BY EDITH SESSIONS TUPPER.
The Chautauquan takes back to his or her busy life in the school room, the college chair, the pulpit, the sanctum, the parlor, and the kitchen, many beautiful pictures of memory.
In fancy does one often see the branches of grand old trees, fit pillars of one of God’s first temples, cross above one’s head, making a network for the laughing, blue, summer skies; in imagination does one again see a green landscape turn golden in the light of a fast setting sun. Ah! those vistas about the Hall in the Grove; can not you see those leafy avenues bending down to the lovely lake, now in the early morning stretching glassy and waveless, now at noon, tumbling and tossing its white caps abroad, now in the solemn night lying black and motionless, and reflecting the light of stars? Can one who has seen the moon rise over Long Point ever forget the sight? Recall now that midsummer night, when drifting out in your boat you idly watched those masses of clouds shift, part and separate to let the white glory of the moon shine through! How serene and lofty she hung, poised in mid-heaven. Higher and higher she climbed, pouring her wealth of light down upon the clouds heaped beneath her, until they, massed and piled upon each other, seemed like the glittering domes and towers of a city not made with hands. In vivid fancy you could almost trace the shining streets of gold, the gates of pearl, the walls of precious stones. The summer wind sighed softly around; the murmuring waters rippled about the keel of your boat; on the shore the lights danced and flickered like fireflies. Such a night is never to be forgotten. It is a scene of enchantment, a mid-summer night’s dream.
“In such a night as this,When the sweet wind did gently kiss the treesAnd they did make no noise in such a night,Troilus methinks mounted the Trojan walls,And sighed his soul toward the Grecian tents,Where Cressid’ lay that night.“In such a night,Stood Dido with a willow in her hand,Upon the wild sea banks, and waved her loveTo come again to Carthage.”
“In such a night as this,When the sweet wind did gently kiss the treesAnd they did make no noise in such a night,Troilus methinks mounted the Trojan walls,And sighed his soul toward the Grecian tents,Where Cressid’ lay that night.“In such a night,Stood Dido with a willow in her hand,Upon the wild sea banks, and waved her loveTo come again to Carthage.”
“In such a night as this,When the sweet wind did gently kiss the treesAnd they did make no noise in such a night,Troilus methinks mounted the Trojan walls,And sighed his soul toward the Grecian tents,Where Cressid’ lay that night.
“In such a night as this,
When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees
And they did make no noise in such a night,
Troilus methinks mounted the Trojan walls,
And sighed his soul toward the Grecian tents,
Where Cressid’ lay that night.
“In such a night,Stood Dido with a willow in her hand,Upon the wild sea banks, and waved her loveTo come again to Carthage.”
“In such a night,
Stood Dido with a willow in her hand,
Upon the wild sea banks, and waved her love
To come again to Carthage.”
Ah! these beautiful pictures “that hang on memory’s wall,” these day dreams, by their potent magic, heal the heart and brain when life’s fret and worry are hardly to be endured. A writer has truly said:
“’Tis well to dream.”“I dream, and straightway there before me liesA valley beautifully green and fair;Bright, sparkling lakes, blue as the summer skies,And trees and flowers dot it here and there.“I wake, and straightway all familiar thingsDisplay new beauty to my wondering gaze.My soul refreshed by wandering, folds her wingsAnd finds contentment in life’s common ways.”
“’Tis well to dream.”“I dream, and straightway there before me liesA valley beautifully green and fair;Bright, sparkling lakes, blue as the summer skies,And trees and flowers dot it here and there.“I wake, and straightway all familiar thingsDisplay new beauty to my wondering gaze.My soul refreshed by wandering, folds her wingsAnd finds contentment in life’s common ways.”
“’Tis well to dream.”
“’Tis well to dream.”
“I dream, and straightway there before me liesA valley beautifully green and fair;Bright, sparkling lakes, blue as the summer skies,And trees and flowers dot it here and there.
“I dream, and straightway there before me lies
A valley beautifully green and fair;
Bright, sparkling lakes, blue as the summer skies,
And trees and flowers dot it here and there.
“I wake, and straightway all familiar thingsDisplay new beauty to my wondering gaze.My soul refreshed by wandering, folds her wingsAnd finds contentment in life’s common ways.”
“I wake, and straightway all familiar things
Display new beauty to my wondering gaze.
My soul refreshed by wandering, folds her wings
And finds contentment in life’s common ways.”
To all these beautiful pictures of memory many a Chautauquan adds the remembrance of one indescribable scene—a look at the great fall.
A short trip to Niagara is indeed one of the features of a summer’s sojourn at the city in the woods. Every week a crowd of excursionists leaves with reluctance the delights of the fair lake and takes a day’s jaunt to the Falls, which are distant about eighty miles from Chautauqua. Many of you, my readers, remember that trip—the magnificent views of Lake Erie, which you got from time to time, on the way to Buffalo. Then the run down from that city along Niagara River, past Fort Erie and Black Rock, historic names. You remember how your heart beat a little faster when the brakeman called, “Niagara Falls,” and you realized that you were soon to stand in sight of one of the wonders of the world. Of course you remember the clamoring hackmen, once heard not easily forgotten. Then have you forgotten that short walk or drive down a shaded street, past many shops filled with feathers and Indian temptations? Do you recall that dull, booming sound which suddenly broke upon your ear, and can you not now sense that delicious, fresh smell of the water as you turned into Prospect Park, and ah! can you ever forget when you at last stood within hand reach of that awful presence, when your bewildered and startled eyes glanced now at the shouting, leaping, laughing, maddening, scornful rapids; now at that overwhelming mass which flung itself over that tremendous precipice into a seemingly bottomless pit? Was it a pleasant day when you were there? Do you then remember the exquisite coloring of the water, the dazzling white, the vivid green, the pellucid blue? How the sun seemed to catch up every drop of that vast volume, and shine through it, giving a tiny rainbow effect to every crystalline particle? How the rapids called aloud to each other in glee, and chased one another in a mad race, as to which should first make that mighty leap? Or was it a dull, gloomy day? Then did they not shriek aloud in horror, and hurl themselves in black and hissing despair to their awful plunge?
Did you chance at nightfall to drive or walk about Goat Island, and hear the chattering and cawing of myriads of crows, which blackened the tree tops? This is their rendezvous, and the woods are alive with them, and their weird sounds at dusk, added to that ever present, sullen roar, produce an unearthly and fantastic effect. Did not your breath almost forsake your body when you crossed to the three fair sisters lying so peacefully far out in the midst of that seething, tumbling, foaming hell of waters?
At night you saw the electric lights turned on the American Fall, playing now with sulphuric effect, now giving a ghastly, blue appearance, and now turning this white, pure Undine to a very Scarlet Woman. The day on which you first saw these pictures will long be marked with a red letter in your calendar.
But, sublime as is the physical beauty of Niagara, we haveto deal with quite another phase of her character; one of which the tourist, limited by time, seldom thinks. It is only after becoming familiar with every inch of her picturesque surroundings, after spending days and weeks drinking in her superb beauty, content to sit, oblivious of time or space, or sun or sky, that one at last remembers that for many miles around the ground is covered with the footprints of history. Ground that has echoed the thundering tread of armies, that has been drunken with the blood of brave men, that now smiles peacefully, from which violets spring, and on which children play.
“Once this soft turf, this rivulet’s sandsWere trampled by a hurrying crowd,And fiery hearts and armed handsEncountered in the battle cloud.“Now all is calm and fresh and still,Alone the chirp of flitting birdAnd talk of children on the hill,And bell of wandering kine is heard.”
