beside a question on the lesson, each member is required to bring one on outside matters. All questions remaining unanswered are distributed, to be answered at the following meeting. There is no doubt that if the interest in the circle still continues there will be a second circle started in the town next year.——AtDefiancea local circle was organized October 1st, with a membership of twenty, all of whom belong to the general Circle of the C. L. S. C. The president is the Rev. B. W. Slagle, pastor of the Presbyterian church in the town. They have prepared special programs for the memorial days, which have proved very delightful, as well as instructive. There is a good prospect of doubling the membership by next year.
The annual report of the work of Calvary church,Detroit, Michigan, for last year, includes an account of the work done by the “Calvary” circle, a society which has been made a part of the church organization. From it we learn that the society has thirty-three active members. They have held twenty-two meetings; the programs have included—essays, 36; select readings, 28; music—instrumental pieces 21, vocal pieces 17; general talks, 4; debates, 2. The regularChautauquanreview questions have been taken up at each meeting. There has been a great deal of interest manifested in the meetings and a disposition on the part of officers and members to make them a success; every one who has attended them has been benefited, not only in the improvement of his or her mind, but also in some degree morally.
Indianareports two circles: the “Wide Awakes,” ofMoscow, a circle of four, and the “Laconia,” ofGumfield. Some five years ago, when the “Chautauqua wave” was moving westward, it reached Gumfield in a modified form. Eight persons began takingThe Chautauquan, but did not perfect an organization; only one of the number matriculated and kept up the required reading. In the fall of 1882 they began the work vigorously, organizing a promising circle. As time advanced their influence gradually widened and extended, until this year there are over twenty enthusiastic Chautauquans enrolled at the Plainfield office. The “Laconia” meets weekly, and has endeavored to make thoroughness one of the characteristics of its work. It is composed entirely of housekeepers, but they feel more than compensated for sacrifice of time by inspiration received from the reading and study. Most memorial days have been observed. By this means the public has become interested in the C. L. S. C., and a similar society has been organized among the young people.
One of the most enthusiastic circles ofIllinoisis a quartette of “Irrepressibles,” atNokomio. The circle had the novel experience of graduating in a body at Chautauqua last August. Now they are working more vigorously than ever, trying to cover their diplomas with seals.——Elginhas four large circles, the result of the “Alpha” circle, an organization formed in December, 1883, with six members. Last fall this society increased its numbers to nine, and most zealous has been their work. A sad loss recently befell them in the death of one of the charter members, Miss Mary Warde.——The circle atSullivan, was organized in October, with a membership of eleven—one “Progressive” and ten “Plymouth Rocks.” They meet once a week at the homes of the members. The president appoints the members in turn to act as leaders, and the circle is composed of enthusiastic workers. Seven members visited New Orleans in the holidays, and two are spending this month in the “Crescent City.”——FromProphetstowna friend writes: “We are a modest bouquet of ‘Pansies,’ counting only seven, but we feel the charm of the Chautauqua Idea, and propose to ‘Neglect not the gift that is in us.’ One of our number, Mrs. Amelia K. Seely, passed ‘beyond the gates’ December 15, 1884. We sadly miss her cheery presence and unfailing interest in the work.”——Wednesday, January 21st, was a “red-letter” day for the Chautauquans ofHinsdale. Their usual enthusiasm was raised to a high key by the long-looked-for visit to their suburb of Chancellor Vincent, who made a stop of two hours on his way to Aurora. He was received by the class, who were out in full force, at the residence of the secretary. A lunch was served, and the time was most agreeably and profitably spent in conversation upon topics of interest connected with the C. L. S. C.
The “Oak Branch” circle was organized atOakfield, Wisconsin, in November. There are only seven members, and all are busy people, but they are zealous and interested in the work, and thankful that they may enjoy the benefits of the C. L. S. C. They meet once in two weeks, their circle being conducted similarly to others which have been reported inThe Chautauquan.
The “Centenary” local circle, ofMinneapolis, Minnesota, writes us: “Our city boasts no less than twelve circles, but Centenary, the pioneer circle, still lives, and while our members are about one half what they were when ours was the only one in the city, we are going on quietly and promptly with all our work, and expect to furnish ten graduates for the class of ’85. We have our cottage engaged for the coming Assembly at Chautauqua, and hope to send a good delegation next summer. We have some eight or nine members of the class of ’88, and several representatives of classes of ’86 and ’87.”——AtSpring Valley, a circle of seventeen members organized last fall, the president being from the class of ’84, but the members from ’88. The interest in the circle is decidedly increasing.
