“‘There were some fair dames of Chautauqua,Their possessions were lovely to see,Between you and me;They had jewels of gold,Of value untold,These elegant dames of Chautauqua;But children were few,You scarce find one or twoIn the homes of these dames of Chautauqua.And sad were the dames of ChautauquaWhen they read of the Gracchus,Of Cupid and Bacchus,The lesson seemed filled up with mocking.They longed for a son,So the gods sent them one,Full of frolic and fun,Sent a son to these dames of Chautauqua.Then what joy in the circle Chautauqua!What pæans were sung,And Chautauqua bells rung,To welcome the lad of Chautauqua!Straight they gave him a name,Sherwin Burrill the same—These frolicsome dames of Chautauqua!Now, they badge him with gold,So that when he is old,They can still claim their son of Chautauqua.’”
“‘There were some fair dames of Chautauqua,Their possessions were lovely to see,Between you and me;They had jewels of gold,Of value untold,These elegant dames of Chautauqua;But children were few,You scarce find one or twoIn the homes of these dames of Chautauqua.And sad were the dames of ChautauquaWhen they read of the Gracchus,Of Cupid and Bacchus,The lesson seemed filled up with mocking.They longed for a son,So the gods sent them one,Full of frolic and fun,Sent a son to these dames of Chautauqua.Then what joy in the circle Chautauqua!What pæans were sung,And Chautauqua bells rung,To welcome the lad of Chautauqua!Straight they gave him a name,Sherwin Burrill the same—These frolicsome dames of Chautauqua!Now, they badge him with gold,So that when he is old,They can still claim their son of Chautauqua.’”
“‘There were some fair dames of Chautauqua,Their possessions were lovely to see,Between you and me;They had jewels of gold,Of value untold,These elegant dames of Chautauqua;But children were few,You scarce find one or twoIn the homes of these dames of Chautauqua.And sad were the dames of ChautauquaWhen they read of the Gracchus,Of Cupid and Bacchus,The lesson seemed filled up with mocking.They longed for a son,So the gods sent them one,Full of frolic and fun,Sent a son to these dames of Chautauqua.Then what joy in the circle Chautauqua!What pæans were sung,And Chautauqua bells rung,To welcome the lad of Chautauqua!Straight they gave him a name,Sherwin Burrill the same—These frolicsome dames of Chautauqua!Now, they badge him with gold,So that when he is old,They can still claim their son of Chautauqua.’”
“‘There were some fair dames of Chautauqua,
Their possessions were lovely to see,
Between you and me;
They had jewels of gold,
Of value untold,
These elegant dames of Chautauqua;
But children were few,
You scarce find one or two
In the homes of these dames of Chautauqua.
And sad were the dames of Chautauqua
When they read of the Gracchus,
Of Cupid and Bacchus,
The lesson seemed filled up with mocking.
They longed for a son,
So the gods sent them one,
Full of frolic and fun,
Sent a son to these dames of Chautauqua.
Then what joy in the circle Chautauqua!
What pæans were sung,
And Chautauqua bells rung,
To welcome the lad of Chautauqua!
Straight they gave him a name,
Sherwin Burrill the same—
These frolicsome dames of Chautauqua!
Now, they badge him with gold,
So that when he is old,
They can still claim their son of Chautauqua.’”