“Once this soft turf, this rivulet’s sandsWere trampled by a hurrying crowd,And fiery hearts and armed handsEncountered in the battle cloud.“Now all is calm and fresh and still,Alone the chirp of flitting birdAnd talk of children on the hill,And bell of wandering kine is heard.”
“Once this soft turf, this rivulet’s sandsWere trampled by a hurrying crowd,And fiery hearts and armed handsEncountered in the battle cloud.
“Once this soft turf, this rivulet’s sands
Were trampled by a hurrying crowd,
And fiery hearts and armed hands
Encountered in the battle cloud.
“Now all is calm and fresh and still,Alone the chirp of flitting birdAnd talk of children on the hill,And bell of wandering kine is heard.”
“Now all is calm and fresh and still,
Alone the chirp of flitting bird
And talk of children on the hill,
And bell of wandering kine is heard.”
To say nothing of the French and Indian wars, the country about Niagara was the scene of many of the fiercest struggles of the war of 1812, and some of the sorest defeats to the American side. The battle of Queenston Heights and Lundy’s Lane, or Bridgewater, were both disastrous to the American cause, while Fort George, at the mouth of Niagara River, a hard earned and costly acquisition of the Americans, was wrested from them by General Drummond, who also laid waste Lewiston, Youngstown, Tuscarora, and Manchester, then called, now the village of Niagara Falls. Those were dark days for the Americans, when they fought not only Englishmen, but crafty and treacherous Indians.
The first great battle of the campaign on the Niagara during the war of 1812, was that of Queenston Heights, on the 13th of October. This was the second attempted invasion of Canada, the first having been the humiliating failure of Hull, at Detroit, in August previous. General Stephen Van Rensselaer determined to capture Queenston Heights, and for that purpose, early in the morning, sent two small columns down the river, most of which succeeded in landing under a brisk fire from the vigilant English. Captain John E. Wool led the Regulars up the hill, and was met by the British on the broad plateau, where a sharp engagement took place, ending in the Americans being forced back to the beach. Here they were reinforced and ordered to scale the Heights. This order was obeyed, and for a short time the Americans had the advantage, when suddenly brave General Brock, who defeated Hull at Detroit, and who was now at Fort George, at the mouth of the river, having ridden from thence at full speed, appeared and took command. A furious contest followed, in which the Americans, though fighting with the bravery of despair, were driven to the extreme edge of the precipice, and in which Brock fell, mortally wounded.
Then General Winfield Scott crossed the river and assumed command of the American forces, expecting to be reinforced by the militia, but through stubbornness and cowardice they fell back on their prerogative, and refused to be taken out of the state. Twice was Scott attacked by the British and Indians, and twice repelled them with the bayonet, but at the third attack the Americans were obliged to retreat. Back, back, further yet, over the edge of that awful chasm they went scrambling from ledge to ledge, leaping from rock to rock, stumbling, falling, blindly catching at twig, branch, stem, blade of grass, even, powder blackened, faint, weary, bleeding, wounded, dying, only to reach the river to find no boats waiting to succor them, compelled at last to surrender. Ah! dead heroes! that was indeed a descent into Avernus.
In this engagement the Americans lost one thousand men.
Let the visitor to Niagara not leave until he has taken the drive to Queenston Heights. It is only seven miles below the cataract, not a long drive for a summer afternoon. A pretty drive, too, past many beautiful farms and country seats. Once there one can drive to the top of the broad plateau, on which the lofty and magnificent monument to General Brock stands. Now leave your carriage, go to the front of the plateau, and look. What a view! Directly at your feet lies old Queenstown; across the river old Lewistown; for seven miles before you, peacefully and languidly, as if weary from its terrible work up above, flows the green river, flecked with foam. Yonder, at its mouth, lies Fort Niagara, on the American side; the ruins of Forts George and Mississaga, on the Canadian side, while beyond, far as the eye can reach, stretches Lake Ontario, flooded with the light of a western sun—a sea of glass, mingled with fire.
In the spring of 1813, Isaac Chauncey, an American Commodore, after a successful expedition against York, now Toronto, which he held for four days and then abandoned, after firing the government buildings, captured Fort George. The Americans held it until the following December, when General Drummond appeared on the peninsula, between Lakes Ontario and Erie. On his approach the American garrison abandoned Fort George and fled across the river to Fort Niagara. As they went they ruthlessly burned the village of Newark. One week after, the British captured Fort Niagara, and killed eighty of the garrison, showing no quarter to the sick in the hospital. Then followed the triumphant march of the British up the American side of the river, burning and sacking Youngstown, Lewistown, Tuscarora, Niagara Falls, even to Black Rock and Buffalo. All the farms were laid waste, and desolation stalked relentlessly through the entire region.
The whole campaign on the Niagara had been a series of blunders, and was most disastrous to the American cause.
The old town of Niagara, at the mouth of the river, is to-day an interesting and picturesque place to visit. Here the tourist takes the steamer for Toronto, and if he have an hour or two to wait, let him stroll about through the beautifully shaded streets, past the elegant hotels and private country seats, for the old town is a famous summer resort now, and is likely to be still more attractive, for a little Chautauqua is soon to spring up within stone-throw of the ruined breastworks of old Fort George.
From the round tower of Fort Mississaga, which commanded the harbor, one gets a superb view of the lake and of Fort Niagara, just over the border on the American side. Fort and lighthouse are in capital condition, and the sight of the flutter of the stars and stripes against the blue sky is very dear to the American who stands on British soil, and, thinking of all it has cost to preserve that flag, realizes that it is still there.
In 1814, the Secretary of War having persisted in his project to invade Canada, determined, as a first step, to take Kingston. In order to conceal this movement, and also that there might be no enemy left in the rear, Major-General Brown, of the American forces, commenced operations on the peninsula, between Lakes Erie and Ontario.
On the 2nd of July he left Buffalo, and captured Fort Erie, on the opposite side of the river. He then pursued his way down the river until he reached Chippewa Creek. He then fell back a little to Street’s Creek, and waited for the main body of the force, which arrived on the morning of the 5th.
General Scott’s camp was located on a little plain lying mid-way between these two creeks. In the afternoon he ordered out his brigade for a dress parade. Approaching the bridge he was met by General Brown, who informed him that a battle was imminent. The head of Scott’s column had scarcely reached the bridge when the British opened fire from the extensive forests that surrounded the creek. Riall, the British General, sneered contemptuously at the “Buffalo militia,” as he believed them when they first came in sight, but when he saw them cross the bridge steadily under fire, he discovered they were Regulars. General Peter B. Porter had command on Scott’s left, and his men fought well until charged by the bayonet, when they gave way. Major Jesup, however, coveredthe exposed flank, and the fighting became hot and furious along the entire front. After a time the right wing of the British disengaged from the line and charged against Jesup. Scott was quick to observe this, and in his turn charged against the exposed flank. Simultaneously Leavenworth attacked the left wing of the British, and through the gap between these two attacking columns, Towson’s battery poured in its canister with speedy effect, and the British soon retreated in great confusion, and the Americans had won their only decisive victory on Niagara.
