The former ran into one of the rebel ships and almost cut her in twain. The “Varuna” was rammed by the “Manassas” and another ship and went to the bottom in fifteen minutes. While she was going down she fired into one of her adversaries and so damaged her that she had to surrender to the “Oneida,” and she sent a shell into another rebel gunboat which exploded its boiler. All the time the remaining vessels of the first division were steaming by the forts, pouring tremendous volleys into them and receiving tremendous discharges in return. Farragut’s flag ship, the “Hartford,” led the second division of the fleet. She was a noble vessel, splendidly equipped; she steamed into the fight and was followed by the long line of ships in the second and third divisions. By this hour day was dawning, but heavy clouds of smoke hung over the river and no light from the east reached the battling ships. The cannonading which all along had been terrific was now growing sublime. Three hundred heavily shotted guns were flashing and roaring over the dark water. The Union ships advanced to the fray like the famous “Light Brigade,” with cannon to the right of them, to the left of them and before them. Probably it was the most picturesque naval battle in the world’s history. Thirty-four armed vessels and two great forts were struggling in the early morning. The sun seemed to stand still in the heavens. The light of the guns was brighter than the orb of day, and Farragut’s gunners had to aim at the cannon flashes from the rebel forts. The forts themselves were not visible. The vessels of the enemy were not visible. Our ships were striking great blows in the dark and they always struck with deadly effect. From points above the rebels pushed great fire barges loaded with blazing pitch and cotton into the stream. These rafts came floating down and when they did not ignite our ships they illuminated them for the Confederate marksmen. A flaming fire raft was hurled against the “Hartford” and flames ran from the water’s edge to the mast top. The well trained crew extinguished the fire and within five minutes the “Hartford” destroyed a rebel steamer filled with boarding parties. The “Brooklyn,” another Union ship, encountered a fire raft and for a time lay helpless before the merciless guns of Fort Jackson. Disentangling herself, she steamed up to the fort and poured such withering broadsides into it that its guns were silenced for a time, and the gunners were seen by the ship’s crew as they peered through the cannon-lighted portholes, to be fleeing from their guns. At this time the vessels which had passed the forts were doing good work, and the stream was filled with wrecked and burning Confederate gunboats. Fire rafts and wrecks came drifting down side by side, and frequently one of the latter would explode with a loud report. The low, curved iron rams glided about like gigantic serpents of the sea. Boarding parties were overrunning some vessels and being repulsed from others. It was an awful, dazzling and furiously shifting panorama. The last ship to pass the forts on that memorable morning was the “Penola.” In the light of a blazing raft she received the discharge of the forty guns of St. Philip, and passed on to join the victorious fleet above. “And thus,” says Farragut’s son, “was accomplished a feat in naval warfare which had no precedent, and which is still without a parallel except the one furnished by Farragut himself two years later at Mobile.”
On the morning of the next day the fleet moved up to New Orleans. At noon Captain Bailey was sent to demand of the mayor of the city its unconditional surrender, and that the flag of Louisiana be removed from the City Hall. The mayor refused to haul down the flag or to make a formal surrender of the city. While the officers and men of the fleet were attending divine service the next day, they were startled by the discharge of a howitzer from the main mast of the “Pensacola.” The watchman in the rigging had seen four men tear down the flag of the Union from the roof of the mint, and had at once fired the gun which was trained on the flag staff.
On the 28th the forts surrendered to Commander Porter, who had been pounding away at them with his mortars. May 1st, General Butler and his troops entered New Orleans, and Farragut turned the city over to him. His administration was vigorous, but was hateful to the citizens. He hanged Mumford, the leader of the mob which tore the Union flag from the mint; he issued his celebrated woman order which placed every female who insulted a Union soldier on the level of the street walker; he treated with severity a Mrs. Phillips, who jeered at the remains of a Union soldier. He is condemned for all of these things by very many people. Many dishonest things were done during his administration, but repose, vigor and security were the characteristics of it. General Butler was a just, efficient, straightforward tyrant, not cruel, but possessed of an inflexible determination to make his will the law and to make his cause succeed. After General Butler came General Banks. He endeavored to restore loyalty to the state by good treatment, but fell into the error of reposing trust in a type of men who could not understand freedom nor adopt even a business patriotism for the sake of their own prosperity.
By the census of 1880 New Orleans showed for three-quarters of a century of American rule a population of 216,000 people, of whom 175,000 are natives of the United States, and only 58,000 are colored people. New Orleans stood the tenth of American cities, with more than 36,000 houses, and more than 45,000 families. Although the manufactures of New Orleans were in their infancy they had an annual product of nineteen million dollars, and paid nearly four million dollars a year wages. Looking over the list of states to discover the origin of the people of New Orleans, the remarkable fact appears that of her 216,000 people more then 151,000 are natives of Louisiana. The neighboring state of Mississippi has not put thirty-eight hundred souls into New Orleans. Alabama, which is within two or three hours’ ride by cars, has not two thousand native children in New Orleans, but New York has over two thousand of her progeny settled in New Orleans, and Virginia has 4,300. Of the 41,000 foreign population, nearly 7,000 are natives of France, showing that there is a constant immigration, as in the days of Bienville, from old France to new France.Germany has contributed to New Orleans 14,000 emigrants. About the same number have come to New Orleans from Great Britain and Ireland. Spain has contributed about 800 of her natives, Italy about 2,000, Switzerland nearly 500, Mexico only 300, and the West Indies scarcely 400. These are suggestive figures, and show that since the great rebellion those elements go to the far South which have the most original emigrating spirit and the greater variety of self-sustaining trades and pursuits. A man who can do nothing, make nothing, improve nothing, has the least of all motives to emigrate. The debt of New Orleans was about seventeen million dollars at the last advices, considerably less than the debts of Baltimore and Washington, but some four millions more than the debt of Chicago. Railroads and other municipal improvements were responsible for a good deal of this debt.
Since the war New Orleans has been transformed from the likeness of a quiet old French city like Orleans which gave it name, to the appearance of a new French city with pretty relics here and there, and strong cosmopolitan attachments. The great river which sweeps in splendid curves past this city has compelled the streets to conform to some extent to its shores, but the consequence is a charming disposition of streets to both those who hate crooked streets, and those who hate straight ones. The town may be likened to the spokes of a wheel with streets laid out between the spokes in both directions, and conforming to them to some extent. In front of the city stretches the great bank called the levee, at the foot of which ride the majestic steamers which come from all portions of the Mississippi valley and are often like palaces in cardboard, and since the jetties have been made a success by Captain Eads and the United States engineers, you also see at New Orleans, riding cosily, the huge steamships from New York, Liverpool and Cuba. The chief maritime lines from New York to Texas now stop at New Orleans and the journey is continued by rail. This great levee, which is an artificial hill thrown up to keep the river back, is lined with the sugar hogsheads and cotton bales of the South, with coal and iron, plows and stoves, kegs of nails, merchandise assembled from all parts of the globe, and massive presses driven by steam to further compress the bales of cotton and reduce them in bulk for shipment. A canal runs through the city, and its other termination is on Lake Pontchartrain. At the lake is a beautiful new resort built in recent years, nearly as agreeable as Chautauqua Lake, and the peculiar Creole and negro cooking of New Orleans is to be found in perfection there, as well as at the Spanish fort, in the environs of the city. The shops of New Orleans are open to the air all winter long, and art of a local nature is taking root there. Whatever the Gulf produces is to be seen at the Creole capital, and a visit to it for even a few days is the next thing to a trip to Europe.