AtSouth Manchester, Conn., a most encouraging increase of members has taken place. Last year the circle numbered twenty, this year forty-eight. Such growth is full of promise for the future, and yet it is the inevitable result of enthusiastic members and carefully prepared programs.——The new circle atMansfield Center, Conn., numbers ten members. They are expecting a lecture on chemistry soon, from Prof. Washburn, of the North Mansfield Agricultural College.——The “Newfield” C. L. S. C. ofWest Stratford, Conn., has recently received the following pleasant letter from “Pansy:”
Carbondale, Pa., January 6, 1885.Dear Friends of ’87:My word of greeting to you must commence with an apology. The letter from your secretary found me immersed in work. The holiday season brings upon me a heavy pressure of care, in addition to the usual routine. From the almost hopeless mass of unanswered letters which I have just overturned on my study table, that of your secretary emerges, so I seize it and make a beginning. What shall I say? I might congratulate you on being members of that great literary circle, which verily seems destined to reach out its long arms and encircle the world—but to what purpose would this be?You already know by experience all, and more than I could tell you of its advantages, and its far reaching influences.What then, shall I, in this moment of time, say to you who are classmates of mine? Shall I hope that you may be able to pass the Golden Gate and join in the class song of the ’87s, and receive your diploma from the hands of the Chautauqua chief, and enjoy all the delights of Commencement day? That indeed I heartily wish. I hope to be there and to clasp hands with you, and give and receive greeting.But I am conscious while I write, of a higher, stronger, holier hope than that, even that every member of your circle and of all the great Chautauqua Circle may finally pass the Golden Gate that leads to the palace of the King, and receive from him the greeting “well done, good and faithful servants,” and receive from his hands the crowns laid up for those who are “called, and chosen, and faithful.”Oh, to be sure of passing safely through the ordeal of examination by the Judge!When I think of the immense enthusiasm of the C. L. S. C., I am glad. I believe in enthusiasm. I believe in the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. Yet I wonder, often, whether we, as Christians, can not learn something from the eagerness of many scholars who are not of the royal family, and yet are eager to learn all they can, about our Father’s handiwork in earth and air and sky.I am writing longer than I meant. I only wanted to say this: Let us make sure of clasping hands at last in our Father’s house.Yours in His name,Mrs. G. R. Alden.—“Pansy.”
Carbondale, Pa., January 6, 1885.
Dear Friends of ’87:
My word of greeting to you must commence with an apology. The letter from your secretary found me immersed in work. The holiday season brings upon me a heavy pressure of care, in addition to the usual routine. From the almost hopeless mass of unanswered letters which I have just overturned on my study table, that of your secretary emerges, so I seize it and make a beginning. What shall I say? I might congratulate you on being members of that great literary circle, which verily seems destined to reach out its long arms and encircle the world—but to what purpose would this be?
You already know by experience all, and more than I could tell you of its advantages, and its far reaching influences.
What then, shall I, in this moment of time, say to you who are classmates of mine? Shall I hope that you may be able to pass the Golden Gate and join in the class song of the ’87s, and receive your diploma from the hands of the Chautauqua chief, and enjoy all the delights of Commencement day? That indeed I heartily wish. I hope to be there and to clasp hands with you, and give and receive greeting.
But I am conscious while I write, of a higher, stronger, holier hope than that, even that every member of your circle and of all the great Chautauqua Circle may finally pass the Golden Gate that leads to the palace of the King, and receive from him the greeting “well done, good and faithful servants,” and receive from his hands the crowns laid up for those who are “called, and chosen, and faithful.”
Oh, to be sure of passing safely through the ordeal of examination by the Judge!
When I think of the immense enthusiasm of the C. L. S. C., I am glad. I believe in enthusiasm. I believe in the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. Yet I wonder, often, whether we, as Christians, can not learn something from the eagerness of many scholars who are not of the royal family, and yet are eager to learn all they can, about our Father’s handiwork in earth and air and sky.
I am writing longer than I meant. I only wanted to say this: Let us make sure of clasping hands at last in our Father’s house.
Yours in His name,
Mrs. G. R. Alden.—“Pansy.”
Desiring to promote the interests of the C. L. S. C., the Chautauqua circles of Rhode Island, numbering about twenty-five, have united and formed the “Rhode Island Chautauqua Union,” with the following officers: President, Prof. John H. Appleton, A.M., of Brown University; first vice president, the Rev. J. Hall McIlvaine, pastor of the Union Congregational Church; second vice president, Hon. Thos. B. Stockwell, A.M., Rhode Island State Commissioner of Public Schools; third vice president, Levi W. Russell, A.M., Principal of Bridgham School; secretary and treasurer, Wm. D. Porter, D.D.S., all of Providence. There have been three new circles formed this year inProvidence, R. I., one of them bearing the popular name of “Vincent.” “Hope” circle, formed in 1882, is still in a flourishing condition. They were favored last month with a very interesting and instructive address by Prof. Appleton, on “The Value of the Study of the Natural Sciences.” The executive committee arrange the order of exercises and find the monthly programs inThe Chautauquanof great benefit. The circle has now about seventy members, and most of them belong to the C. L. S. C.——Another newly organized circle of Providence is the “Esmeralda Bachelor” circle. It numbers twenty members, all gentlemen, and they give as the only excuse which it seems to us could be at all valid for forming a circle of bachelors, that they can get more young men into their club by restricting its membership. “Whittier” circle, of the same city, has been reorganized, and a most pleasant item comes to us from them. On the birthday of the beloved poet, the circle sent to him as a souvenir a paper weight of serpentine, from a quarry in Newburg, Mass. It had been cut into a design of oak leaves and acorns. Their remembrance brought back a kindly response from Whittier.——A newly organized circle also exists atRiver Point, R. I.It was formed in October last, and numbers thirty-five. Their plan is that laid out inThe Chautauquan.