Chippewa is to-day a tumbledown, uninteresting spot, attractive only to the student of history. There are some beautiful private residences near the town, on the banks of the river, and just below the village the river breaks into the rapids. After the well fought battle of Chippewa, the invasion of Canada seemed more feasible. General Brown was very sanguine of success, providing he could secure Commodore Chauncey’s assistance, with his fleet. He wrote urgently to Chauncey, assuring him that the British force at Kingston was very light, and that between their two forces they could conquer Canada in two months, if they were active and vigilant. But those qualities Chauncey did not possess; besides, he was ill, and thought he had more important business on hand than to carry provisions for the troops, and therefore did nothing. Nearly opposite the American Fall a road runs back over the hill, past the Clifton House and the Canada Southern Railroad Depot. The tourist following this road, and turning to the left after passing the depot, will soon find himself in a beautiful little village. Cottages of quaint and old fashioned design, nearly covered with vines and roses, and narrow lanes in lieu of streets, are its distinguishing features. Up a hill you go past a brick church, and a graveyard, in which you may find many curious inscriptions. The top of the hill is reached. Look back down that pleasant street, where old trees stretch out their long arms to meet each other. See those comfortable happy homes on each side. Hear that group of children laugh at their play; and listen, from that little brick Methodist church, on a soft summer evening, come the solemn strains of an old time hymn. No more peaceful, pastoral scene in the world, and yet the spot on which we stand was the scene of frightful carnage, terrific struggle, horrible bloodshed; here was fought the famous battle of Lundy’s Lane. At noon of July 25, 1814, General Brown received intelligence at Chippewa, that General Drummond had reached Fort George the night previous, with reinforcements, with which he intended to capture the stores of the Americans at Fort Schlosser, which was located just above the rapids, on the American side. Scott—now a Brigadier-General—was ordered forward to divert the enemy from this project. He had advanced about two miles when he was confronted by the entire British force, drawn up in Lundy’s Lane. Scott engaged the right wing of the British, ordering Jesup to look after the left. These movements were successful, Jesup capturing many prisoners, among whom was General Riall. After the battle was well under way, General Brown arrived from Chippewa with reinforcements. The British held an eminence on which were planted seven guns. General Brown saw at once that unless this battery could be captured no impression could be made.
“Can you take that battery?” he asked Colonel James Miller.
“I’ll try, sir,” was the memorable answer of Miller—and he tried. It was now night, and the approach of Miller’s men was hidden by a high fence. The gunners held their lighted matches in their hands when Miller’s men thrust their muskets through the fence, shot down the men at the guns, rushed forward and captured the battery.
The British made two valiant attempts to retake the battery, but were not successful. Generals Brown, Scott, and Major Jesup were all wounded, and the command devolved upon the inefficient Ripley, who, after idly waiting half an hour, anticipating another attack, instead of following up the advantage already gained, withdrew from the field. The British returned, took possession of the field and the battery which Miller had captured. The American forces were obliged to beat a retreat to Chippewa for food and water, and the British claimed the victory as the last occupants of the field. The loss of men on both sides was about equal.
Drummond followed the Americans to Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo, and there ensued a regular siege until the 17th of September, when the Americans made a sudden sortie and destroyed the works of the enemy. This was accomplished only by terrific fighting on both sides, in which the Americans lost five hundred men, and the British nine hundred. Drummond now abandoned the siege, and in October the Americans destroyed Fort Erie, and returned to their own side of the river. Thus ended the campaign on the Niagara. It had been productive of no results save the digging of thousands of graves, and proving to the British that the raw Yankee troops were able to give the trained English soldiers some hard work.
Just above Goat Island, where the river breaks into rapids, on the American side, the tourist notices the ruins of Fort Schlosser, of which we have spoken before as containing stores and provisions on which General Drummond had designs. Later history has something to say of this fort. Here occurred a circumstance out of which grew results which for a time threatened a third war between England and the United States. In 1837, just after the close of the second Seminole war, a rebellion broke out in Canada. Great sympathy was felt on the American side, for the insurgents. Despite the fact that the United States made great efforts to preserve neutrality, a small American steamer, the “Caroline,” made regular trips across to Navy Island, carrying supplies to a party of five hundred insurgents, who were staying there. In December, one Captain Drew was sent out from Chippewa with a force to capture this steamer. He did not find her at Navy Island, as he expected, and so crossed to Grand Island, which was American territory, boarded her, killed twelve men on board, towed her out in the stream, set her on fire, and left her to drift down the river and go over the Falls.
The United States promptly demanded redress, but could obtain no satisfaction for three years. In 1840, one McLeod, who had boasted of his part in this affair, came over to the American side, where he was under indictment for murder. He was seized and held for trial.
The British government demanded his release on the ground that he had participated in an act of war, and therefore could not for that act be tried before a civil court. The President answered that as yet the United States had received no answer to the question whether the burning of the “Caroline” had been an authorized act of war. In all events the administration could not interfere with a state court, and prevent it from trying any one indicted within its limits. England threatened war unless McLeod was released; but the trial proceeded. The two countries would doubtless have been brought into conflict had not McLeod been acquitted. It was proved that he was asleep in Chippewa at the time the “Caroline” was burned, and that a vain desire for notoriety had caused him to inculpate himself. There was great excitement in 1841, over this trial, which was augmented by the indifferent attitude of acting President Tyler. A District Attorney of New York was allowed to act as McLeod’s counsel, and retain his office, thus presenting the astonishing spectacle of a government officer attempting to prove, in such a question as this, which was liable to result in war, his own government to be in the wrong.
Nothing now remains of Fort Schlosser but a tall, gaunt chimney, which has weathered for many long years the terrific winds which sweep down the river.
Throughout this fair and smiling region there are but few traces of these fierce battles.
“No solemn host goes trailing byThe black-mouthed gun and staggering wain;Men start not at the battle cry,—O, be it never heard again.”
“No solemn host goes trailing byThe black-mouthed gun and staggering wain;Men start not at the battle cry,—O, be it never heard again.”
“No solemn host goes trailing byThe black-mouthed gun and staggering wain;Men start not at the battle cry,—O, be it never heard again.”
“No solemn host goes trailing by
The black-mouthed gun and staggering wain;
Men start not at the battle cry,—
O, be it never heard again.”
No blackened farms and desolated villages; no rattle of musketry and roar of cannon; the sword is turned into plow-share and pruning hook; from the soil watered with the blood of heroes spring thrifty orchards and sweet flowers; in the place of fire from the blazing torch of red handed war rises the smoke of prosperous town and thriving hamlet; Canada and the United States stretching out friendly hands to each other; the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes floating side by side; peace, plenty, and prosperity on both sides the broad river. Everything is changed save the great Falls themselves. Unceasingly they do their awful work; unceasingly their thunders sound; unceasingly their mists roll heavenward.
BY M. P. REGNARD.
Some one said one day before Fontenelle, that coffee was a slow poison. “I can bear witness to that,” replied the witty academician, “for it will soon be fifty years since I began taking it every day.”
This, which was on the part of the cultivated scholar, a brilliant sally of wit, is, alas! the common reasoning of many people who, simply because danger does not immediately confront them, allow themselves to be slowly but surely drawn to the tomb, because, forsooth, the way, for the time being, is pleasant, or fashionable!
In the midst of us there are persons poisoning themselves to death. I refer to those addicted to the use of morphine. In England they have another class of these unfortunates, for whom the most adulterated liquors no longer suffice, and who drink ether; they are a sort of perfected inebriates, who by the scientific laws of progress succeed simple drunkards just as habitual morphine users follow the opium smokers of China. Our fathers in Asia who have already bequeathed to us many misfortunes, held in check until within recent years, among themselves, the singular taste which they have for opium. Let me tell you in a few words of the ancestors of morphine users of to-day, and you will better understand the history of the latter.