BY CHANCELLOR J. H. VINCENT, D.D.
There is a Chautauqua further on. First, there is a lake level, and just above it is the level of the “Point,” with its pleasant grass, its winding walks, its old Auditorium, shaded and hallowed with memories that have grown through multiplying years. The old cottages, and many of the old cottagers remain about this Auditorium—reminders of the old times, and the oldest times, of Chautauqua, when the first vesper service announced that “The Day Goeth Away,” and the “Nearer My God to Thee,” rang out under these forest arches. Who that was there can ever forget that hour? The altars were aglow that night, and hearts on fire. It was an experiment, but from the first it was an assured success. The time will come when the remaining sharers in that first feast in the evening light will be very few, and the last of them will receive honor, and the children of Chautauqua will listen to their story as with quivering lips and kindling eye they speak about that first evening under the trees, the words that broke the sacred silence, the songs that bore praise and wonder and joy to the heavens, and the friendships that were formed there never to be broken.
How many who joined in the first Chautauqua service have already “fallen on sleep” and gone out into a world sleepless and without nightfall, where, for vesper chant are substituted the hallelujahs of an eternal morning.
But let us go up higher. Beyond the Point and Auditorium level are the terraces that run along the hillside, one above another, gardens and cottages, with pathways and winding roads, leading up under welcome shadows to a higher Chautauqua—a long stretch of table-land crowned now with Temple and Chapel, Pyramid, Museum and Hall of Philosophy, while beyond, in the open fields toward the north we reach the highest point of our Assembly grounds, one of the highest on the lake. Thus from the landing and the beginning of our journey we ascend from the lowest to the highest, and find beauty, delight, pleasant welcomes and rewards all the way.
This study in the lay of the land which makes the physical Chautauqua is an allegory. There is an upper Chautauqua. And not all who visit the place see it, and not all who become Chautauquans reach it.
The Chautauqua movement is progressive, and its friends and students are expected to make advancement in the line of its conceptions and provisions. It has court beyond court in which it unfolds its progressive aims and introduces its disciples to the higher privileges of culture which it provides. No fences or lines mark these successive stages. They do not correspond with the topographical elevations, although we have found in the one a figure or symbol of the other. But such gradation exists, and I shall point it out.
I.The Assembly—Is the first point of approach to the true Chautauqua. It is the outer court open to the whole world. It has no restraints upon those who come, save those which are necessary to guarantee a financial support to the institution, and those rules of ordinary decorum which are essential to the quiet enjoyment and profit of those who pay their tribute and wait for the promised compensation. And this compensation comes in lectures on the widest range of topics, from the “Philosophy of Locke and Berkeley” to the light and cheery discussions about “Fools and their Folly.” Concerts by gifted artists, characterizations by rare impersonators, illustrations of life and manners in remote regions, by the aid of costumer andtableaux vivants, stories of travel, with photographic accompaniments colored, magnified, and illuminated; sermons by able ministers, lessons by competent teachers, attractions for lighthearted youth and wearied but rational age, in bonfires, processions, fireworks, illuminated fleets—these are the features of the outer court of Chautauqua for the entertainment, awakening, and broadening of people who come with no far-reaching or serious purpose, but who come to “hear” and “see” and have “a good time.” They are simply recipients. The will-power lies dormant, save as some stirring statement of lecture or sermon, or some unsyllabled passage in music opens the soul to the worlds all about it replete with marvel, beauty and power. So much for the outer Chautauqua. There are those who see this—only this and nothing more. Theycome and go. They wonder why they and others come, and yet they think they may come again—but are not sure. They do not forget Chautauqua, and they do not “go wild” over it. They smile at other people, whom they call “fanatics,” because they are full of it, and “bound to come again,” and to “come every year,” and always, and “would be willing to live there.” These have seen the Upper Chautauqua—for beyond the “Assembly” is
II.The Circle.—It is another court—further in, and a little higher up—with a white-pillared hall among the trees—“The Hall in the Grove,” about which a book has been written, and in which songs are sung and weird services held, and where strange inspirations fall on people. For those who belong to the Circle—the “C. L. S. C.” as everybody calls it—are advanced Chautauquans. They know why they come to the place. And they know when to come. They keep a calendar, and they mark the feasts, and they know what to do when they are there. They seem at home. There are hosts of them—all knowing each other, and apparently bound together by some secret association which has a mystic power. They wear badges on certain days, badges of different styles and colors and legends. In all this there is something singular and beautiful.
This “Circle” is a company of pledged readers in wide ranges of literature. The “Assembly” contains people who listen. The “Circle” is made up of people who read. The “Assembly” covers a few weeks. The “Circle” casts its canopy over the year and the years. The “Assembly” is at Chautauqua. The “Circle” carries Chautauqua to the world’s end—to the east and to the west, to Canada, to Florida, to Scotland, to the Sandwich Islands, to India, and Japan, to Cape Colony—everywhere.
The members of the “Circle” stand on a higher plane than the Assembly, because they put will into the work. They read what they ought, for months and years, everywhere, getting larger views of the world, and worthier views of life, and nobler views of the race, and of God the Father of all.
The “Circle” takes a wide sweep in the world of letters. Its themes are those of the college world. It puts the preparatory and college curriculums into good, readable English, and helps people out of college to know what is going on there; what the young people study in history, language, and literature; what authors they read, and what estimate is to be placed on them and their work. It gives glimpses of science, physical and metaphysical—pointing down to the rocks and up to the stars, and about to the fields and seas and the forms of life in plant and animal. Whatever college boys study, the “Circle” provides in some form and degree for parents to read, that home and college may be one in outlook and sympathy, in aim and delight. But there is something beyond.
III.The Inner Circle.—Beyond the readers are the students—those who have completed the four years’ reading in the “Circle,” and the members of the “Society of the Hall in the Grove;” have filled out the various memoranda; have certain seals on their C. L. S. C. diplomas, testifying to this fact, and to the reading of the additional books. These walk on the higher levels. Their names are enrolled in the “Order of the White Seal.” Their faces are turned toward the Upper Chautauqua.
It is possible that the members of the C. L. S. C. who walk in the inner circle may meet those who rank with them, although they have come hither by other routes—through the “Chautauqua Teachers’ Retreat,” the “Chautauqua Spare Minute Courses,” and the “Chautauqua Assembly Normal Courses.” As students, they all rejoice in the larger places of Chautauqua. But there are heights beyond these heights.