The friends ofThe ChautauquaninIowahave been unusually kind this month. The following brief clippings from their letters give an excellent outlook on the work there: “A circle was organized atAfton, in October last, consisting of eleven regular and fifteen local members. Although nearly a month behind in organizing, we intend continuing our society through July, so as to be able to commence the next year at the regular time. In making out our program for local circle work we usually follow the one given inThe Chautauquan, and find it a great help, but occasionally vary our exercises to adapt it to peculiar circumstances. The average attendance is good, and most of the members seem to take quite an interest. We hope the society will prove of lasting benefit to each member.”——“Through the energetic efforts of our village doctor, there was started last October a C. L. S. C. circle atLe Grand, and we feel worthy of mention in your columns. The circle consists of eleven members of the great Circle, and four or five local members. We appoint a new teacher for each book. We are learning much, and very much enjoy the circles. We have chosen for our name ‘Philohellemon.’”——“The ‘Ladies’ Chautauqua Reading Circle,’ ofSioux City, Iowa, has seventeen members. We organized in October, 1884. Our society is full of earnest enthusiasm. We meet once a week, following with slight variations the programs suggested inThe Chautauquan. Chemistry is a favorite study, made specially interesting by the fact that a gentleman familiar with the subject gives us lectures with illustrative experiments.”——The “Kelly Humboldt” circle, ofHumboldt, was reorganized last fall with renewed energy and vigor. About fourteen new members were admitted. “Our circle being now so large (numbering about twenty-six) as to almost require dividing, next season we intend organizing one in the adjoining town, just half a mile from here; then those living in that vicinity can withdraw from our circle to their own, leaving room for more to join us. To say that we enjoy our study, would be saying but very little; we can hardly wait for Monday evening to come, so anxious are we to meet and discuss the topics prepared for us. The programs arranged inThe Chautauquanare a great help to us, although we vary them a little, generally opening by prayer and music; then, as a sentiment, we each give a current event of the week. We observe all the memorial days, and are now making extensive preparations to hold a public meeting in the church on Longfellow’s day. So that we may not be confused with the other ‘Humboldt’ circle, we have, in honor of the originator, Miss Mary Kelly, named our circle the ‘Kelly Humboldt’ C. L. S. C.”——Wapellohas the “Qui Vive” circle, which enjoys the work. It was organized in September, 1884, and is composed almost entirely of members of the class of ’88.——In a recent letter fromBurlington, we find some entertaining news from still another Iowa friend: “You always have something in the local circle column from Iowa. You know Iowa has two great staples, corn and Chautauquans, and we think you would surely be glad to hear of our flourishing circle, as well as others of the thousands of Chautauquans. Our circle was organized for the year’s work on Garfield day. We have the best circle we ever had, and are conceited enough to think there are no better ones anywhere. Our president is a busy lawyer. Indeed, our circle is composed of the busiest people in the town. We meetregularlyandpromptlyevery Monday evening. Burlington is a city of seven hills. Then you understand what regular meetings are here, for the circle is comprehensive and takes in all the hills. Our chemistry lessons are taught by a practicing physician who is a thorough chemist and teaches intelligently and enthusiastically. We have the willing coöperation of many of the educated people of the city, and when necessary for either our own advancement, or more perfect instruction on a topic, we find them ready to give us an address or essay. Our most enthusiastic members are graduates of colleges, or advanced academies. We recognize each memorial day. One of our daily papers freely makes any announcement we have to make, and aids us all it can. I can not undertake to tell you the good our circle is doing for us individually. Some of us, deprived of early advantages, can not be too thankful for the C. L. S. C. It is an influence for good that enters into our everyday life, and overbalances and counteracts some of theotherinfluences that every soul must encounter.”
With an excellent program of a regular meeting has come to us a notice of a circle atHatboro, Tennessee. The secretary says: “With great pleasure I report a local circle in our little town. We started with two members; we now enroll thirteen. We all are deeply interested, and think the Chautauqua Idea a grand one. We call ourselves ‘Golden Flower’ (Chrysanthemum) local circle, and our badges are clusters of chrysanthemums.”
FromGreenville, South Carolina, come very cheeringreports: “Our circle was organized in the fall of 1883, and we are therefore of the ‘Pansy’ order. We have twelve members, six young ladies and six young men. Most of the members are college graduates, and take the course to keep bright in their studies. We adhere, with occasional changes, to the following order of business: First, roll call and reading of minutes; second, examination of question box, in which each member is required to deposit at least three questions, bearing directly on the subjects for the time in the regular course; third, an essay; fourth, reading by two members appointed by the president; fifth, twenty minutes allowed for informal discussion of the lessons. We of course celebrate the memorial days with appropriate ceremonies. Some additional interest is given by having some extra literary entertainment. A Dickens party we had recently was very enjoyable. The book we selected was ‘Our Mutual Friend.’ Each member represented one of the leading characters in the book. Besides we acted several scenes, which added much to the enjoyment. We are all enthusiastic in our interest in Chautauqua, and fully determined to finish the course.”