TheNew Yorkcircles are doing wonderfully energetic work. AtJordanthere is a new and growing organization of twenty-four members.——AtMedina, one of thirteen, which has already begun to scatter seed, some of it so far away as the Pacific coast, where our Medina members believe they will soon have an offshoot.——The “Wolcott” C. L. S. C. has been organized atWolcott, with over thirty members, who write most enthusiastic words of the benefits they have already received.——AtBroctonthe veteran circle, composed of members of the S. H. G. and C. L. S. C., held a delightful Milton memorial.——AtRochester, the circle which is connected with the Academy of Science in that city, wins this appreciative notice from a local paper: “Public sentiment infavor of the Chautauqua movement is spreading with marvelous rapidity. Such certainly is the fact in regard to the circle in this city. There are now upward of forty members enrolled, and beside these a large number of persons attend the semi-monthly meetings who have not yet identified themselves with the regular work. The practical benefit derived from this course of home study becomes more apparent as it is investigated, constantly confirming the wisdom of its founders in setting in motion a plan for the intellectual and moral elevation and culture of thousands who have only spare minutes for such an object.”——AtGlens Falls, not long ago, Chancellor Vincent greeted his C. L. S. C. pupils, delivering his lecture on “That Boy and His Friends,” before them, and meeting them afterward at a reception.——AtOcean Grove, the circle under Dr. Stokes’s genial management is doing admirable work. A delightful social was recently held by the circle at the Sheldon House.——TheMarioncircle has reorganized this year, strong and hopeful as ever. Says a member: “The ‘Inner Chautauqua’ is taking a deeper hold upon us year by year, and we propose that our connection with the C. L. S. C. shall continue indefinitely. We are trying to extend the knowledge of it by distributing the ‘Popular Educational Circular,’ by inserting an occasional item in our village paper relating to the doings of our circle, as well as by personal conversation with our friends and acquaintances.”——The circle atCarmelhas also been reorganized, with seventeen members. Their programs show excellent work.——AtSandy Hill, during the holidays, a special meeting commemorated the season. Among the exercises was a poem on “The Triumph of our Language,” which deserves special mention.——TheBrooklyncircle, of Hansom Place M. E. Church, has increased its membership to over one hundred. It owes to the Rev. George E. Reed, its president, the large increase. Having outgrown the capacities of private parlors, they have met lately in those of the church, where, while losing some of its more social elements, there is a far better opportunity for map display and the general working of the monthly class. Following out the assignment of an instruction committee, they find no lack of willing participants. One of the most popular exercises is the five minutes’ essay on some person or incident connected with the current reading. In good hands, the information condensed is of the most direct kind, and at its conclusion an opportunity is given the class to ask any questions relevant to the topic. All this is clear knowledge, and has proven one of the most agreeable of their methods.——AtFort Plain, the circle carried out on Bryant day a highly enjoyable program. That this circle is enthusiastic, the fact that some of its members come from four miles away, is a proof.——A second New York circle which has enjoyed a visit from Chancellor Vincent, and had the pleasure of tendering him a reception, is that atChatham. Several new members have joined the circle there, the result of the inspiring talk which the Chancellor gave them.——The “Ionian” circle ofBurlington, N. Y., is winning friendly attention from the local press, its meetings being noticed, and its exercises commended.——The “Vincent” circle, ofTroy, invariably sends out to its members, on its announcements of monthly meetings, some bit of inspiring thought. On the January program we find this sentence, useful, we suspect, for other than Troy readers: “Remember this: In proportion as you put thought and work into these monthly meetings, in that proportion, with high interest, will you draw out in enjoyment and profit.”