The mania for opium eating diminishes rather than increases among the Mussulmans. Zambaco, who for a long time lived in the Orient, gives the reason. The Turk seeks in opium only intoxication—a delicious sort of annihilation—which he finds to-day more readily in champagne or Bordeaux wine. These give him, in addition, the pleasures of taste. Then, too, he can indulge himself freely in them, and still hold to the letter of the Koran. In the time of Mahomet neither rum nor cognac were invented; it does not then forbid them. But that which is not forbidden is permitted, and so the Mussulman, who considers wine so impure that he will not touch it, even with his hands, will become beastly intoxicated upon brandy, and think that by this process he is not compromising his part in Paradise. But their religionists—and above all their medical men—do not reason thus. They still cling to the opium.
Its first effect upon the system is far from causing sleep. It is rather a sort of intellectual and physical excitant, which renders the Oriental (in his natural state sad and silent), turbulent, loquacious, excitable, and quarrelsome.
These Turks are not contented to take opium themselves, they give it also to their horses. “I have just,” says Burns, “traveled all night with a cavalier of this country. After a fatiguing ride of about thirty miles I was obliged to accept the proposition he made to rest for a few minutes. He employed this time in dividing with his exhausted horse a dose of opium of about two grammes. The effects were very soon evident upon both; the horse finished with ease a journey of forty miles, and the cavalier became more animated.”
In China they do not eat opium, they smoke it. There is an historical fact connected with them well known to all the world to which I would not now call attention were it not to show you to what extent a like calamity may go, and consequently with what the French people are threatened if the love of morphine continues to take among us the same intensity.
Hundreds of years ago opium was, in the Chinese empire, a great luxury, reserved for the mandarins, who did not keep secret at all their use of it, but who interdicted it to all persons under their jurisdiction. All the more did they consider it a great honor to their invited guests, and especially to strangers, to be asked to partake of it. Recently it has come into general use, and since 1840 its abuse has reached the last limits. There is for all this an economic reason which I shall not fear to call abominable. The Chinese received in payment for their products only gold and silver, in money or in ingots; the specie thus introduced into their country never left it, and it was a veritable drainage which on this account Europe and America underwent.
A neighboring nation of ours, and one whose Indian possessions furnish prodigious quantities of opium, forced China, in a celebrated treaty, to allow the entrance of this opium into her ports and to pay for it in ingots and not in merchandise; the empire was thus obliged to disgorge a part of its money held in reserve. You will have an idea of the importance of this operation when you know that to-day there enters annually into China 70,000 packing cases of opium from India, worth at least $558,000. So much poison forced by right of war upon a whole people!
The Chinese smoke opium from the age of twenty to twenty-five years. The immediate effect is a sort of dizzy sensation. The preoccupations of the mind disappear, as do also all ailments of the body. Then comes a noisy delirium, a kind of insanity, in which the subject is deeply agitated; he is apt to hurl down and break everything around him. Sometimes he rushes out of the house, attacks the first passer-by, and not infrequently in his frenzy has committed murder.
The opium smoker, as well as the eater, is obliged rapidly to increase the dose of his poison. At the end of six or eight months he must smoke a dozen pipes a day. His money is soon all spent; he is ruined in a year. He sells all that he possesses, and then he gambles. Writers agree in saying that the maximum of the life of a smoker is then five or six years.
In the face of such an evil as this the imperial government has tried to act on the defensive; it placed a heavy duty on the entrance of opium; but this system was not successful. And before this attempt it tried penal jurisprudence.
This is the decree which the Viceroy of Canton published in 1841:
“It is two years since the Emperor of the Celestial Empire forbade all his subjects to smoke opium. This delay of grace expires the twelfth day of the twelfth moon of this year. Then all those guilty of offense against this law will be put to death, their heads will be exposed in public, in order to frighten those who might be tempted to follow their example.” (Then follows this modification.) “I have reflected, however, that solitary confinement would be more efficacious than capitalpunishment, in order to arrest such a dreadful misdemeanor. I declare then, that I am going to have built a special prison for opium smokers. There they will all, rich or poor, be shut in narrow cells, lighted by one window, with two boards serving as a bed and a seat. They will be given each day a ration of oil, of rice, and of vegetables. In case of a second offense they will be put to death.”
This legislation was not practicable. The punishment was out of proportion to the crime, and consequently inapplicable.
Besides, in looking around him the emperor found that his own wives smoked opium, and I would not guarantee that if he meant to live up to the letter of his law, he would not have to begin by committing suicide.
After this legislation they tried moralization and preaching. The misfortunes of the opium smoker were depicted in an infinite number of ways. All this propagandism had about as little success as societies against intemperance, and this state of affairs is existing to-day in the East.
There are not noticeably many opium eaters or smokers among the French. But every one knows that the people of the Orient have for their European brothers the morphine users. There is between the first and second the same difference that is found in everything pertaining to barbarous and to cultivated men. Civilization prescribes as to the manner of the poisoning.
While the Oriental eats or smokes simply the juice of the poppy almost as nature furnishes it, the European is more refined, and wishes only the active principles of opium. So he uses it prepared in such a way as to have lost almost entirely its disagreeable properties.
How does one become a morphine user when he is a Frenchman, an inhabitant of Paris, and when there is not a temptation to it from the fact of a general habit, or the existence of special establishments? This can be accounted for by two methods. The most common is some painful affliction from which one is suffering, it may be neuralgia, acute dyspepsia, or violent headaches. The physician, often at the end of his resources, prescribes injecting a little morphine under the skin. The effect is marvelous; the pain ceases instantly, but temporarily. The next day it returns with new force. The afflicted patient remembers the success of yesterday, and insists upon his anodyne. It seems necessary to give it, and so it goes on for several days. Soon the nature of the drug manifests itself: no longer will one injection a day answer; there must be two, then three, later four, and so on, always increasing, until it reaches formidable quantities. Meantime, the original trouble may have entirely disappeared, but the patient does not cease to use the remedy. The first time that the sick one insists upon having the treatment the doctor is called to perform the operation. But soon, as it becomes necessary to repeat the process oftener, making it expensive, it is entrusted to the nurse or to the family, and from that day the patient is lost; for how can the supplications of a suffering person whom one loves be resisted? Then on a day the sick one practices on himself—and from that on, without any control, with the avidity of passion, he uses the drug in the quantities of which I have told you.
This is one way in which many victims fall into this sad habit. There is another. The victims of the second method are those who seek in exciting tonics the sensations which their weakened nerves and their surfeited imagination can no longer afford them. These are the proselytes of a veritable association, and they, in their turn, soon become missionaries in the same cause. It is a habit which the vicious have of wishing to make others like themselves. The fable of the fox which had its tail cut off is not a fable of yesterday. Two friends meet; one of them complains of slight annoyances; dullness,ennui; he no longer enjoys anything; the world, the races, the theater, do not procure for him distraction; he isbored to death. His friend admits that he also has suffered in the same way, but that he had recourse to morphine, of which some one had told him, and that he found in it a perfect cure. And thus by such conversations there is formed, as it were, a new class; they are the volunteers in this unhappy army.
One can but remark, that luxury, which tends to introduce itself everywhere, has already invaded the domain of morphine. The little syringe of Pravas, which permits of the injection of the poison under the skin, and the consequent avoidance of the bitter taste and the nausea which would be occasioned by eating morphine, has received ingenious and artistic modifications. It was necessary to render it easy to carry, and at the same time to make it deceptive to the eye. I visited a surgical instrument maker at Paris, and he placed at my disposal for inspection his whole line of morphine instruments, those which the taste, the luxury, or the imagination of his clients had caused him to fabricate.