“Hearers,” “readers,” “student-readers,” successively mark the three ascending grades of the Chautauqua movement, as outlined in the “Assembly,” the “Circle,” and the “Inner Circle.” Beyond these three stages, we come to
IV.The University Circle.—Here are members of “The League of the Round Table,” whose seven seals on the C. L. S. C. diploma entitle them to this higher honor. Here, too, are advanced students in the “Chautauqua School of Languages;” these walk in the outer courts and among the sacred corridors adjoining the University itself. Chautauqua now means more than ever to them. The towers of the University rise above them. They ask why its doors may not open to them, and why they may not rejoice in work, real work, with after-tests in genuine examinations, and after-honors in diploma and degrees.
Some remain in this goodly place, hearing the songs that float down from the higher halls, enjoying converse with their fellows of the grander degree, and encouraging other and younger and more vigorous companions to go up and possess the land. Others knock at the door by the upper step, and as it opens, they enter the fifth and highest form of the Chautauqua movement—
V.The University, with its schools, colleges, andacademiae; its teachers and professors, its text-books and tasks, its rigid examinations, and its promotions. Concerning theUniversity, I shall write later on.
First Week(ending February 7).—1. “College Greek Course,” from page 83 to 107.
2. “Chemistry,” chapters I, II and III.
3. “How to Help the Poor,” from page 1 to 32.
4. “How English Differs from other Languages,” inThe Chautauquan.
5. Sunday Readings for February 1, inThe Chautauquan.
Second Week(ending February 14).—1. “College Greek Course,” from page 107 to 133.
2. “Chemistry,” chapters IV and V.
3. “How to Help the Poor,” from page 32 to 66.
4. “Temperance Teachings of Science” and “Home Studies in Chemistry and Physics,” inThe Chautauquan.
5. Sunday Readings for February 8, inThe Chautauquan.
Third Week(ending February 21).—1. “College Greek Course,” from page 133 to 154.
2. “Chemistry,” chapters VI and VII.
3. “How to Help the Poor,” from page 66 to 92.
4. “Kitchen Science and Art,” inThe Chautauquan.
5. Sunday Readings for February 15, inThe Chautauquan.
Fourth Week(ending February 28).—1. “College Greek Course,” from page 154 to 187.
2. “Chemistry,” chapter VIII.
3. “How to Help the Poor,” from page 92 to 125.
4. “The Circle of Sciences” and “Huxley on Science,” inThe Chautauquan.
5. Sunday Readings for February 22, inThe Chautauquan.
1. Essay—The Life of Plato.
2. Selection—“Translators of Homer.” From the “Prose Writings of William Cullen Bryant,” vol. ii.
3. Fifteen minutes’ talk on Home Decoration.
4. Select Reading—Extracts from the Life of Pericles, found in “The Young Folks’ Plutarch.”
Music.
5. Essay—Lavoisier and the Phlogiston Theory
[In the “History of the Inductive Sciences,” by Whewell, a good reference will be found.]
6. What we have all seen (mentally, perhaps,) at New Orleans this week. [Reports being made by each one of what he has read, heard or witnessed.]
7. Report of Critic, who is to be appointed at the beginning of the evening, and who is to note and correct all mistakes.
1. Roll call—Quotations from Æschylus, taken from the “College Greek Course.”
2. Essay—Socrates.
3. Select Reading—“Valentine’s Day.” By Charles Lamb. [Found in his “Elia.”]
Music.
4. A General Talk on Huxley and his Teachings. [Let each one come prepared to read or tell something about him.]
5. Essay—The Greek Drama.
6. Debate—Resolved, that it is wrong to feed tramps.
“He tried the luxury of doing good.”
“He tried the luxury of doing good.”
Music.
1. Roll-call—Quotations on the Companionship of Books.
2. Essay—New Departures in Education.
[Reference can be made to Pestalozzi, Froebel, Col. Parker, and others.]
Music.
3. Recitation—Alone with My Conscience.
[Found inThe Chautauquanfor October, 1884.]
4. A Paper on the Chautauqua Institutions.
Music.
5. Select Reading—Proper Method of Employing Time. By Addison.
6. AConversazione—Subject: What Chautauqua has done for me. [Entered into informally by all members of the circle.]
Music.
“High as our hearts he stood.”
“High as our hearts he stood.”
1. Roll call—Quotations from Longfellow.
2. Let several members who have been appointed beforehand give brief accounts of different periods of the poet’s life, such as: His early life, his years in college, his life as a college professor, his travels abroad, his literary work, his home in the Craigie House, and his love for children.
Music.
3. Recitation—“The Hanging of the Crane.”
4. Select Reading—Extracts from “Outre-Mer.”
Music.
5. Essay—Longfellow’s Characteristics as a Writer.
6. Recitation—“The Poet and the Children.” By John G. Whittier.
7. A Paper—The Tributes to Longfellow by Eminent Men and Women.
8. An analytical study of the poem “Sandalphon.”
A delightful Longfellow entertainment may be arranged from “Evangeline” or “Miles Standish.” The poem chosen should be carefully cut so as not to require more than an hour for reading. Let a good reader be chosen, and as he reads let the most picturesque and striking passages be represented by tableaux.
Help in preparing programs for Longfellow’s Day may be found in the following articles:The Century, June, 1882, “Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,” poem;The Century, October, 1883, “Longfellow;”The Century, November, 1878, “Henry Wadsworth Longfellow;” Allibone’s “Dictionary of Authors;” Griswold, “Poets and Poetry of America;” Duyckinck, “Cyclopædia of American Literature,” vol. ii.;North American Review, January 1840, July 1842, July 1845, and January 1848;Fraser’s Magazine, March 1848;British Quarterly Reviewfor January and April 1864;The Literary World, vol. xii., No. 5; “Homes of American Authors,” by George William Curtis; “American Classics for Schools,” vol. i; “Longfellow Leaflets”—these convenient little slips have been prepared for schools, but will be found very useful for large circles. They may be had of Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston, Mass.
“We Study the Word and the Works of God.”—“Let us keep our Heavenly Father in the Midst.”—“Never be Discouraged.”
1.Opening Day—October 1.2.Bryant Day—November 3.3.Special Sunday—November, second Sunday.4.Milton Day—December 9.5.College Day—January, last Thursday.6.Special Sunday—February, second Sunday.7.Founder’s Day—February 23.8.Longfellow Day—February 27.9.Shakspere Day—April 23.10.Addison Day—May 1.11.Special Sunday—May, second Sunday.12.Special Sunday—July, second Sunday.13.Inauguration Day—August, first Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua.14.St. Paul’s Day—August, second Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of the dedication of St. Paul’s Grove at Chautauqua.15.Commencement Day—August, third Tuesday.16.Garfield Day—September 19.
1.Opening Day—October 1.
2.Bryant Day—November 3.
3.Special Sunday—November, second Sunday.
4.Milton Day—December 9.
5.College Day—January, last Thursday.