The local circle ofBridgeville, Pa., was organized November, 1881, with a membership of thirteen. During the intervening three years there have been many changes, but the good work has been steadily going forward. The circle reorganized October, 1884, with eight members, and has taken up the work of the year with increased vigor, the meetings being well attended and very interesting. The monthly meetings are held in the village church, though none of the members live in the village, some having to travel the distance of two miles to attend the meetings.——AtReading, the “Cleaver” circle has been reorganized, with double its old membership. Their program they make very interesting, by introducing variety into the exercises.——Nine ladies and gentlemen formed last fall the “Castelian” circle, inPhiladelphia. Happy are they to have a large map of Greece. What a treasure it is to a circle these days!
The “Meridian” circle, ofWashington, D. C., has been having a feast of good things. How can it help it? It lives in Washington, and Washington offers peculiar advantages to literary and scientific clubs, not only on account of its immense professional library and large scientific collections in the Smithsonian Institution and National Museum, but also through thepersonnelof these institutions and of the many other scientific bureaus of the government, who, making literature or science their daily vocation, afford a large field from which to draw essayists and experimentalists of a high order. “Meridian” circle has been fortunate in availing itself of these advantages. Last year, during the course in vegetable biology, they had an evening’s instruction in the microscopic examination of bioplasm, by Dr. D. S. Lamb, the eminent anatomist of the United States Medical Museum, who had charge of the autopsy of President Garfield. This year, at their last meeting in November, they had an essay from Mr. Lee Shidy, of the United States Coast Survey, on “The Tides,” a most interesting subject, and most interestingly and ably illustrated and explained.
A seven-years-old circle certainly deserves a warm corner byThe Chautauquan’sfireside. Most cordially do we grant it, for we mistrust that a circle so experienced will be unusually good company, and will be able, too, to give us some suggestions of value. It is the “Trojan,” ofTroy, Ohio, which claims this rare distinction, and we believe we are not wrong in saying that their history will be of great interest to all. The ‘Trojan’ circle was organized with a large membership in 1878. Eight members graduated in 1882, five of them being at Chautauqua that season. In the fall of that year the circle increased greatly, and has been growing in interest ever since. Now it numbers thirty-two members. Their plan of work is as follows: They open with singing, and responsive reading from ‘Chautauqua Songs.’ At roll call each member is expected to respond with a Bible verse. The questions inThe Chautauquanon the week’s lesson are asked, and also original test questions from some or all of the members, on the readings. Sometimes the circle reads alternately from one of the text-books, or fromThe Chautauquan. They always have a critic, and a committee of two that gives a digest of the topics of the times, often in the form of questions, which thus makes a pleasantconversazione. Memorial days are faithfully remembered and made interesting and attractive by essays, readings, recitations, and music.——AtPerrysburg, Ohio, ten persons are in the circle, which has been in existence for about four years. One entertaining feature is novel. Occasionally a paper of interesting general news is added to the program. The question box, too, is made a feature of each evening, a practice which is always worth all the work it takes. Memorial days find pleasant observance, the Milton memorial being celebrated with peculiarly pleasing exercises. The circle is rejoicing in their readings, considering them of great benefit.