AtAtlanta, Georgia, there is a circle of fifteen in West End, the largest suburb of Atlanta. The Rev. H. C. Crumley, a pastor of the city, deserves the credit of founding this organization.
A very kindly and graceful courtesy has been extended to those Chautauquans visiting New Orleans, by the “Longfellow” circle, of that city. It is an invitation prettily framed, which has been hung in the Chautauqua alcove. The placard reads:
C. L. S. C.GREETING OF THE LONGFELLOW CIRCLE OF NEW ORLEANS.To any and all Fellow-Chautauquans who may be visiting The World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, we offer a cordial invitation to attend the meetings of our Local Circle, which are held every Tuesday afternoon, at five o’clock, at No. 393 South Rampart Street, corner of Erato Street.Also, we extend a like invitation to all Resident Chautauquans to join our Circle, wishing to awaken renewed interest in the Great Movement.O. F. Groat, Secretary.J. Hasam, Cor. Sec’y.K. L. Riggs, President.New Orleans, January 26, 1885.
C. L. S. C.
GREETING OF THE LONGFELLOW CIRCLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
To any and all Fellow-Chautauquans who may be visiting The World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, we offer a cordial invitation to attend the meetings of our Local Circle, which are held every Tuesday afternoon, at five o’clock, at No. 393 South Rampart Street, corner of Erato Street.
Also, we extend a like invitation to all Resident Chautauquans to join our Circle, wishing to awaken renewed interest in the Great Movement.
New Orleans, January 26, 1885.
A very encouraging report of the circle atEureka Springs, Arkansas, has reached us: “We organized the Eureka Springs Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle October 1st, 1884. Our circle has about thirty members, half of whom are reading the books. We follow the programs given inThe Chautauquan. A great many spectators attend. Everybody is interested in our circle. We are talking of establishing a lecture course at this place for the summer months, probably in July, in the interest of the Chautauqua Circle. We always have between 4,000 and 6,000 people here, in the summer many more. We have very suitable grounds, near the purest water in the place. Our town is easy of access from Missouri and Kansas, as well as from other parts of this State. So far as known, we are the only organized Chautauquans in this State. Probably many persons are reading the course at different places, but we know of no circle.”
FromClarksville, Missouri, a lady writes: “This Pansy bed by the ‘Father of Waters’ has much for which to be thankful: Fifteen earnest workers compose our number. We are all teachers and scholars, by turns. We attempt as much thoroughness as practicable in the readings, brought out by recitations and conversation. We carry out some parts of the programs inThe Chautauquan. Some of the Pansies hope to be transplanted for a time to Chautauqua in ’87.”
Ottawa, Kansas, circle was organized in time for the October work, with a membership of fourteen. “Our circle has increased, until now we are twenty-eight in number. Our meetings, held twice a month, are both pleasant and profitable, each member faithfully doing his part. We respond to roll call by quotations or class mottoes. We find the programs inThe Chautauquanquite beneficial. The essays, recitations and music form a pleasing variety. We adopted the question match, also the question box, and find these not only amusing but profitable. This month we will try some of the chemical experiments in connection with a lecture. We are all looking forward to the Sunday-school Assembly, which meets here in June, and to the meetings of the circle conducted by the Rev. Hurlbut. The spirit of the C. L. S. C. is spreading, and we hope to report a large circle to you next year.”
A friend writes fromSeattle, Washington Territory: “I notice in your January number a communication from Mr. K. A. Burnell, in which he states that at Seattle and Tacoma he found but a single reader and one family reading the Chautauqua course, a statement from which one might infer that he was indeed so much under the ‘shadow of Mount Tacoma’ as to obscure his vision. There are at Seattle as many as forty readers, at least, who have been pursuing the Chautauqua course of study since October last. There are three regularly organized circles in this place, holding weekly meetings, and a general semi-monthly meeting in which the members of all the circles join. One of the circles, named ‘Alki,’ has a membership of sixteen. This circle has the honor and advantage of numbering among its members a noted linguist and scientist in the person of Dr. John C. Sundberg. Considerable interest is being awakened throughout the whole of the Puget Sound country in the Chautauqua readings, and it would not be surprising if, in another year, the regular Chautauquans in this section of country are numbered by hundreds.”
The “Washakie” circle, ofEvanston, Wyoming, was organized on the 10th of last October. The names of twenty-six members have been enrolled. Starting late, they were behind with their studies until lately, consequently the program for each week as laid down inThe Chautauquanwas not followed. The meetings, however, have been very interesting. The leaders appointed for the different subjects on each evening came well prepared. Essays on Milton, Burns, and others, have been read. Prof. Halleck, of the public schools, has delivered short lectures on the scientific subjects. Prof. Capen has given experiments in chemistry. Music, and recitations from the classic authors by a fine elocutionist, have rendered the meetings more entertaining. The enthusiasm has grown with the year.