6.Special Sunday—February, second Sunday.
7.Founder’s Day—February 23.
8.Longfellow Day—February 27.
9.Shakspere Day—April 23.
10.Addison Day—May 1.
11.Special Sunday—May, second Sunday.
12.Special Sunday—July, second Sunday.
13.Inauguration Day—August, first Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua.
14.St. Paul’s Day—August, second Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of the dedication of St. Paul’s Grove at Chautauqua.
15.Commencement Day—August, third Tuesday.
16.Garfield Day—September 19.
One of the most profitable half hours of the local circle evening is that spent in general conversation on a particular topic. It furnishes a practice which is of incalculable value. At the same time it is not possible to put a number on a program of which it is more difficult to make a perfect success. Of course many circles have learned the art of talking. AtShiloh, N. Y., the “Atlantic” circle of sixteen members, a busy, prosperous organization, to introduce variety into their programs,often hold a “meeting of informal conversation,” but very many of us can not succeed. At the root of our trouble lies that totally false idea that the ability to converse is the gift of a few. When leaders suggest aconversazionethe difficulties presented seem almost insurmountable. The members contend that they can not talk; they will not try; they urge that while history and science make excellent studies, they are too “heavy” for conversation; they fly the subject and intrude a chit-chat which totally destroys serious conversation. Some time ago we saw successfully tried in a circle of about twenty members, the following method for cultivating conversation: The subject was introduced by the leader in a brief and earnest talk. He showed the barrenness of ideas and the lack of fine and exact expression in our social converse. He urged the possibility and the duty of every one becoming an entertaining talker. An interest was thoroughly aroused, and a vote was carried by the society to devote a half hour to talking on subjects suggested by the C. L. S. C. readings. Each member promised to confine himself to the subject, to come prepared to follow the whole subject, and to give particular items on certain points. Members were bound to ask questions, to look up pictures to illustrate, anecdotes to enliven and wise words to enforce the points brought out. They learned to talk, and to talk on worthy subjects. Their experience soon grew to be a little like that which happened to a member of theHollister, California, circle. A lady meeting her, remarked: “I am getting jealous of those Chautauquans, for if two of them meet they can talk of nothing but those old Greeks.” Our friends grew to talk so well that a lady, applying for admission, said: “I want to join your society, for it seems to me that a society which inspires so much intelligent conversation must be very valuable.” Every circle of the C. L. S. C. which has had experience in this work should lend to others its ideas and suggestions. But now let us turn to something which is much easier to chat over than are methods for improving ourselves in conversation—our circles.
Nova Scotiagives no hint in its report from theHalifaxC. L. S. C. of the bleakness which we usually associate with its stormy northern coast. This Halifax circle announces itself in a flourishing condition, with a regular membership of fifteen and with twenty or thirty regular attendants. The growth of the work in Nova Scotia is apparent to them and they look for an addition of many members soon. Already the number of members in Nova Scotia is nearly double that of last year.
At the extreme eastern point ofMaine, in the pretty village ofLubec, the “Pansies” have taken root. The busy little “Quoddy” circle of eight members forms the nucleus around which, we trust, will collect a future legion of as interested members as are our present friends.——Another Pine-Tree state town,Brownfield, has a circle reading its third year’s course. It would be difficult, they think, to find more enthusiastic workers.——On the southern point of the beautiful Moosehead Lake, in the town ofGreenville, a circle of “Plymouth Rocks” was founded in November, 1884. The class express increasing interest in their readings, and are confident of a large growth in numbers during the year. The “North Star” is the pretty name they have chosen for their circle.
New Hampshiresends two year-old circles to our columns this month. One fromTiltonreorganized last fall with twenty-four members. They meet fortnightly and remember all the memorial days. May their name, “Winnipisaukee,” prove auspicious, and the “smile of the Great Spirit” be ever with them.——The “St. Paul” circle, which was organized in the fall of 1883, atManchester, N. H., but not reported toThe Chautauquan, was reorganized last fall with a membership of thirty-seven. They have in the circle twenty-one of the class of ’88, while only five are of the class of ’87—a proof that the “Chautauqua Idea” is growing in favor. They prepare interesting programs consisting of essays, readings, talks, etc. Also, they use the “Chautauqua Songs,” and find them a great help.
The circle atPlainfield, Vermont, consists of fourteen hard working members and is in its first year. They find great enjoyment in their reading. Last November, the loss by death of one of their most active and loved members, Mrs. F. A. Drinell, threw a shadow over their circle, but they have persisted in their work.——To the numbers of pretty programs which have come to our table has been added a neatly painted one fromRutland, Vt., a souvenir of the Milton Memorial Reception held by the “Alpha” branch of the C. L. S. C. This entertainment was very highly complimented by the local press.
A member of the “Mizpah” circle ofNew Bedford, Mass., pays a very high compliment to the character of that circle’s work. He writes that he has learned more of Greek history and literature in the four meetings which their circle had held when he wrote, than in all the time he gave last year to solitary study. Certainly the circle must be accomplishing its design of doing “solid work.” Nor are their numbers, though but six, a drawback. A small circle, if perfectly congenial, has some strong advantages.——Last monthEast Weymouth, Mass., reported the circle which has had such a vigorous growth this year. Now we hear of a new circle in the sister city ofSouth Weymouth, and very soon we may hope to do something more than formally introduce our new friend.——The “Parker Hill” local circle, ofBoston, organized in September, 1883, has become so much interested in the circles which month after month send their greetings and their suggestions toThe Chautauquan’scolumns, that it joins our number. Very glad we are to present it—the only circle, so far as we remember, composed entirely of young men. Thirteen of them form this club, all of them connected with the Highland Congregational Church, of which the Rev. A. E. Dunning, the honored president of the “Plymouth Rocks,” has been pastor. A particularly happy suggestion, it seems to us, is contained in a special feature of their program. They require each member to suggest at each meeting, in writing, some subject for the next meeting’s program. These suggestions being read by the president, the circle selects from them a sufficient number of topics to occupy the allotted time. The subjects are then assigned to the various members.——From two other Massachusetts circles come pleasant letters. One fromCape Codsays: “We call ourselves the ‘Seaside’ circle, and our name is very appropriate, for ‘the sea’ lies both east and south of us. We are located in the ‘elbow’ of the ‘right arm’ of Massachusetts, and scarce an hour in our lives passes that we do not feel the invigorating breezes of the Atlantic Ocean. At present we number fourteen regular and three local members, one ’85, four ’87s, and the rest ’88s. Our enthusiasm is great, and, as is the experience of every local circle, increases with every meeting.”——And another fromFalmouth: “Our ‘Neptune’ circle is prosperously started this year with twenty-three active members. We are encouraged, as this is more than double our last year’s membership. We try to keep the line of study for each evening separate, one evening being devoted to science, another to Greek. Last week we took up the ‘Iliad,’ different members giving five-minute sketches of its gods and heroes. At other meetings we have had successful experiments in carbon and hydrogen. Our local badges bear the letters C. L. S. C., with the trident, the symbol of our circle.” With this letter the writer sends a bit of experience which is very interesting. “Last summer,” she writes, “while visiting the ‘Morning Star,’ as she lay at the wharf before starting on her noble life work, I found the C. L. S. C. books in the captain’s library. I never before so fully realized the bond of sympathy between Chautauquans. Mrs. Bray, the captain’s wife, told me that she and her husband belonged to the class of ’85. They take the readings together while far out on the deep.”