Michiganadvances with a goodly list of new circles this month. AtPetoskeythere are fourteen members formed into a circle. These friends have the invigorating influence of the Bay View summer Assembly to help their work.——AtHudson, a delightful company of thirty-five has formed the “Carleton” circle, the name being given, of course, in honor of the popular poet, Will M. Carleton, whose birthplace and early home were in Hudson. Round-Tables with genuine “at home” feeling, recitations, select readings, question box, queries,criticisms and quotations make the meetings full of life and variety. The program for an evening is always published in the local papers at least two weeks beforehand, and a report of each meeting is slipped in after each session, so that the people can not forget the existence of the C. L. S. C. At an early meeting our friends are going to take a trip to Naples and return.——Strong organizations have been formed at bothKalamazooandSaugatuck. At the former place the “Burr Oak” circle has twenty members, and at the latter, a lovely town about two miles up the Kalamazoo River, the circle, though small, is growing. The use which they make of our columns seems to us very good. “The Chautauquanis our ‘guide and counselor,’ and though we do not follow closely its outline for local circles, yet we never prepare a program without its aid.”——In the land of the arbutus, atTraverse City, the “Arbutus” circle, of twenty members, has been organized. A pretty monogram has been designed for them, and it is to be printed upon the sermon paper which the members use for essays and reviews. These contributions are then to be bound in paper covers and filed. An interesting collection it will certainly make. The growth of our language has been furnishing this circle with some interesting topics.
The “Vincent” local circle ofLafayette, Ind., has entered upon its fourth year, with forty members, three of whom are C. L. S. C. graduates, but remain active in the work. The president, Prof. Craig, and vice president, Prof. Thompson, both of Purdue University, are thoroughly interested in the work. The program is prepared a month in advance. They are following the suggestions inThe Chautauquan, largely. The success of their lecture course last winter left the society with funds sufficient to rent a room, centrally located, for the regular meetings. The vice president, a Professor of Art, recently presented the circle with a terra cotta medallion of Dr. Vincent, his own work. It has been handsomely framed and hung in their room.
FromSheldon, Ill., a friend writes: “We have a local circle of about twenty-five members and great interest is taken in the exercises. We usually follow your program. Not having started until after October 1st, and having been delayed in obtaining our books, has thrown us behind some, still we are making up lost ground better than expected.”——AtCretea circle has started off with twenty-six members—many of them young people, to whom the course has been just what they needed.——Abingdonalso has a society of twenty-three members. Several readers have been there in past years, but not until now has there been a circle. The chemistry readings are furnishing an excellent opportunity for experiments, and the Abingdon circle are fortunate in having a college laboratory to resort to for experiments.
The circle of the Franklin Avenue M. E. Church,Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been formed two years and has not reported until now toThe Chautauquan. They have an interesting class of nineteen members, who are all very zealous in the work. The circle meets every Monday evening to review the week’s work, which they are studying after the plan laid out inThe Chautauquan.
The circles ofMinnesota, and, indeed, of the entire north-west, are requested to send a note to Mr. E. P. Penniman,St. Paul, Minn., stating whether they will coöperate in a plan for securing a C. L. S. C. day at either the Red Rock camp ground, Lake Minnetonka, or at White Bear Lake. The six circles of St. Paul, those of Minneapolis, Hudson, and Stillwater, have signified their willingness to help carry out this excellent idea. Such a day would be an event of greatest interest and value to the circles in that locality; it would arouse flagging enthusiasm, would give every one present a fund of new ideas, and would spread the plan of home reading in many homes where it is unknown.
We are very much pleased to hear fromBloomfield, Iowa, of a circle, organized in 1882, but which has not before been introduced to our circles. Since its organization its membership has increased from six to fifteen members. The memorial days are observed and much social life enjoyed by the circle which promises that at no late day there will be more than one organization of the C. L. S. C. in their city.
A late number ofThe Daily Register, ofMobile, Alabama, contains an essay on “The Character of Milton,” which was read before one of the circles of that city at a recent meeting. Had we space we should gladly reprint this excellent paper. Mobile has two societies reading the Chautauqua course, and we hope that we shall soon receive full reports from them.
A great deal of energy is displayed by theDesota, Missouri, circle. Few issues of theJefferson Watchmancome out without a notice of its meetings. A late number says: “The members of the C. L. S. C. are again busily engaged in their work after their holiday vacation. Two meetings have already been held in the new term, both of which were enjoyable and instructive, and the reading of ’85 is well under way. The number of members is about the same as last term, as none after becoming interested in the work seem to have the least inclination to drop out of the circle, but on the contrary become more and more interested and enthusiastic. The program for the next meeting will be found in another part of this paper.”