The first circle that was regularly organized inPortland, Oregon, was that established by the Y. M. C. A., last October. This circle is composed of about twenty members. The other two circles which have joined the class of ’88 are those connected with the Taylor Street and Grace Methodist Episcopal Churches. The latter was organized during the month of December, and is composed of about twenty-five members, who seem to be now deeply interested in their work. The former is the largest circle in the State, composed of about forty active and progressive young men and women, who are now deeply interested in their studies, and a notable fact of this circle is that there is no restraint in thought by the members, as is often the case where freedom of opinion is withheld, thus repelling the progress of the meeting. The able secretary of their circle deserves great credit for the time and trouble he has exercised performing that office, and volunteering to assume all responsibility with regard to books, dues, and pamphlets. The Rev. G. W. Chandler, the efficient president, is the originator of this circle. Their efforts and untiring energies have made this circle most interesting, and have brought into it some of the best scholars in the State. By perseverance and thorough study, with the watchword “Forward,” they are determined to ever press onward and upward in this grand work, and receive their reward.
“Press on, reaching after those things which are before.”
President—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.Vice President—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.Treasurer—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.Secretary—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.Executive Committee—Officers of the class.Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.
President—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.
Vice President—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.
Treasurer—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.
Secretary—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.
Executive Committee—Officers of the class.
Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.
The members of the Chautauqua circles have now a third of a year only in which to finish their readings and fill out their papers for the current year. So far as we have been able to learn, a much larger number of persons have been pursuing the C. L. S. C. course this year than have been in the ranks during any previous corresponding period. Those connected with journalism, in looking over their exchanges, rarely pick up a local paper that does not have some reference to the doings of a local Chautauqua circle. Then it has been discovered that those who read the Chautauqua books and periodicals have been led to go beyond the lines, and to search for intellectual treasures in “pastures new”—in books, reviews, public journals of character and excellence, and, also, to seek association with people of culture. Indeed, it is pleasantly and encouragingly apparent that the Chautauqua system is becoming, from month to month, broader, deeper, more far-reaching in its wholesome and really powerful influence, in promoting moral as well as intellectual culture.
The members of the Class of 1885 should bear these facts in mind, and accept the special degree of responsibility involved. Let this class be not only the best, but the largest that has ever passed within the Golden Gate on Commencement day! Why should it not be three thousand strong? If we begin now, in April, to make our plans and preparations, perhaps we can all “get there,” and present a solid phalanx of honest, thorough, intelligent and aggressive Chautauquans, marching toward and through the Gate and into the Hall, with banners and songs, that will promise largely and grandly for the moral and mental improvement of thousands of communities throughout the land.
“What would be the result if we report to Miss Canfield our intentions to be at Chautauqua to receive our diplomas, and something should happen to prevent?”
The only result would be that those who expected you would be as sadly disappointed as you would be in not being able to come. The fact that you intended to come and were detained by good cause would be accepted, and you would “stand excused,” and would receive your diploma in good time.
Missouri.—As one of the “Invincibles,” I would add my testimony with others of Class ’85 as having received pleasure and benefit beyond computation in pursuing the C. L. S. C. course. I commenced alone, but after a few months succeeded in organizing a circle for ’86, which keeps up a large membership, persistent and thorough in study, with rigid class drill; also remembrance of memorial days.
Pennsylvania.—What a well-spring of joy is the C. L. S. C. in the homes of those who have not enjoyed the advantages of a liberal education! The students born of this great movement are rising up all over this great land with blessings for the founder of this happy Circle. I am reading alone, as there are no members near me, but at some little distance I have interested some bright young friends of mine in the work, and I am glad to know that they are so much pleased with it.
“We study for light, to bless with light.”
President—The Rev. B. P. Snow, Biddeford, Maine.Vice Presidents—The Rev. J. C. Whitley, Salisbury, Maryland; Mr. L. F. Houghton, Peoria, Illinois; Mr. Walter Y. Morgan, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Delia Browne, Louisville, Kentucky; Miss Florence Finch, Palestine, Texas.Secretary—The Rev. W. L. Austin, New Albany, Ind.
President—The Rev. B. P. Snow, Biddeford, Maine.
Vice Presidents—The Rev. J. C. Whitley, Salisbury, Maryland; Mr. L. F. Houghton, Peoria, Illinois; Mr. Walter Y. Morgan, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Delia Browne, Louisville, Kentucky; Miss Florence Finch, Palestine, Texas.
Secretary—The Rev. W. L. Austin, New Albany, Ind.
The new badge, bearing the motto and emblem of the class, is now ready to be sent out. The design meets hearty approval. The cost, including postage, will be 15 cents. For badges, address the president or the secretary.
The New England branch of the class will have superior headquarters at the Framingham Assembly in July. This important section of ’86 have plans and arrangements in view that will insure a most pleasant and successful class gathering at the Assembly.
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee.”