There was first the syringe, containing a centigram of morphine, such as the physicians employ. It was not delicate enough, was difficult to handle and difficult to conceal; it is used now only by those who no longer care to conceal their vice—who feel no shame in regard to it. Then there was one adroitly concealed in a match box. At one side was a little bottle containing a dose of powder necessary for a half day. There was, too, a false cigar holder, containing all that was necessary for injecting the poison. But most remarkable of all was a long, sheath-like instrument. It is somewhat inconvenient in the midst of company to put the morphine into the syringe before making a puncture. This sheath, filled beforehand, can be carried in the pocket; the puncture can be made, and to inject the drug it is only necessary to move the piston in a certain direction; in the evening the sheath will be found empty. There were little gold syringes contained in smelling bottles; a little silver sheath which one would take for an embroidery stiletto; open it; it contains an adorable little syringe of gold and a bottle of the poison.
Among morphine users in fashionable life they make gifts according to their taste, and there are manufactured syringes and bottles enameled, engraved, and emblematic—in every conceivable device.
Do men more often become subject to this vice than women? According to the printed statistics, yes. Out of every one hundred who used the drug there are counted only twenty-five women. But practicing physicians say that the women are the more numerous victims. They are more artful, and try to keep the habit concealed; they do not consult the physicians regarding it, and so are not counted in the statistical returns.
Is it then so very agreeable to live under the influence of this poison, since so many people expose themselves, for its sake, to such grave perils? To this I reply, no, not at the beginning. It is with this vice as with others, the beginning is hard. The first injections are not enjoyable—the puncture is painful, and sometimes nausea follows. But the habit is easily and quickly formed, and the disagreeable effects disappear. The introduction of the morphine produces almost immediately a sort of general vagueness, an annihilation of being which causes to disappear all external realities and replaces them by a sort of happy reverie; and at the same time the mind seems more alert, more active. Physical and moral grievances disappear, all troubles are forgotten for the time being. “You know,” says Mr. Ball, “the famous soliloquy of Hamlet, and the passage where the Prince cries out that without the fear of the unknown, no one would hesitate to escape by means of a sharp point from the evils of life which he suffers, in order to enter into repose. Ah well! this sharp point of which Shakspere speaks—this liberating needle—we possess; it is the syringe of Pravas. By one plunge a person can efface all sufferings of mind and of body; the injustice of men and of fortune; and understand from this time on, the irresistible empire of this marvelous poison.”
The habit of taking ether is induced by the same causes that lead to the use of morphine. The danger, however, is not so great, and the habit can more easily be broken up. At the end of the inhalation one experiences a little dizziness that is not at all disagreeable; the sight becomes a little blurred, and the ears ring; the mental conceptions become gay, charming; hallucinations are developed, generally very pleasing. It is not necessary to increase the dose, for one would then reach a state of excitement, or be thrown into a sound sleep, such as physicians produce. Those who use it know this well, and moderate the dose, in order to make the pleasure of long duration. After the inhalation the subject returns almost immediately to his natural state. There is a little heaviness in the head and a dullness of the mind. Morphine users can secretly indulge in their habit, but ether emits a penetrating odor. In London, where it is more frequently practiced, the keepers of public squares and large parks often find in the more retired places empty bottles labeled “Sulphuric Ether.” These have been thrown down by those who have left their homes in order to give themselves up in the open air to their favorite passion.
These victims commence by breathing ether. Then they drink a few drops—and after a while larger quantities. This burning liquid soon becomes a necessity; and some even go so far as to drink chloroform—a veritable caustic.
Can anything be done for these unfortunate people? Yes, certainly—but only on one condition—that they wish to be cured. The best method is to separate, instantly, entirely, the patient from his family; to place him in an establishment where his movements can be watched, where he can be debarred, suddenly or gradually, as shall be judged best, from the poison.
The Americans—a practical people—have already built asylums for the treatment of morphine users. The Germans have recently finished two, one at Marienberg, the other at Schönberg.
But unfortunately, the French law does not permit us to do this. We can place in hospitals only those poison users who have become maniacs or idiots.
If the French are to be saved from this rapidly increasing evil, it is evidently necessary to prevent its beginnings. In order to do this, the sick must be kept from procuring it. Its sale must be regulated so that it will be impossible to get it in any quantity, or to use the same prescription twice. The emperor of Germany, upon the proposition of Prince Bismarck, has issued a decree to this effect. Under such a regulation the law for the physician would be never to prescribe the use of these drugs save in cases of absolute necessity.
The reading of medical books by the people is generally pernicious. I would, however, permit them to read the recent accounts of the effects of these drugs. If they are of comparatively late origin, these two fashionable poisons have already destroyed more victims than in a whole century has all the poison used by assassins.—An Abridged Translation for “The Chautauquan” from the “Révue Scientifique.”
BY CHANCELLOR J. H. VINCENT, D.D.
For the past year I have given inThe Chautauquana series of articles on the interior significance and higher aims of the Chautauqua movement, instead of the answers to questions which filled the C. L. S. C. column in former years. The closing article of this year must be made up of answers to questions which are of general interest.
1. A correspondent inquires “whether Alfred Ayres, author of the ‘Orthoepist,’ and editor of the English Grammar of William Corbett, is a recognized standard authority in pronunciation, and whether he should be preferred to Webster or Worcester.” To this I can only reply that I do not so understand Mr. Ayres’s claim or position in the field of letters. He certainly is not accepted as are Webster and Worcester; and the chief advantage of his little volumes is in showing what one man who has given much attention to the subject of pronunciation thinks on the subject. That is all.
2. “How can a knowledge of Greek, Roman, or any other history be of any benefit to me? I prefer to study the works of God, and in chemistry and other departments of science to trace the signs of his wisdom.”
Answer: It is important to study God’s great gifts to the race in the great characters of history and literature. The genius of Homer is as much a wonder as is any fact in physical science. Acquaintance with the vivacity, enterprise and energy of the Greek character is as valuable to people who now live in the world as is a knowledge of the physical constitution, shape, habits of life, and movements of the colossal creatures reported by geology as having occupied this planet ages on ages ago. No education is complete that has not to some extent been influenced by the spirit of the old Greek culture. The whole history of that people shows the impotence of mere culture without moral character, and we may trace through the ages of Greek history the evidences of divine wisdom and justice. By all means let us study natural science, but let us not abandon history. Whatever pertains to man in any age of the world should possess peculiar interest to us.
3. “People in our neighborhood often say to me: ‘Why study those books? You will not live to finish the course; and if you do, what good will it do you or your children?’”
Answer: Ignorant people often ask the question, “Of what use is education, beyond a small amount of reading, writing and arithmetic? Why should people who have to work in kitchens and fields study the stars? Why should men who neither care to act on the stage, or to write for the press, give much attention to William Shakspere?” Whatever our business may be, we need to read general literature because we are members of society, and owe something as rational beings to society. Parents should keep in sympathy with their children, whose world of knowledge must of necessity in this age grow wider and richer all the time. We are, moreover, members of this universe, and God is our Father. We have a right as his children to know something about his works and ways and wisdom. Life is a wearisome thing to people who are ignorant. There is sustaining power in the large thoughts which a true culture brings. If one expects to live forever with God, he should cultivate noble and worthy character on this side the grave, and such nobility is increased and such holiness promoted by a wide range of reading and study with worthy motive.