Connecticuthas a goodly array of items for the month.Norwichsends us several of its capital programs; peculiarly attractive is the one for Milton’s Day.——Bristolreports a circle of twenty-four members, organized in October last, and boasts, most justly, of ten school teachers in its ranks. All the regular work arranged for circles they have been performing, and report most pleasant special meetings on Bryant and Milton Days.——Winstedhas sent us a New Year greeting. A happy circle they are, with their enormous membership of sixty-one members, and “not one lazy one in our ranks,” the secretary writes.——AtNew Britainthe Milton Day service was very pleasant. The professor of English literature in the State Normal School gave a talk on Milton, and the evening closed with a question match.
The plan of reviewing each work read has been adopted atBristol, R. I.An unusually interesting review was prepared on the “Art of Speech.” The epitome which the writer gives of the opening chapter will not only be interesting, it may serve to disentangle some one’s ideas on the puzzling growth of English:
With Chapter first our toil begins,’Tis like a penance for our sinsTo try to read it over.We read it once, we read it twice,With close attention read it thrice,Its meaning to discover.We find, at last, that English speechThrough long succeeding years, doth reachBack to primeval ages.From Aryan root it sprang at first—How long ago, tell us who durst—And grew by easy stages.Teutonic trunk and German branchAnd Saxon twig grew strong and stanch,And Norman foliage crowned it;From Latin grafts it gained new strengthAnd from Greek scions, too, at lengthGrew thrifty leaves around it.The fruits upon the wondrous tree,If we should test, we soon should seeHave many foreign flavors.From Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese,Italian, Indian, and Chinese,Have they derived their savors.
With Chapter first our toil begins,’Tis like a penance for our sinsTo try to read it over.We read it once, we read it twice,With close attention read it thrice,Its meaning to discover.We find, at last, that English speechThrough long succeeding years, doth reachBack to primeval ages.From Aryan root it sprang at first—How long ago, tell us who durst—And grew by easy stages.Teutonic trunk and German branchAnd Saxon twig grew strong and stanch,And Norman foliage crowned it;From Latin grafts it gained new strengthAnd from Greek scions, too, at lengthGrew thrifty leaves around it.The fruits upon the wondrous tree,If we should test, we soon should seeHave many foreign flavors.From Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese,Italian, Indian, and Chinese,Have they derived their savors.
With Chapter first our toil begins,’Tis like a penance for our sinsTo try to read it over.We read it once, we read it twice,With close attention read it thrice,Its meaning to discover.
With Chapter first our toil begins,
’Tis like a penance for our sins
To try to read it over.
We read it once, we read it twice,
With close attention read it thrice,
Its meaning to discover.
We find, at last, that English speechThrough long succeeding years, doth reachBack to primeval ages.From Aryan root it sprang at first—How long ago, tell us who durst—And grew by easy stages.
We find, at last, that English speech
Through long succeeding years, doth reach
Back to primeval ages.
From Aryan root it sprang at first—
How long ago, tell us who durst—
And grew by easy stages.
Teutonic trunk and German branchAnd Saxon twig grew strong and stanch,And Norman foliage crowned it;From Latin grafts it gained new strengthAnd from Greek scions, too, at lengthGrew thrifty leaves around it.
Teutonic trunk and German branch
And Saxon twig grew strong and stanch,
And Norman foliage crowned it;
From Latin grafts it gained new strength
And from Greek scions, too, at length
Grew thrifty leaves around it.
The fruits upon the wondrous tree,If we should test, we soon should seeHave many foreign flavors.From Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese,Italian, Indian, and Chinese,Have they derived their savors.
The fruits upon the wondrous tree,
If we should test, we soon should see
Have many foreign flavors.
From Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese,
Italian, Indian, and Chinese,
Have they derived their savors.
The “Knowledge Seekers,” ofJamestown, R. I., form a new circle. Until this year they were a branch of the local circle inNewport, but as six members were added they have formed a circle of their own.——“Pawcatuck” local circle, of the ’88 class, C. L. S. C., was organized September 23, 1884, in the village ofCarolina, a small manufacturing place in southern Rhode Island. The circle has now twenty-four members and meets weekly. Considering the fact that there are only about 375 inhabitants in the place, in all, and that fully one half of this number are mill operatives, the size of the circle is remarkable. The members are all thoroughly interested in the work, and are taking hold of it in a very commendable manner.
From all directions throughoutNew York Stategood news of growing circles reaches us. Away up north, inJefferson County, in the village ofAdams, there has been organized “a real live C. L. S. C.” It is modeled on the broad Chautauquan platform, and has three churches represented in its officers. The program of their Bryant Memorial Day exercises was a model of happily chosen selections, and we learn from the columns of their local paper that it was as happily rendered.——A very profitable plan of assigning subjects is followed atKingston, N. Y., in their circle of seven members. Each member is given, at the beginning of the year, a subject from the C. L. S. C. readings, to which he devotes his entire attention; thus our correspondent writes that during last year she furnished outlines and questions upon the subject of “Art,” and that this year her theme is “Kitchen Science and Art.” We like the plan.——In the pleasant town ofMount Kisco, not far from New York City, there is a circle which dates back to a public meeting in the interests of the C. L. S. C. held by one of the pastors of the town, in the fall of 1882. A thriving circle of the class of 1886 still exists there. Their plan of work is very comprehensive, including Chautauqua music, general discussions, essays and social observance of the special days.——TheIthaca, N. Y., C. L. S. C. has a membership of forty-six of the classes of ’85, ’86, ’87 and ’88. The meetings, held bi-monthly, are full of life and interest. They observe memorial days generally. One of their most active members has moved toCazenovia, N. Y., Mrs. Rev. H. F. Spencer, vice president. She writes: “Our circle, here, is in embryo—think how prosy to come down to a circle of three or four.”——TheNewfieldcircle of fifteen members was organized last fall, and held their meetings every Friday evening. Their president, the Rev. W. H. Rogers, is a graduate of the class of ’82.——In an interesting letter from the president of a circle atBinghamton, N. Y., we have found some very good hints. He says: “Here in Binghamton our circle numbers twenty. We call ourselves the ‘F. F. F.’ circle, from our motto: ‘Fortiter, fideliter, feliciter’—bravely, faithfully, successfully. Two things our programs all include: First, devotional exercises, remembering that ‘we study theWord’ as well as ‘the works of God.’ We use the Chautauqua hymns, all singing together and greatly enjoy it. Secondly, roll call. This is one of our most interesting exercises. We respond by quotations from one or more authors, specially designated for the evening, and keep a record of every quotation given. In this way we are compiling what promises to be a very interesting book of choice quotations. Our members are very much in earnest, and every meeting finds them all present.”——The history of one of the circles atOlean, N. Y., has been sent us by its secretary: “The ‘Whitney’ circle (Baptist) was so named in honor of the venerable Dr. Whitney, one of the fathers of the First Baptist Church. This circle was organized in the fall of 1883, with a membership of thirty. This fall we have reorganized, with a membership that bids fair to double that of last year. Each member, in alphabetical order, takes part in the exercises, and are nearly all active workers. Our meetings open with the ‘Chautauqua Songs,’ followed by the roll call, each member answering with an apt quotation from the readings. Our program then consists of a drill on subjects gone over in the readings for the past two weeks. Two essays, on subjects in harmony with the readings, are read each evening. We also have interesting scientific experiments conducted by Dr. S. J. Mudge, a scientist of this city. We have introduced a novel feature called the ‘Tug of War,’ in which sides are chosen in spelling-down style, and questions asked on a book which has been completed. Guesses at the Greek alphabet and Greek words are also features of our programs. We also observe some of the memorial days. Last summer our superintendent, the Rev. MacClymont, secured Chancellor Vincent to lecture for us. We invited the M. E. circle, and had a splendid lecture. Taken altogether, we may say our circle is in a prosperous and flourishing condition.”