Kansasquite equals Missouri, however, in its enterprising readers. A letter from a reader atWakarusaremarks of their circle: “We number but eight members, and are so scattered that our circuit embraces several miles, but having adopted the name ‘Olympian,’ we hope in time to carry off a double prize, one for intellectual attainments, the other for physical prowess exhibited in combat with Kansas mud. Though we have difficulties and discouragements even in our own little circle, we are yet resolute and enthusiastic. At present the Round-Table is the principal feature of our meetings.”——Quite as interesting is a live report fromWyandotte: “Although we have not been reported for nearly a year, our circle is not dead, but the interest is increasing, and we are doing better work than ever. Our membership numbers twenty-five, with twenty subscribers toThe Chautauquan. In 1884 we held forty-seven meetings, and had an average attendance of twelve. With us, as with nearly all other circles, the great difficulty is to keep from having too much of a sameness in our programs. Thus far we have had good success by giving a committee charge of the literary work, which reports performers and programs a week in advance for regular meetings and three weeks for memorial meetings. We sometimes vary the exercises by devoting an entire evening to one subject. We endeavor to have all roll calls answered with quotations, and stimulate inquiry by having a question box, the contents of which are discussed at each meeting. We observe all memorial days, and they are a never failing source of interest. On Milton memorial the biography of Milton was given by the circle, each member taking up the history where the former one stopped. Each member read a favorite selection from the author, and the variety of selections indicated a variety of taste. We make good use of the Chautauqua songs, and find that the singing of them renders a meeting so much the more interesting, and there is, too, a bond of union in a stirring song. Our members have taken the liberty of naming this circle the ‘Pansy’ circle, as nearly all of us are members of the ‘Pansy’ class.”
We are sorry to “skip” the wide space between Kansas and California, and gladly stop atNordhoff, Cal., where we find the “Ojai” circle, which was organized last October. Although they are only seven, they are all in earnest and full of the Chautauqua spirit. They meet once each month, at the homes of the members. They are all busy people, but are glad tomaketime for the C. L. S. C. reading, which they find adds a charm to busy lives. They hope to be able to persuade many of their friends to join them.
“Press on, reaching after those things which are before.”
President—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.Vice President—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.Treasurer—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.Secretary—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.Executive Committee—Officers of the class.Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.
President—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.
Vice President—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.
Treasurer—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.
Secretary—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.
Executive Committee—Officers of the class.
Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.
A very pretty program comes to us from a loyal “Invincible” of Toledo, Ohio, the Rev. H. M. Bacon, the president of the “Bryant” circle of that city. The program contains a six months’ outline of work. It bears the mottoes, the dates of regular meetings, and the memorial days. A kind of C. L. S. C. calendar which we imagine any once having had would find it hard to do without.
Miss Kimball writes our secretary, Miss Canfield, of Washington, that the Invincibles—true to their name—are making a splendid record, and that the class standing is excellent. She says: “I think the Invincibles may well be proud of their record. The prospect is that the class will stand fully as high, in proportion to its size, as any of the other classes. Of course we can not expect the actual number of graduates to reach that of other classes, as the whole recorded membership is much smaller.” Let this encouraging news help us to “press on,” and, classmates, see to it that all members of your local circles, who rightfully belong with the ’85s, have their memoranda completed and sent in by the first of July.
Of those who expect to receive diplomas at Chautauqua, forty-one, representing fifteen states, Canada and the District of Columbia, have responded to the request to send their names to the secretary. Let us hear from you all, that the list for “roll call” may be complete.
One ’85, who writes he lives alone with his brother “away out in the backwoods of California,” regrets he can not be present at Chautauqua, but hopes to receive his diploma at Monterey. From the Atlantic to the Pacific the pulse of the C. L. S. C. is beating strong and steady.
“We study for light, to bless with light.”
President—The Rev. B. P. Snow, Biddeford, Maine.Vice Presidents—The Rev. J. C. Whitley, Salisbury, Maryland; Mr. L. F. Houghton, Peoria, Illinois; Mr. Walter Y. Morgan, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Delia Browne, Louisville, Kentucky; Miss Florence Finch, Palestine, Texas.Secretary—The Rev. W. L. Austin, New Albany, Ind.
President—The Rev. B. P. Snow, Biddeford, Maine.