4. I am happy to announce that the “Chautauqua Press” has been fully organized. Under its direction some of the books of the C. L. S. C. will be published, and a series of standard books will be issued at once for the formation of home libraries; books adapted to the special courses and bearing also upon the Required Readings.
The first series of three or four volumes will be ready by August 1st, and will supplement the regular work of the coming C. L. S. C. year. While all the classes are reading Roman History, Latin Literature, Italian Biography, and Italian Art, our “Chautauqua Library, … Garnet Series,” will provide for those who wish to read more than the required books, and for those who, as graduates, wish to win seals, the following admirable volumes:
“Readings from Macaulay. Italy. With an Introduction by Donald G. Mitchell (Ik Marvel).”
“Readings from Ruskin. Italy. With an Introduction by H. A. Beers, Professor of English Literature in Yale College.”
“Art and the Cultivation of Taste, by Lucy Crane, with an Introduction by Charles S. Whiting, of the Springfield (Mass.)Republican.”
[The fourth volume of the first series will soon be announced.]
This series of four volumes will constitute a special course, for the reading of which the Garnet Seal (a new one) will be given to all graduates, and may be won by those undergraduates who are able to do more than the Required Reading for each year.
The Chautauqua Press will soon have on hand a rich library of cheap but handsomely printed and bound volumes with which every Chautauquan will desire to decorate and enrich “The Chautauqua Corner.”
Now we are on the eve of another summer of rest, of convocation, of Assembly reunions. From these retreats comes much of inspiration which keeps the Chautauqua movement in operation during the remainder of the year. Let me urge all members who can possibly do so to attend the nearest Assembly. Go to the Round-Table. Record your name on the list kept by the local secretary. Show your colors, and thus lend your influence to the Circle.
In behalf of the administration, the president, the counselors, the secretaries, I extend to all members of the Circle a hearty salutation; and to all of you who read these lines who have for any reason grown remiss or apathetic in C. L. S. C. service, I give an earnest invitation to come back, resume your readings, join the class of ’89, and make sure of a successful four years’ course.
You will join me, I am sure, in one universal Chautauqua salute to the honored editor ofThe Chautauquanand his competent associates and contributors as our tribute to the ability with which our monthly has been conducted.
And now, as we “study the word and the works of God,” may our Heavenly Father be “in the midst,” and “may we never be discouraged” in pursuing the high and beautiful ideal of the C. L. S. C.: The attainment of symmetrical and practical culture which will fit us the better to serve our fellows upon the earth, and to enjoy the blessings promised by our Father in the heavens!
Plainfield, N. J., May 21, 1885.
A part of our creed of late has come to be that we need change in summer. If our homes are in cities, we need it because we can not have there the requisites of good health—fresh air, pure water, quiet; if we live in the country, we want and need a change which will give us social advantages; if we are teachers or students, we want opportunities to see, to get new ideas, to observe new people and their customs. This theory of summer living makes the demand for summer resorts. It is rare, however, that any place offers with any degree of completeness health, society and opportunities. It is claimed for Chautauqua that all three may be found there; that it is, in short, an ideal summer resort, open to all classes of people. The outlook for Chautauqua in 1885 confirms this claim, and gives to its admirers most satisfactory glimpses of what is in store for them during the coming season.
Chautauqua is fortunate in having had candid, disinterested men examine its condition and management, and pronounce their verdict as to its healthfulness. One of the most critical examiners of public places in America, Hon. B. G. Northrup, made his visit to Chautauqua last summer a kind of inspection tour. He pried into every corner and cranny, and publicly denounced every abuse he found. With “courage indomitable,” the Chautauqua “powers that be” attacked the enemy, and “they are ours.” This summer there is no pestilential spot, not one vault nor cess-pool nor wet spot to poison the water and breed disease. The determination of the management to have perfect sanitary arrangement at any cost—even if all other improvements are abandoned—is producing a condition unparalleled. This result, and the means taken for its accomplishment, are worthy of close study by every visitor at Chautauqua, particularly by those who are property owners, or are interested in the government of towns.
Chautauqua is asaferesting place. But it is more. It is preëminently a social place. Its social life is as pure and wholesome and natural as the air and water. Simple, unaffected manners, free, kindly intercourse, characterize the daily life of the people. “How very democratic you are here,” said a visitor last year, “and I don’t see a particle of snobbishness.” And it is true. The simple reason, perhaps, is that Chautauqua brings out of every one the best in them. People literally live too high there for snobbishness. They can run out in the morning for their milk or bread or steak; they can carry their bundles or do their own washing, and the high, clear, mental atmosphere of the place forbids them minding who sees them at their duties, forbids any one who sees them feeling that the work is menial. This mental and social air is indeed one of the most exhilarating things about the place. You do live socially above your ordinary level—live so because it is “in the air.” You can not help it.
How wonderfully good health and good company contribute to making a goodworking place. Above all things else Chautauqua is that. Its pure air stirs your blood until you feel like working; its social life stimulates you; its opportunities are a constant temptation. Of course Chautauqua temptations begin with the platform. There are at least two features of the program for the platform of 1885 which deserve special attention. Of these the first is—it is timely. The questions which are interesting society are the questions it discusses. Note what a prominent place “Mormonism” holds. Miss Kate Field makes it the subject of two lectures: “The Mormon Creed” and the “Political and Social Crimes of Utah,” and Mr. W. L. Marshall takes up “Utah and the Mormon Question” in a third lecture. Temperance, our knottiest social problem, is elucidated by Miss Frances Willard in the “Evolution in the Temperance Reform,” by Mrs. Ellen Foster, by Hon. G. W. Bain, by a National Temperance Society Day, by temperance bands, by conventions, and by every attraction which Chancellor Vincent can devise and valiant Chautauqua temperance workers carry out. Missions, too, have a brave array of talent to plead their claim. The first four days of August are mission days, on which are discussed means of increasing interest and improving methods of evangelizing both foreign and home heathens, of raising funds, and of securing workers. One of the leading mission workers of 1885 will be the Rev. Wm. F. Johnson, of Allahabad, India. Mr. Johnson has been in the field nearly twenty years. He will fill the place this summer that Ram Chandra Bose and the Rev. Mr. Osborne filled in the missionary conferences of last year.
A second characteristic is—the program is practical. Every day is full of hints; every exercise is suggestive. As an illustration, no profession is attracting so much attention to-day as is journalism; a successful journalist is to discuss it. Such a subject will be of practical benefit to numbers of young men and women who will be listeners to Mr. Carroll. Practical Christian ethics and Christian work form prominent subjects; as, for example, the three days’ examination of “Parish Work in Cities,” by Edward Everett Hale, and the interesting meetingsof the Society of Christian Ethics. The tours abroad, while they are so bright and entertaining, are brimful of suggestions. This summer is to be unusually rich, the time being given largely to Italy. One pleasing variety will be a tour around the world with Philip Phillips.
The special features of the summer will be strong. The Teachers’ Retreat, which begins its sessions in July, is arranged to do for teachers one peculiarly necessary work, to show them how to use the best methods, to lessen the friction which is incident to all school work. It is ably manned to produce this result, Prof. J. W. Dickinson, of the State Board of Education of Massachusetts, being at the head of the department of Pedagogy, and nearly a score of successful specialists assisting in expositions of their peculiar methods. The terms for the C. T. R. are very low.