TheKeystone Stateis in no way behind New England and itsEmpireneighbor this month in reports. FromConnelsville, on the banks of the Youghiogheny, comes a hearty greeting to all C. L. S. C. classmates. It is from the sturdy “Spartans,” of the class of ’88. The circle, organized on Opening Day, numbered at its start twenty-four members. The “Athenian” circle of ’86 and the “Pansy” circle of ’87 proposed a consolidation of forces; so large was the circle that a public meeting place was necessary. The best talent of the city is in the circle, and to belong to its rank is a good recommendationwherever the circle is known.——AtMount Pleasant, Pa., a circle was formed in October consisting of fifty-one members, all but four of which belong to the class of ’88. They promise us a full report when fairly started in their work.——A friend atVerona, Pa., writes: “Our name is the ‘Verona Resolutes,’ our age two months, our number fifteen. We owe our existence to the fact that three of our new members attended Chautauqua Lake Assembly, and one Mountain Lake Park Assembly, where they caught the C. L. S. C. fever, and upon returning home spread the disease until fifteen are found upon the fever list. We are enjoying it, though, and hope our recovery will be slow, ifrecoverymeans loss of interest.”——West Philadelphiahas a new circle—the “Parsonage” circle. They number six and promise to try to increase their list. No doubt their efforts will succeed, the present circle being due to the efforts of three members who last year read alone.——TheElizabeth Herald, ofElizabeth, Pa., contained recently the following pleasant notice of the circle in that town: “Chautauqua Circle.—This flourishing institution is pursuing a course of study and research and enjoying an exchange of ideas, which is a veritable reveling in intellectual and social pleasures, unknown to many of the community whose congenial tastes and capabilities would, if properly directed and cultured, lead them to a sharing of these delights, so far above the frivolities too common to young life. For instance, at the regular meeting of this week, in addition to the regular quiz and discussion of the set topics, the Milton Memorial Day was observed with services of an appropriate nature. The evening was a most pleasant one throughout, and after the regular program was concluded the members, loth to leave, remained, singing and talking in pleasant, informal fashion, for some time.”——We are pleased to notice here, a kindly compliment to the president of the flourishing circle of thirty atWashington, Professor Lyon, of Washington and Jefferson College. Our friend says of him: “In our studies in chemistry, etc., we have the benefit of his knowledge and skill, and obliging disposition, for he always carries from the college to our rooms the apparatus needed for explanation and experiment.” This circle held a “sociable” on the evening of December 11th, each member inviting a friend. It was an enjoyable affair and may be the means of adding members.——In kind remembrance of Mary Vincent, the mother of Chancellor Vincent, the members of the C. L. S. C. atPetersburg, Pa.have named their circle the “Mary Vincent” circle—a peculiarly fitting tribute, Mrs. Vincent having been well known and deeply honored by many Chautauquans in that vicinity.
TheCincinnati, Ohio, members of the S. H. G. held their yearly reception to the new class, in the pleasant parlor of the First Presbyterian Church, in October. The “Irrepressibles” were right royally received. The president of the society, Mr. J. G. O’Connell, welcomed the class into the society. The following were the toasts, to which hearty responses were given: “The Class of ’82;” “Class of ’83;” “Class of ’84;” “The Founder of the C. L. S. C.—Chancellor J. H. Vincent;” “Chautauqua, the Mecca of the C. L. S. C.;” “Cincinnati Circles;” “Chautauqua Music.” The musical part of the program was unusually fine. The collation was a part of the program in which every one present took part. The following are the officers for the ensuing year: President, Mr. J. G. O’Connell, ’82: vice presidents: Class of ’82, Mrs. M. J. Pyle; class of ’83, Mrs. I. W. Joyce; class of ’84, Miss Sarah Trotter; recording secretary, Miss Julia Kolbe; corresponding secretary, Mr. M. S. Turrill; treasurer, Miss Selina Wood. The society separated brimful of enthusiasm for the success of the C. L. S. C. Bryant’s Day was celebrated by the Cincinnati circles at the Third Presbyterian Church. Mr. S. Logan presided. Among the excellent things on the program were an essay on W. C. Bryant, by Mr. J. A. Johnson, a piano solo by Miss Belle Burnham, and a recitation, “Waiting by the Gate,” by Miss Nellie Allan. A union vesper service was held by the circles at Grace M. P. Church, on the Special Sunday, November 9th. The service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Spohr, of Grace Church, and Dr. Ridgeway, of Mount Auburn, gave a very fine address upon “Praise.” This being the “Greek” year in the C. L. S. C. course, the various circles have added to their names that letter of the Greek alphabet which will indicate their rank in order of organization.——The local circle ofMount Pleasant, Ohio, came into existence in October of 1883. The circle has the usual officers, and meets twice a month at the homes of the members. The enrollment is nineteen, with a large average attendance. They have local talent enlisted, and the meetings are instructive and interesting. The work of 1883 and 1884 was thoroughly accomplished.