President—The Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio.Western Secretary—K. A. Burnell, Esq., 150 Madison Street, Chicago, Ill.Eastern Secretary—J. A. Steven, M.D., 164 High Street, Hartford, Conn.Treasurer—Either Secretary, from either of whom badges may be procured.Executive Committee—The officers of the class.Class paper may be procured from Mr. Henry Hart, Atlanta, Ga.
President—The Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio.
Western Secretary—K. A. Burnell, Esq., 150 Madison Street, Chicago, Ill.
Eastern Secretary—J. A. Steven, M.D., 164 High Street, Hartford, Conn.
Treasurer—Either Secretary, from either of whom badges may be procured.
Executive Committee—The officers of the class.
Class paper may be procured from Mr. Henry Hart, Atlanta, Ga.
The attention of the members of ’87 is called to the letter by Mrs. Alden in the March number ofThe Chautauquan, page 353.
President Russell had charge of the Sunday-school Normal Department at the Florida Chautauqua, Lake de Funiak, and is one of the Board of Managers.
At Milton, Mass., recently, the representatives of the Class of ’87 had a table at a church fair and cleared over $100.
It is our painful duty to record the death of two members of the Class of 1887: Miss Mary Dayton, of Binghamton, N. Y., and Mrs. Lou L. Dunn, of Bonham, Texas. The deepest sympathy not only of the class, but of all members of the C. L. S. C. is with the sorrowing friends.
To New England ’87s.—The second mid-year reunion of New England ’87s will be held on Friday, April 3d, in Union Congregational Chapel, Stewart Street, Providence, R. I. The business meeting will be held at half-past one o’clock p. m.; the literary and musical entertainment at two o’clock. A social reunion will precede and follow the regular exercises. Will all New England members of ’87 please make a special effort to attend this reunion? Providence Chautauquans are enthusiastic, and will doubtless strive to make this meeting thoroughly enjoyable. Let us, by our presence, show our appreciation of their efforts. Our Providence classmates have kindly offered to meet at the station any strangers who will communicate the hour of their arrival to Miss Nellie F. Crocker, 6 Kepler Street, Providence.
“Let us be seen by our deeds.”
President—The Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., Boston, Mass.Vice Presidents—Prof. W. N. Ellis, 108 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.; the Rev. Wm. G. Roberts, Bellevue, Ohio.Secretary—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.Treasurer—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.All items for this column should be sent, in condensed form, to the Rev. C. C. McLean, St. Augustine, Florida.
President—The Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., Boston, Mass.
Vice Presidents—Prof. W. N. Ellis, 108 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.; the Rev. Wm. G. Roberts, Bellevue, Ohio.
Secretary—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.
Treasurer—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.
All items for this column should be sent, in condensed form, to the Rev. C. C. McLean, St. Augustine, Florida.
The “Chautauqua Quartette,” Avon, Indiana, organized December 5, 1884, writes: “We are four country girls, living two to three miles apart, but hold weekly meetings, alternately, at our homes.”
In Harlem, N. Y., is a class of seven, organized October 1, 1884. The secretary writes: “Each member in turn takes charge, assigning lessons and questioning the class.” In addition to the required study they take some prominent author, giving biography and quoting from works.
From Portland, Maine, we learn that they have a large and interesting circle, meeting semi-monthly.
The “Castalian,” of Philadelphia, ten members, was organized October, 1884. This circle thinks too many members make each other timid, and therefore advocates many circles of few members. They are fortunate in having a president who makes chemical experiments.
A flourishing circle of fifty members was organized in Batavia, New York, October, 1884.
The Rev. J. D. Gillilan, of Toocle, Utah, writes that “here among the Mormons a class of three is formed; one of the number was a Mormon when he joined the circle, but has since united himself with the M. E. Church.” There is a flourishing circle in Salt Lake City.
The “Wilkesbarre” circle, of Wilkesbarre, Pa., was organized October, 1884, with sixty members. This circle meets every alternate week, each member responding to roll call with a quotation from the “readings.” A physician makes fine experiments in chemistry.
A circle has been organized in Topeka, Kan., with thirty members. The secretary says: “Most of us are busy girls, figuring as teachers, office and store clerks, but find time to take the reading course thoroughly, and hope to graduate with the 88s.”
Kansas.—“I am well pleased with our class motto and name. I am a sculptor by profession and wish a higher aim, a sculptor of life, for I have caught that angel vision. I am pursuing my studies with energy and enthusiasm, and life to me is more pleasant since I have taken up the course. Whenever I feel vexed and comfortless I only need to read over Chancellor Vincent’s articles inThe Chautauquanfor encouragement.”
From Buffalo, Pa., a friend says that “alldislike the Class name, and desire it changed.”