Persons holding the $5 ticket of the Chautauqua Teachers’ Retreat will be entitled to the following privileges: All general exercises in the Amphitheater, including lectures, concerts, recitals, and entertainments, during the sessions of the Retreat; fourteen lessons in Pedagogy; fourteen lessons in Practical Application of Pedagogical Science; four Tourists’ Conferences; two Expositions of Method in Chemistry; one Exposition of Method in Penmanship; two Expositions of Method in Elocution; one Exposition of Method in Phonography; one Exposition of Method in Stenographic Reporting; two admissions to each of the several classes in the Schools of Language; two lectures on School Methods by Prof. Edw. E. Smith, Superintendent of Schools, Syracuse, N. Y.; ten Half-hour Drills in School Calisthenics. Special classes are arranged as well for those who can find time to take in more than the full program, or who desire special instructions.
Each summer, since the idea of a summer school was conceived, there has been a steady growth in the opportunities given to students. The coming season keeps up the record for improvement. The C. S. L. stands preëminent among Chautauqua institutions. In its departments of Greek, Latin, Hebrew, English, French, German and Spanish, the practical benefit to be derived in six weeks is altogether inconceivable to those persons who are unacquainted with the teachers directing the studies, and with the methods used. To two or three features we would call particular attention—features which serve merely as samples of work being done daily in all classes. In the Anglo-Saxon room there is a class which studies “Hamlet” for four weeks, a series of lessons rich in illustrations and full of facts. A particular beauty of this class is the free discussion and analysis of character which Professor M’Clintock encourages.
Professors Worman and Lalande have many novel devices for fascinating their students. As interesting study as there was at Chautauqua last summer was the children’s hour in German, conducted by Professor Worman; as a lesson to teachers it was unsurpassed, as a drill for children it would teach them German if anything would. As for the French, the weekly lectures, the French receptions, and now this year, the “French table” which Professor Lalande has arranged for, are prominent features.
Not content with reading Latin, Professor Shumway proposes that his students talk it. For many students at Chautauqua last summer a tree becamearbor, the forestsilva, the shadeumbra, the dead alive—a result, by the way, that very often is accomplished at Chautauqua. The successful introduction of a School of Microscopy was accomplished in 1884; 1885 will see the work enlarged. This department is under the direction of an able teacher, Professor Hall. His outfit for observation, and for preparing and mounting objects is most complete.
It is said that when the Egyptians moved the huge rocks which form the pyramids, musicians were stationed among the workmen, and every motion was made in time to music. Chancellor Vincent seems to have profited by this suggestion in preparing the Chautauqua program for 1885, for it is all set to music of the rarest kind. To begin with, the great organ is handled by a skillful master, Mr. I. V. Flagler. His series of recitals contain selections from the greatest masters. The chorus will be led by our old favorites, Professors Case and Sherwin. The Fisk Jubilees, the Meigs-Underhill Combination, a new quartette—the Schubert, of Chicago, vocalists with rare voices, and with a splendidrepertoire—and Miss Dora Henninges, of Louisville, a superb mezzo-soprano, will complete the musical program for 1885.
These are but hints of what the six weeks’ session holds in store for visitors to Chautauqua this season. The entire program, with all its specialties, has been prepared with consummate care and with close regard for popular needs. The management has striven honestly to make Chautauqua a perfectly healthy place, with abundant social life, and with opportunities suited to the needs of all classes of people. The verdict of its thousands of visitors is that in the past they have succeeded. The outlook for 1885 declares that this year will be still more abundantly successful.
“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.
The present number closes Volume V. ofThe Chautauquanand interrupts for a time the pleasant monthly visits with Local Circles. A review of the year’s work must be satisfactory to all. It has been a progressive year for the circles; few have fallen out of line; numbers of new organizations have been formed; almost all have increased their membership; the circle work has been done more thoroughly than ever before; new methods have sparkled on every page of reports; the social life has been quickened and intensified; the circle evening has become the most important evening of the week; it has been made the occasion of practical discussions and of intelligent conversation; a stronger feeling of union exists;the local circle has become a permanent institution. There is much encouragement in the review, but there is much for each circle to learn in a study of the reports of the past year.
The present issue ofThe Chautauquanwill contain all the reports received up to the date of going to press; those received after that date will necessarily be held over for the October issue.
Very interesting and encouraging reports have been received fromHalifax, Nova Scotia, where the local circles are prospering, and much earnest work has been done. While their routine work and the required course of reading and study are pursued by the several circles separately, their occasional reunions are found profitable, and furnish much real enjoyment for the members. One such was held on Longfellow day at Dartmouth, across the harbor, which proved intensely interesting to an expectant audience. Thorough preparation was made for this meeting, and the whole arrangement was admirable. On Shakspere day an equally excellent program celebrated the day. The programs for both were highly original. The annualconversazioneof the “Central” circle,Toronto, was held on May 19th. The novel little arrangement for a program—three ribbon-tied circles—looks most inviting. A half hour of orchestra music preceded the address and concert, after which were stereopticon views and a promenade. The guests were entertained at the Normal School building, where the museum and picture galleries were thrown open to them.
Among theMainecircles is a goodly one atRockport, composed at its beginning in 1882 of twenty-one ladies. They have clung together through separation in a way quite remarkable. One of their number spent last year at sea, but took her books along, and had herChautauquansent to meet her at various points. Another friend who has been around the world during the past year missed her books at Antwerp, but writes from San Francisco that she is ready to make up the year’s work. The Rockport circle has the peculiar honor of having for its president a lady over seventy years of age.——“Mountain Echoes” have reached us fromBridgeton—nineteen of them. This circle was formed in 1883, and for a year met monthly; the success was so great that they have doubled their number of meetings. A sufficient proof of their statement that “good work is being done.”——Fifteen members of a circle atBangorwrite us that they have enthusiasm quite sufficient for a class much larger. It is the steady variety, too, we fancy, for since 1881 they have met, with few exceptions, every Monday night from October to July. The studying is done on this evening, and time has been faithfully used, for they have succeeded in reviewing several books. A talented young physician in their midst has favored them this winter with lectures on Animal and Vegetable Biology, with microscopic illustrations.——A spirited circle, the “Whittier,” of twenty-five members, is working atNorth Berwick. Debates are frequent features of their programs, and they have adopted the sensible habit of choosing timely questions. Shakspere day was observed by a reading of the “Merchant of Venice,” the characters being assigned by a committee. At North Berwick the circle is fortunate in having members of different denominations who mingle in perfect cordiality. The result of their work together has been, they write, “an improvement of mind and broadening of ideas.”
A pleasant gathering of C. L. S. C. folks has been carrying on local circle work since October last atMeredith Village, New Hampshire. Some fifteen members are in the company. A gentleman interested in the work kindly furnishes them a room, lighted, warmed, and furnished. The memorial days are held in honor, and recently they have had “an extra” in a talk on chemistry from a teacher of the town.
Vermontis represented this month in a lively letter fromMontpelier: “Our circle is not dumb, as might be inferred from our silence, neither are we deaf to the appeals for reports from local circles. The trouble is this: Though an organization of about twenty members since October last, we have until this month been nameless. One name after another was suggested until ‘The Idea Hunters’ was proposed, and met with general favor. I think our motto should be, ‘Hunt until you find,’ for we are constantly hunting in reference books for settlements to the many questions proposed. We are learning, of course, and getting no little amusement out of our researches as well.”