One new circle enters the list this month fromFriendswood, Ind.It is formed of twelve members—enthusiastic and brave they must be, for they report themselves as living in the country several miles apart. Not only are they overcoming the difficulty of regular meetings under these circumstances, they are contemplating enlisting others in their work.——Another zealousIndianacircle is atCorydon. It is a year old, and believes itself to have done better work than any other circle in the country, an assertion that their method warrants, for they have adopted the novel plan of a C. L. S. C. school, where one member is appointed to hear the lesson and every other comes prepared to recite. Our Corydon friends gave a delightful Milton reception to over thirty guests.——The C. L. S. C. local circle ofFort Waynebegan its fifth year’s work on Garfield Day—officers were elected, and seventeen new members added. The subjects under consideration are conducted in a conversational manner. One evening was devoted to chemistry, with highly interesting and successful experiments given by the leader, who is professor of science at the M. E. College. They have held one “Sunday Evening Vesper Service,” which proved such an inspiration that they purpose having more. “At the age of five years,” they write, “we are truly ‘Irrepressible,’ ‘Invincible,’ and as firm and steady as old Plymouth Rock itself.” Altogether “we are a live and enthusiastic circle, possessed with the true ‘Chautauqua Idea.’”
A letter received from a lady well known to readers ofThe Chautauquan, Mrs. E. J. Bugbee, says of a circle lately started atEvanston, Ill.: “I am happy to report from this glorious Athens of the West a flourishing circle of the C. L. S. C., organized on the first Monday evening in November, and numbering now between forty and fifty members. We have started out with an enthusiasm which we hope will not abate, and indeed we do not expect it to do so under our present fortunate leadership. We have for president Mr. Weeden A. Sawyer, of this place. He presides with dignity and ease, and carries forward the business of the circle with promptness and dispatch. We are also happy in our instructor, the Rev. F. Clatworthy, pastor of the Baptist church of Evanston, who shows wonderful adaptation for this work, and is heartily in sympathy with the Chautauqua Idea, and endeavors closely to follow out the plan for local circles.”——AtHinsdale, Ill., a circle was organized in the fall of 1882. The circle was conducted in a very informal manner, having but one officer—secretary—“each member taking her turn as leader, and our exercises were merely the discussions of the past week’s reading. In the fall of 1883 we again organized, this time admitting gentlemen, electing a president and secretary, and taking to ourselves a name, ‘The Alpha Chautauqua Circle.’ Our membership increased to eighteen. Meeting every Monday evening, our exercises were the same as during the preceding year. We celebrated three of the memorial days, which proved not only pleasant and interesting, but very instructive. This last fall our Chautauquans were so enthusiastic that the first meeting was called for September 4th. We reorganized with only nine members; since then have admitted two more. If it can be possible, our work this year seems more interestingthan ever. We continue to meet weekly, and have now decided to take one text-book, or one month’s reading inThe Chautauquanat a time, finishing one subject before taking up another; thinking thereby to obtain a better understanding of the same. Shall also use the questions and answers inThe Chautauquan, said lessons to be conducted the same as a spelling match. The members respond to the roll call with appropriate quotations, thus far from Greek authors. We have been too busy to observe the memorial days this year, otherwise than by quotations from the author in question. Two of our circle are members of the ‘Pansy’ class. One of our number graduated last year, who is now an honorary member of the local circle, acting as critic; and we shall have one graduate this year.”
A genuine proof of good work is this bit of experience fromTecumseh, Mich.: “At the beginning of this year,” the president writes, “we members of ’86 reviewed thoroughly our Greek history for the benefit of those of our circle belonging to the classes of ’87 and ’88. We were highly gratified with the proficiency of the class of ’86. How well we remember two years ago the despondency of many of the members at the hard Greek words, and now they pronounce them with ease and fluency. Any one would have been convinced of the benefits of the C. L. S. C. who could have listened to those reviews of Greek history.”——The Bryant memorial was very pleasantly observed by the local circle ofEscanaba, Mich.Mrs. W. H. Tibbals, ’86, invited the members to dinner at 6 o’clock. Nine of the members were present. After the repast, at which each member present received as a souvenir a pallet painted by the hostess, the literary feast was enjoyed. Select reading, “Early Life of the Author;” selection, “The Rivulet;” selection, “The Autumn Woods;” essay, Bryant and his Contemporaries; selection, “The Planting of the Apple Tree;” selection, “The Crowded Street;” essay, Bryant, the Poet; analytical study of the “West Wind;” questions prepared by the president.
Sad news and a beautiful tribute to the C. L. S. C. come to us fromWaupan, Wis., whence the secretary writes: “Our C. L. S. C. opens this year with added enthusiasm in its membership, and an increasing number. The Bryant Memorial Day was observed in a fitting manner by sentiments, readings, discussion, and a biographical sketch, all bearing upon the great poet. The selections and topics were in accord with our feelings, as we had just met with our first loss since organizing five years ago, in the death of one of our youngest and brightest members, Mrs. Jennie Weed Hinkley. As we review the life of our beloved sister, we can see a symmetry and beauty of character that needed no further lights and shades. Our studies make us better mothers and housekeepers, better able to take our places in the prayer meeting, better able to guide our children, and to understand the work they do in the school room.”——The “Pansy” class ofSparta, Wis., also sends its greetings to all the members of the People’s College. A friend telling the story of the circle says: “Our little Spartan class passed through the first year of its existence without a break in the circle, and profiting by the favorable circumstances, observed among others, Shakspere Memorial Day with more than the ordinary preparation, closing with a basket picnic, served at the house of one of the members. This year, however, sickness has overtaken two of the members, and one still remains an invalid; nevertheless, our progress has been steady. We have observed Bryant’s and Milton’s Days by interesting exercises.”
The C. L. S. C. is coming well to the front this year inSt. Paul, Minn.The year was begun by a lecture from Dr. Vincent on Monday evening, October 6th, on the “Chautauqua Idea.” This aroused the enthusiasm of the old Chautauquans and brought in a large addition of new members. On Thursday evening, October 23d, the “Pioneer” circle was reorganized with nineteen members, which have since become twenty-five. On Monday evening, November 3d (Bryant Day), the “Canadian American” circle was formed, with ten members. There have been at least four other circles formed, with a membership of about eighty. On the evening of November 27th, Thanksgiving night, the “Pioneer” circle held its regular meeting in the parlors of the First M. E. Church. All the other circles in the city were represented, about eighty persons being present. Among the other visitors they were delighted to welcome Prof. J. L. Corning, of Ocean Grove, N. J., a name well known to all Chautauquans. His address on the C. L. S. C. at Ocean Grove and the Chautauqua University was both instructive and enjoyable. The program was in celebration of both Bryant and Thanksgiving Days, and included essays on Bryant’s life and works and the origin of Thanksgiving day, with selections from Bryant’s works and Thanksgiving day poems. Altogether the evening was a very pleasant one. They are making arrangements for forming a central circle somewhat after the plan of the Toronto central circle and the Troy circle.
Three new circles are reported this month fromIowa. AtWapelloa circle of five members; atParkersburgone of nine members; and atElvira, one of ten. Each reports the work as a delightful revelation, and expresses the hope that they may be able to largely increase their numbers.——In the fall of 1883 a circle was organized inMissouri Valley, Iowa. It consisted of some fifteen members, some of whom, for want of time, failed to do the reading. During the past year a number of the members left the town, one of whom—President Sabine—graduated in the class of 1884. Though the class is scattered, several are doing the reading.