Toronto, Canada, raises a protesting voice against our name, saying, “I am well aware of the fact that the name stands on history’s page as a synonym for grand and noble qualities, but I am forced nevertheless to object to it on account of its ‘fowl’ association. Could we not have a nameunwinged,unplumed, and of no marketable value.”
One of the ’88s, who is reading alone, tells us, “In the study of the past four months I have received more instruction and enjoyment than in any amount of the general reading done in the same number of years.”
“Vincent” circle, of Portland, Maine, sends us an interesting program of a meeting held January 16th. A most exquisite Plymouth Rock engraving graces its first page.
“Longfellow” circle, of Eastern Promontory, Portland, Maine, sends us their constitution and by-laws, including the names of its 103 members.
Kansas.—I am pursuing the course alone, and feel that I need the stimulus of outside aid and correspondence. Since my school days were over my reading has been of too miscellaneous a character to result in the profit it should have done. I am enjoying the Greek History and the Preparatory Course very much. My husband has been brushing up his knowledge of the Greek language, and comes to my assistance occasionally, so it is a source of profit to him as well. Even my eleven-year-old boy has caught the spirit, and begs me to mark all the battles for him to read, and is learning the Greek alphabet. I am pleased with the name of our class—“The Plymouth Rocks.” My ancestors were among those that landed on the bleak old Rock, and I know something of the sturdy perseverance and uprightness of their character. I can only hope that the “mantle” of those old pilgrims will fall upon us as “Plymouth Rocks,” and that, like them, we may grow strong in wisdom and goodness.
BY A. M. MARTIN,General Secretary C. L. S. C.
1. Q. What is the Reformation? A. It is that great religious and intellectual revolution which marks the boundary line between the Middle Ages and the Modern Period.
2. Q. What was the first aim of the reformers, and which proved a total failure? A. The purification of the church within itself, and by its own servants.
3. Q. What was the next step, and one which succeeded? A. To withdraw from the fold, and establish an independent confession, and a separate ecclesiastical structure.
4. Q. Who planted the first seeds of Protestantism in France? A. The Paris reformers.
5. Q. Who were three prominent Paris reformers? A. D’Ailly, Gerson, and Clémanges.
6. Q. What was the most obvious cause of the failure of the Paris theologians? A. They never withdrew from the Roman Catholic Church, or took steps to establish a separate ecclesiastical organization.
7. Q. How did the Mystics of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries arise? A. As a spiritual reaction against the supremacy of the scholastic philosophy.
8. Q. What was the central scene and native country of the most notable reformatory Mystics? A. Germany.
9. Q. What four names are prominent among the early Mystics of Germany? A. Eckart, Ruysbroek, Suso, and Tauler.
10. Q. Who were the two most notable members of the school of St. Victor? A. Hugo and Richard.
11. Q. What was the chief of important general movements, without connection with prominent characters, in progress tohasten the approach of reform? A. In the field of intellectual progress, was the revival of literature, which took the name of Humanism.
12. Q. In this revival, what were the studies, as distinguished from the theological themes which had long held sway in all the universities and learned circles of Europe? A. They were purely human and literary.
13. Q. Who were three prominent champions of the new Humanism? A. John Reuchlin, of Germany, Erasmus, of Rotterdam, and Thomas More, of England.
14. Q. What three councils were formal acknowledgments, on the part of the Roman Catholic Church, of the evils within its pale, and the necessity of relief from them? A. The councils of Pisa, Kostnitz, and Basel.
15. Q. With what bitter controversy did the fourteenth century open? A. A controversy between the church and the leading civil rulers. It was the old question of authority—whether pope or king was the supreme head.
16. Q. Why was the Avignon papacy popularly called by the Romanists “The Babylonian Captivity?” A. From the light in which it was held as an ecclesiastical calamity, and from its continuance of nearly seventy years—from 1309 to 1377.
17. Q. Although the three councils failed of their prime object, what fact did they reveal to the world? A. The fact that no prospect for reform could exist in any new council.
18. Q. What way was it now clear was the only one open for improvement? A. The independence of the individual reformer.
19. Q. What now became the theater for the Reformation? A. Central Germany.
20. Q. Who responded to the universal aspiration for a leader to guide into new and safe paths? A. Martin Luther.
21. Q. When and where was Luther born? A. In Eisleben, Saxony, November 11, 1483.
22. Q. What wealthy lady befriended Luther in youth, and gave him the advantages of an excellent teacher? A. Ursula Cotta.
23. Q. After finishing his course at the University of Erfurt, what did Luther then do? A. He bade the world farewell, and in 1505 entered the Augustinian cloister as a monk.
24. Q. In 1508 to what place was Luther called as professor? A. To Wittenberg.
25. Q. After two years in Wittenberg to what city did he make a visit? A. Rome.
26. Q. What effect did this visit have upon Luther? A. He took with him, when he left Rome, an abhorrence of the superstition and immorality of the church at its fountainhead, which never left him.