From the “Chautauqua Quintette,” ofChelsea, Mass., we have this cheery report: “We are a little company of five ladies, all intensely interested in the C. L. S. C. work. We derive great benefit from our work, and some of our programs would be creditable to a larger organization.”——A slightly discouraged circle, finding it “hard to exist,” is the “Thaxter,” ofAttleboro. The small membership troubles them. It should not, it seems to us, especially since they have five members who write “fine essays.” We surmise that if the “Thaxter” has five good essay writers it is better off than many a large circle, and from the program of their Longfellow entertainment it is evident that some one of their number knows how to manage such things. Cheer up, friends.——A really joyous letter comes fromMelrose, where the secretary of the “Alpha” has been delaying her report because the new members would not cease coming in, and she wanted to get them all. She writes: “Every member is enthusiastic, and I believe that excellent work is being done. This is my last year—that is to say the last of myfirstfour years’ course. Please accept the most cordial greetings of our circle; we hope to send annual greetings for many years to come.”——A dainty hand-painted souvenir of the Shakspere evening of the “Alpha,” atUxbridge, accompanies their report of good, strong work. The circle is small, but, says one of their number, “Chautauqua means a good deal with us.” The “Alphas” are to be congratulated on the success of the memorial exercises they have held this year.——Twenty-eight “Pilgrims,” ofDorchester, with their pastor as leader, are pursuing their course up the hill of knowledge courageously. Their meetings are well attended and interesting. Their verdict is: “We certainly feel that our circle has been a great benefit to us all the year, though it has been our first attempt at such work. We have no reason to regret starting, and look to next year for greater results.”——AtLynnthe “Raymond” circle carried out a very taking list of exercises in celebration of April 23d. It was the first entertainment of the kind the circle has ever given, and certainly they ought to be pleased with their success. Their program has that unusual merit, originality.——The “Vincent” circle, ofNeedham, was organized early in the fall, and has been flourishing since. Nearly forty members are in the class, and next year additions are expected. The “Vincent” is going to do what we wish every circle in existence would do, have a representative at their nearest Assembly—if you can not go to Chautauqua. The ideas and stimulus gained would be worth many times the cost and fatigue.——A suggestion comes from “Clark” circle, ofJamaica Plain, that deserves a comment. It is thatThe Chautauquanprint more of the programs which it reports. Did we not furnish at least four programs each month for the use of circles we should certainly do this. As it is, we prefer to take the many good suggestions which we get from the programs sent us, and use them in our monthly programs. We do this because the programs sent us can not be printed until so long after the performance has taken place that they are of no practical use to circles; by readapting them we can give them to circles in a way in which they will be of use. The “Clark” itself has sent us a program that deserves reprinting, only of what practical good would be a March program inThe Chautauquanfor July?——“Although but a very small part of the great Chautauqua army, we have caught something of its spirit, and wish it ever increasing success.” So writes the secretary ofthe correspondence circle of “Earnest Workers,” of which Alice C. Jennings, of Auburndale, is president. The circle has a thorough and systematic plan of work. Frequent letters from the president offer counsel and hints. At each monthly meeting memoranda from the students are read. These memoranda contain answers to a list of printed questions, such as: “What books have you read in connection with the C. L. S. C.? What three subjects in them have most interested you? Have you met with any difficulties, and if so, what?” etc. The whole plan of their work is admirable——The “Acadia” circle ofFranklin, Mass., was organized in 1882. It has now sixty members. The president, although pastor of a large church, has been absent but five times since the circle’s organization. One of their great helps has been the pronouncing matches on Greek names and common English words. On Shakspere day the circle had the pleasure of listening to a lecture from Dr. R. R. Meredith, on “Leisure Hours.”
FromWoodbury, Conn., comes a plea: “Pray receive into your host of local circles the ‘Lone Star,’ for we are alone. There were others with us who are not faded, but gone.” Marriage and going west has robbed the circle of its members, until but one is left to keep the fire burning on the shrine. We are glad to find a corner for that one here—certainly in these columns there is plenty of company and no need to grow lonely.——The “Newfield” circle ofWest Stratfordis still “marching on.” On Shakspere day the circle read “Merchant of Venice” and “Julius Cæsar” with hearty appreciation, closing their celebration with a C. L. S. C. experience meeting. Many were the stories told of what Chautauqua had done for them.——Mansfield Center, a rural village in a dear old fashioned Connecticut street, is the home of a circle of eleven members. It was not begun until January last, but has shown its colors by having quite caught up. Two of the professors of the neighboring Agricultural College have given them very interesting lectures, and on Longfellow and Shakspere days recitations and music furnished pleasing entertainments.
A report of a successful first year comes fromAuburn, Rhode Island, where the “Clio,” of fourteen members, was formed in October last. The new circles are all, like the “Clio,” promising to start next fall with fresh vigor.——Our thanks are due the “Esmeralda Bachelor” circle for the program of the first memorial services under the auspices of the Rhode Island Chautauqua Union. Great credit is due to Prof. John H. Appleton, the president of the Union, for his efforts to make the occasion a success.——TheSentinel Advertiser, ofHope Valley, devoted almost a column to a Shakspere evening, at which the “Aryans” of that town entertained the “Pawcatuck” circle ofCarolina. Some twenty-six of the guest circle were present and were greeted with elegant hospitality by the home circle.
They are always doing something new atOcean Grove, New York. The last has been a Tree Planting Day. On April 15 the C. L. S. C. planted a beautiful maple for each class respectively of ’85, ’86, ’87, and ’88. Representatives of each class were present, the largest number, of course, being for 1888. There was a short address by Dr. Stokes, prayer by the Rev. A. E. Ballard, and an appropriate song for each tree set out in Bishops’ Grove. In the evening a “service extraordinary” was held; trees and tree planting were the topics of talks, of songs, reading and reminiscences.——ThePalmyraC. L. S. C. has enjoyed two evenings in chemistry recently, Prof. J. C. Norris, of Walworth Academy, kindly explaining dark points to them, and performing many fine experiments. The circle is very warm in its praise of the lecture and lecturer.——A Chautauqua circle consisting of fifteen members was organized atUnion Springsin January of this year. The members make their lessons interesting and profitable with music, questions, and readings.——The “Philomathean,” ofLancaster, has a capital way of working in its inexperienced members. “Questions, criticisms, and commendations are interspersed through the whole evening. We aim to draw out the silent ones, to make all interested and feel themselves responsible; try to have every one feel that hemusttake every appointment, and allow no one to escape his turn at getting up question lists and easy work, and so seek to train them for the more difficult work.” This circle is not yet a year old, and numbers fifteen members.——We are happy to introduce the first C. L. S. C. inventors. The “Unique” circle, ofLockport, claim that honor. Their invention is a game made up from the questions and answers inThe Chautauquan, and is intended to form a comprehensive review of the year’s work. “The Unique” is the title of it. Would it not be generous in the Lockport circle to share their discovery with the rest of us?——The “Argonaut” circle, of Buffalo, entertained a large number of invited friends at a special meeting held in April. The affair was a decided success. The “Argonauts” deserve special credit for the efforts that they are making to awaken interest in the affairs of the C. L. S. C. by extra meetings.——AtYonkersthere is a circle now in its third year which has never reported toThe Chautauquanbefore. In all it numbers twenty. Their work during the past three years of their existence has been in regular programs of essays, readings, and questions and answers, with an occasional variation to suit necessity. This year they held a very successful memorial service in honor of Longfellow’s day, and more recently have had a valuable lecture, with experiments, on chemistry.——Fourteen persons are reading the Bryant course in connection withThe Chautauquan, atMunnsville. The circle did not undertake work until January, so adopted a short course for the rest of this year rather than try the regular course. We hope to find them at work on the regular course next fall, with their hopes of a larger membership gratified.