Vice Presidents—The Rev. J. C. Whitley, Salisbury, Maryland; Mr. L. F. Houghton, Peoria, Illinois; Mr. Walter Y. Morgan, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Delia Browne, Louisville, Kentucky; Miss Florence Finch, Palestine, Texas.
Secretary—The Rev. W. L. Austin, New Albany, Ind.
“For light!” and “with light!” as the words we repeat,Yet fuller and deeper the message they bring;Still through every volume each line that we meetIn undertone earnest our motto shall ring.“For light” do we ponder the history vastWhich spreads through the ages its sunshine and shade,“With light” for the present, we come from the past,With lessons whose impress we can not evade.“For light” must we study the many-hued linesWhich Greece with her delicate pencil has traced;While Rome with her pride and her grandeur combinesTo deepen the picture no time can efface.“For light” at the portals of Nature we wait—Descend to her rocks and mount up to her stars—Her atoms diffuse and her gases collate,Yet learn, as her secrets she slowly unbars,How, filling, pervading, encompassing all,Still law—mighty law—through all systems doth reign;The world and the atom respond to its call,The dewdrop and ocean are bound by its chain.“For light,” above all, when our vesper has chimed,We bathe in the beams of an unsetting Sun;When thus up the ladder of prayer we have climbed,“With light” shall be blessed many thousands through one.“For light!” and “with light!” ’tis for this we would live,O fling our glad banner abroad to the sky!Truths won for ourselves unto others we give,Till light never-clouded shall greet us on high.Alice C. Jennings, Class of ’86.
“For light!” and “with light!” as the words we repeat,Yet fuller and deeper the message they bring;Still through every volume each line that we meetIn undertone earnest our motto shall ring.“For light” do we ponder the history vastWhich spreads through the ages its sunshine and shade,“With light” for the present, we come from the past,With lessons whose impress we can not evade.“For light” must we study the many-hued linesWhich Greece with her delicate pencil has traced;While Rome with her pride and her grandeur combinesTo deepen the picture no time can efface.“For light” at the portals of Nature we wait—Descend to her rocks and mount up to her stars—Her atoms diffuse and her gases collate,Yet learn, as her secrets she slowly unbars,How, filling, pervading, encompassing all,Still law—mighty law—through all systems doth reign;The world and the atom respond to its call,The dewdrop and ocean are bound by its chain.“For light,” above all, when our vesper has chimed,We bathe in the beams of an unsetting Sun;When thus up the ladder of prayer we have climbed,“With light” shall be blessed many thousands through one.“For light!” and “with light!” ’tis for this we would live,O fling our glad banner abroad to the sky!Truths won for ourselves unto others we give,Till light never-clouded shall greet us on high.Alice C. Jennings, Class of ’86.
“For light!” and “with light!” as the words we repeat,Yet fuller and deeper the message they bring;Still through every volume each line that we meetIn undertone earnest our motto shall ring.
“For light!” and “with light!” as the words we repeat,
Yet fuller and deeper the message they bring;
Still through every volume each line that we meet
In undertone earnest our motto shall ring.
“For light” do we ponder the history vastWhich spreads through the ages its sunshine and shade,“With light” for the present, we come from the past,With lessons whose impress we can not evade.
“For light” do we ponder the history vast
Which spreads through the ages its sunshine and shade,
“With light” for the present, we come from the past,
With lessons whose impress we can not evade.
“For light” must we study the many-hued linesWhich Greece with her delicate pencil has traced;While Rome with her pride and her grandeur combinesTo deepen the picture no time can efface.
“For light” must we study the many-hued lines
Which Greece with her delicate pencil has traced;
While Rome with her pride and her grandeur combines
To deepen the picture no time can efface.
“For light” at the portals of Nature we wait—Descend to her rocks and mount up to her stars—Her atoms diffuse and her gases collate,Yet learn, as her secrets she slowly unbars,
“For light” at the portals of Nature we wait—
Descend to her rocks and mount up to her stars—
Her atoms diffuse and her gases collate,
Yet learn, as her secrets she slowly unbars,
How, filling, pervading, encompassing all,Still law—mighty law—through all systems doth reign;The world and the atom respond to its call,The dewdrop and ocean are bound by its chain.