27. Q. In what bill of charges did Luther subsequently arraign the church? A. His ninety-five theses, directed principally against the sale of indulgences.
28. Q. In an “Address to the Nobles of the German People” what did Luther declare which led to his excommunication by the pope? A. That the time had come when Germany ought to cast off allegiance to Rome, to start out on an independent religious and national life, and take care of its own interests.
29. Q. Before what body was Luther summoned, where his doctrines were condemned, and the sentence of ban and double ban pronounced against him? A. The Diet of Worms.
30. Q. To what place was Luther taken for safety after leaving Worms? A. To the Wartburg Castle, where he remained for eight months.
31. Q. About how many separate writings appeared from the pen of Luther? A. About one hundred and twenty, among them a translation of the Bible.
32. Q. To whom did Luther commit the task of formulating a systematic treatment of doctrine? A. To his nearest friend, Melancthon.
33. Q. Of what do the annals of literature and theology not furnish a more beautiful illustration than we find in the case of Luther and Melancthon? A. Of the manner in which a great work can be performed by the combined action of two men.
34. Q. To what were the labors of Melancthon directed, in the great cause of reform? A. To the improvement of the methods of study in the university of Wittenberg. He urged the students to the fountain-heads of truth, and placed before them the Bible as the only source of real knowledge.
35. Q. What five princes of Saxony were devoted friends of the new movement for the liberation of the conscience? A. George, Maurice, Frederick the Wise, John, and John Frederick.
36. Q. Who was the leader of the new movement in Switzerland? A. Ulric Zwingli.
37. Q. Into what did the religious conflict in the eastern cantons of Switzerland grow? A. Into an appeal to arms, that resulted in civil war.
38. Q. What followed the battle of Cappel, where Zwingli was killed? A. The peace of Cappel, which declared that each canton should decide its religion for itself.
39. Q. What name is most prominent in connection with the Reformation in French Switzerland? A. John Calvin.
40. Q. What work did Calvin publish in 1536, which became the doctrinal standard for all the Reformed Churches of the Continent and Great Britain? A. “The Institutes of the Christian Religion.”
41. Q. By what great reformer was the work, left unfinished by Calvin at his death, taken up? A. Beza.
42. Q. In the history of the Reformation, what honor belongs to England? A. That of having discovered the need of a universal religious regeneration in Europe.
43. Q. In whom did the beginnings of reform in England center? A. Wyckliffe, who was born about 1324.
44. Q. What were Wyckliffe’s greatest services to the coming Reformation? A. First, his translation of the New Testament, and afterward the whole Bible, into English.
45. Q. What was a striking feature of the English Reformation, from the outside? A. Its political character.
46. Q. What three names are prominent in the first period of the English Reformation? A. Colet, Sir Thomas More, and Cranmer.
47. Q. What was the most powerful single agency in bringing about the English Reformation? A. The publication of the Bible in the language of the people.
48. Q. What followed the ascension of Mary to the throne of England? A. A violent persecution of the Protestants, during which, it is estimated, about eight hundred persons were burned at the stake.
49. Q. What faith did Elizabeth, the successor of Mary, recognize as national? A. Protestantism.
50. Q. From what sect did the puritan Pilgrims of America come? A. The Brownist sect.
51. Q. Who was the first Protestant leader in Scotland? A. Patrick Hamilton. He suffered martyrdom.
52. Q. Who was the natural successor to Hamilton? A. John Knox. By the time of his death the triumph of the Scotch Reformation was complete.
53. Q. What was the chief aim of the Brothers of the Common Life, a society of the Netherlands, founded in 1384? A. To improve the morals of the people, and looked intently upon a thorough reform.
54. Q. What preparation was there for the Reformation in the Netherlands? A. In no land was there such a complete and popular preparation for the Reformation as in the Netherlands.
55. Q. What character did the Reformation assume in the Netherlands? A. A political character.
56. Q. What order against all sympathy with the Protestantcause was made binding upon the Netherlands? A. The Edict of Worms.
57. Q. Who, of Rotterdam, belongs to the front rank of reformers? A. Erasmus.
58. Q. How alone was Erasmus important as a Reformer? A. As a profound and versatile scholar.
59. Q. What is one of the most unpleasant chapters in the history of the Reformation? A. The unfraternal relationship between Erasmus and Luther.
60. Q. From what did the real danger to the French Protestants come? A. From a firm alliance between the authorities at Rome and the French throne.
61. Q. What were the Protestants in France called? A. Huguenots.
62. Q. What great massacre of the Protestants took place in France on the 24th of August, 1572? A. The Massacre of St. Bartholomew.
63. Q. By whom were the Italians prepared to give hearty credence to the new doctrines of the Reformation? A. Savonarola.
64. Q. What causes led to the failure of the Reformation in the Spanish Peninsula? A. Protestantism was largely a measure of scholars and thinkers, while the persistent energy of the Spanish authorities, reinforced from Rome, made thorough work of suppression.