We are always particularly glad to hear from theBlue Grass State, perhaps because our friends there have not sent us frequent reports. This month a friend writes of the circle atHardensburg: “The C. L. S. C. of this place is prosecuting its work with unabating energy and zeal. We organized early in September, with eighteen members, that we might be entirely ready for Opening Day. However, there was so much severe illness in our town, and especially among some of the friends of our circle, that it was late in the Circle year before we did anything more toward having a meeting. When at last through the Father’s providence we were permitted to meet again, we found that nearly every member had ‘read up’ to date. We meet on Tuesday evening of each week and carry out the program as furnished for each week inThe Chautauquan. We keep each memorial day.”
Another Southern state to report isLouisiana. FromLake Providencethis letter comes: “We have twenty-two members between fifteen and twenty-one years old. We meet once a week; at roll call each answers by reciting, ‘We study the Word and works of God,’ ‘Let us keep our Heavenly Father in the midst,’ ‘Never be discouraged.’ We assign lessons from the C. L. S. C. course for each week as given byThe Chautauquan. In our class the member who is most attentive, whose conduct is best, who learns the lessons recited most thoroughly, is made president of the class. The places of vice president, secretary, etc., are filled in this way. The lessons which have been memorized by particular members, are learned at their recital by the other members who were not appointed to learn these lessons. In this way the work is done thoroughly, and for hours the interest and enthusiasm do not cool; however, we change from one study to another to prevent any from becoming monotonous. Nineteen members of our circle are college students, but for the most of them this will be their last year at school; so we are trying to fill them with the Chautauqua spirit of learning, morality, truth and Christian worth, that it may linger with them and develop them through all the future into strong and true, noble and pure womanhood and manhood. Having established this circle among the young, we are now working to originate one among the grown. We talk of it a great deal in our sociallife; have induced eight to become members of the C. L. S. C., and hope to largely increase the numbers.”
Springfield, Missouri, sends the following interesting history: “In October, 1883, a wave of Chautauqua enthusiasm reached our beautiful city of the Ozarks. Through the influence of two or three energetic ladies, it resulted in the organization of the ‘Queen City’ circle of the C. L. S. C. The circle began with a membership of fifteen ladies, representing eight religious denominations. Regular meetings were held once a week, all the memorial days kept, and the year’s work finished in June. In October, 1884, our circle was reorganized with the same officers. Our members returned full of enthusiasm and ready for work. On Opening Day we endeavored to lay before our new members and visitors—having opened our doors to all interested—the object, the magnitude and the blessing of the ‘Chautauqua Idea.’ Those interested, and others to whom the ‘Idea’ was entirely new caught the enthusiasm, and many applications for membership were presented from both gentlemen and ladies. As the ‘Queen City’ circle is a woman’s circle exclusively, holding its meetings in the afternoon, it was thought best to organize another circle, to which both ladies and gentlemen could be admitted. On Bryant’s Day the new circle was formed, with a membership of thirty-one. Their meetings will be held on Tuesday evening of each week. It is the intention of the two circles to work together as closely as possible. The ‘Queen City’ circle meets once a week in a pleasant parlor, which we owe to the courtesy of one of our members. We study the readings for the week thoroughly. Topics are assigned by our instruction committee a week in advance for special study, greater research and more thought being thus brought to bear upon the lesson. Criticism upon pronunciation, inaccuracies of speech, etc., is unsparingly given to all. We are trying to make thorough study of our text-book on ‘Parliamentary Practice,’ and endeavor to observe all the rules of a deliberative body. Our work is both profitable and delightful, and I think it safe to say that our circle can never languish. Already the ’87s are living in joyful anticipation of the day when they will be permitted to pass beneath the Arches at Chautauqua.”——A word also comes fromKansas City. There are six circles there, the oldest of which is the “Kansas City” circle, whose interest was so great that the weekly meetings were kept up during last summer, without any vacation. October 1st, they reorganized, with a membership of twenty-five. Two graduates are reading with this circle this year.
A pleasant account of work done in the interest of the C. L. S. C. has reached our table fromHiawatha, Kansas. A graduate of the class of ’84 it comes from: “I have talked C. L. S. C. to my friends until I have declared that it will soon be necessary for me to get a new tongue. I went to our editor to-day and asked his assistance in spreading the work. He has kindly consented to print whatever we wish. There are many things inThe Chautauquanthat would enlighten the people concerning the C. L. S. C.—what it is, and what it is doing—but the very ones who most need this information do not takeThe Chautauquan. By the assistance of our editor we can bring this knowledge to the people. I tell my friends that I can not help being enthusiastic on this subject, because I am an ‘Irrepressible.’ A ‘Pioneer’ and an ‘Invincible’ moved to our town this fall. Beside these we have a few ‘Progressives,’ ‘Pansies,’ and ‘Plymouth Rocks.’ We meet in one of the offices in the court house for our regular meetings—it being a more central point for all—but I invited the circle to my home for a late meeting. I wished to show them the growth of the Persian empire and Alexander’s dominions as pictured on Adams’s ‘Synchronological Chart.’ I bought one this summer at Chautauqua. Since my return I made an easel for the chart of hard pine, open-mortised four cross-pieces, on two of which I fastened the chart, and chamfered the edges. The boards were ‘in the rough’ when I took them, but I smoothed them, sand-papered and oiled them, then blackened the chamfered edges and varnished the easel. Several carpenters have examined my work and all say my joining is perfect and the work well done, and yet I never handled tools until I went to Chautauqua last summer and took instructions.”——A new circle has been organized atHartford, Kansas. It consists of seventeen members, representing a variety of professions and employments. The work has proven pleasant and profitable to them thus far.
Right glad we are to hear fromNebraska. A breezy letter comes from the circle atYork, in which the writer tells us: “We have twenty-four members. We feel quite encouraged when we remember that we began last year with only four. Nearly every meeting adds a new name to our roll. Our members are all enthusiastic and in earnest, preferring to let anything else go rather than miss one ‘C. L. S. C.’ I really think nothing less than a ‘Nebraska blizzard’ or cyclone would keep some of our members away. We pursued the Chautauqua plan of questions and answers last year very successfully, and are proceeding in the same way this year, although our programs vary according to the option of the leader. Each member leads in the order his name stands on the secretary’s roll. In this way the timid ones of our circle are brought out. We usually have written questions on the readings inThe Chautauquan; they are either handed to the secretary to be read, or exchanged. We are fortunate in having a professor of our college as a member, and just now he is making the study of chemistry very interesting and pleasant. We certainly do appreciate our C. L. S. C.”
Wyoming Territoryis the western limit of our circle travels for February. AtCheyenne, the “J. L. Taylor” circle organized in 1883 has reorganized with a membership of twelve. The secretary writes: “While we are all young people, having many daily duties and cares, our interest in Chautauqua steadily increases, as we feel it broadens our outlook over the world, and draws us nearer and nearer to our ideal of a higher life. We hope to be able to report much good work done in the future—as we feel that we can not stop with only moderate endeavors.”