65. Q. In what was the groundwork of Protestantism in the three Scandinavian countries—Sweden, Denmark, and Norway—already laid? A. In the dissatisfaction of the people with the prevailing order of civil and ecclesiastical government.
66. Q. Into what two Scandinavian countries was the Reformation introduced and formally adopted? A. Sweden and Norway.
67. Q. Who was the great reformer of Bohemia? A. John Huss.
68. Q. As what did his followers afterward become known, under Zinzendorf? A. As the United Brethren.
69. Q. What was the political effect of the Reformation? A. To elevate the people to a thirst for liberty, and a higher and purer citizenship.
70. Q. Of what did the Reformation become the mother? A. Of republics.
71. Q. To what does the American Union owe a large measure of its genesis? A. To the European struggle for reform.
72. Q. What was one of not the least benefits conferred upon the world by the Reformation? A. The promotion of learning.
73. Q. What sprang up throughout Germany, as an immediate fruit of the Reformation? A. Universities.
74. Q. By what celebration have the memories of the Reformation been recently renewed? A. By the celebration on November 11, 1883, of the four hundredth anniversary of the birth of Luther.
75. Q. How was the day observed? A. With becoming festivities in all the Protestant countries of the world.
76. Q. What are some of the most important uses of borax? A. In the manufacture of porcelain, and in other of the industrial arts, and as a remedial agency in medicine.
77. Q. In addition to the well known substances sodium and oxygen, what element does borax contain? A. A special and peculiar element, called boron.
78. Q. What are two of the most important sources of borax? A. Borax Lake, in California, and the borax lagos in Tuscany.
79. Q. What element constitutes about eighty per cent. of our atmospheric air? A. Nitrogen.
80. Q. As a simple and uncombined substance, by what is nitrogen characterized? A. By extreme inactivity. It does not burn; it does not support combustion; it can not be made to enter into chemical union with other substances, except by specially devised and circuitous processes.
81. Q. Of what is nitrogen a constituent? A. Of a very large number of compounds, which are themselves often characterized by a high degree of activity.
82. Q. What are two important compounds of nitrogen? A. Ammonia gas and nitric acid.
83. Q. In addition to oxygen and nitrogen what are some of the other substances always present in atmospheric air? A. Vapor of water, carbon di-oxide, and ammonia gas; minute quantities of a vast multitude of other gaseous substances; and it is likewise charged most of the time with still more minute quantities of solid dust materials of various kinds.
84. Q. To what do the principal explosives owe their activity to a very large degree? A. To the presence of nitrogen in them.
85. Q. What are the four explosives of chief importance? A. Gunpowder, the fulminates, gun cotton, and nitro-glycerine.
86. Q. What are the three principal constituents of gunpowder? A. Potassic nitrate, charcoal, and sulphur.
87. Q. Why is phosphorus a most interesting chemical element? A. Because of its exceptional chemical properties, the very important part it plays in the chemistry of animal and vegetable life, and its employment in the friction match.
88. Q. In what country is the manufacture of friction matches carried on to a very large extent? A. In Sweden; and that country, it is now stated, produces about seventy-five per cent. of all the matches made in the world.
89. Q. What is probably the most familiar and representative form of carbon? A. That known as charcoal.
90. Q. How is lamp-black produced? A. It is a product of the imperfect combustion of substances like oil, tar, resin, and the like, which are very rich in carbon.
91. Q. What are two well known compounds of carbon? A. Anthracite coal and bituminous coal.
92. Q. Of what origin do both of these combustibles, when carefully studied, show distinct evidences? A. Of their vegetable origin.
93. Q. What is the diamond? A. It is nearly pure carbon, crystallized.
94. Q. What are some of the other natural forms in which carbon is found in large quantities? A. In petroleum, marble, and limestone.
95. Q. When combined with oxygen alone, what two compounds only does carbon form? A. Carbon mon-oxide and carbon di-oxide.
96. Q. What is the material on which the manufacture of illuminating gas is based? A. Bituminous coal.
97. Q. In the distillation of coal for the manufacture of gas, what three distinct classes of substances are produced? A. Solids, which are left in the retorts; liquids, which are condensed in the various coolers; and gases, which pass on to the gas holder.
98. Q. What coloring matters are obtained from the liquids produced by these processes? A. Alzorine, affording Turkey red and other colors, and the well known analine colors.
99. Q. To what quantity does silicon exist in our globe? A. In a quantity equal to about one fourth its entire weight, including its atmospheres and its oceans.
100. Q. What is the principal earthy matter of our planet? A. The compound of silicon and oxygen, existing either alone in the form of sand, quartz crystal, and similar minerals, or else in combination with other well known abundant earth materials, such as oxides of calcium, magnesium, and aluminum.