How, filling, pervading, encompassing all,
Still law—mighty law—through all systems doth reign;
The world and the atom respond to its call,
The dewdrop and ocean are bound by its chain.
“For light,” above all, when our vesper has chimed,We bathe in the beams of an unsetting Sun;When thus up the ladder of prayer we have climbed,“With light” shall be blessed many thousands through one.
“For light,” above all, when our vesper has chimed,
We bathe in the beams of an unsetting Sun;
When thus up the ladder of prayer we have climbed,
“With light” shall be blessed many thousands through one.
“For light!” and “with light!” ’tis for this we would live,O fling our glad banner abroad to the sky!Truths won for ourselves unto others we give,Till light never-clouded shall greet us on high.
“For light!” and “with light!” ’tis for this we would live,
O fling our glad banner abroad to the sky!
Truths won for ourselves unto others we give,
Till light never-clouded shall greet us on high.
Alice C. Jennings, Class of ’86.
Alice C. Jennings, Class of ’86.
“Let us be seen by our deeds.”
President—The Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., Boston, Mass.Vice Presidents—Prof. W. N. Ellis, 108 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.; the Rev. Wm. G. Roberts, Bellevue, Ohio.Secretary—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.Treasurer—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.All items for this column should be sent, in condensed form, to the Rev. C. C. McLean, St. Augustine, Florida.
President—The Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., Boston, Mass.
Vice Presidents—Prof. W. N. Ellis, 108 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.; the Rev. Wm. G. Roberts, Bellevue, Ohio.
Secretary—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.
Treasurer—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.
All items for this column should be sent, in condensed form, to the Rev. C. C. McLean, St. Augustine, Florida.
Badges for the Class of ’88 sold only by Mrs. Rosie M. Baketel, Greenland, N. H. Price, 15 cents each.
All members who have interesting items of class news should send them promptly to the Rev. C. C. McLean.
The following circles of the Class of ’88 have been formed, viz.: “Janes,” Brooklyn, N. Y., sixty-two members; “Vincent,” Wyoming, Iowa, over twenty members; “Washington Avenue,” Milwaukee, Wis., fourteen members. In Collamer, Ohio, there was organized a circle four years ago. It has enjoyed active vitality ever since, and is now doing most efficient work in astronomy. Aroused by the last Chautauqua Assembly, nearly thirty organized a new circle. All are of the Class of ’88, except one of ’82, one of ’83, and five of ’86. The latter includes an old lady in her 81st year, who is not only beautiful in character, but, seemingly, as bright in intellect as in the meridian of life. This circle favors a change in motto; one suggests “Perfect in principle, in practice pure.”
The Florida Chautauqua is now in session at Lake de Funiak, and closes March 9th. The program is varied and interesting. We hope to report a good increase in the Class of ’88 at the close of the Assembly.
Iowa.—I am enrolled in the C. L. S. C. army, “Class of ’88.” Not until the middle of this month (December) was I able to commence my reading. The prescribed course I think grand, and I can but feel grateful for a plan so far reaching, and so full and beneficial in its results. Our class motto is excellent. I am a busy farmer, but I shall make known the advantages of the “Chautauqua University.”
BY A. M. MARTIN,General Secretary C. L. S. C.
1. Q. Who was the third member of the great tragical triumvirate of Greece, Æschylus and Sophocles being the other two? A. Euripides.
2. Q. When was Euripides born, and what noted battle took place the year of his birth? A. 480 B. C., in the year of the battle of Salamis.
3. Q. Where were the closing days of Euripides spent? A. At the court of the king of Macedonia.
4. Q. Who are two of the translators of Euripides? A. R. Potter, who has made a metrical translation, and T. A. Buckley, who has produced a version in prose.
5. Q. From what play of Euripides are the most of the extracts presented by our author taken? A. From the “Alcestis.”
6. Q. Under what title has Robert Browning rendered a version of “Alcestis?” A. “Balaustion’s Adventure.”
7. Q. Who was Alcestis? A. The wife and queen to Admetus, king of Pheræ, in Thessaly.
8. Q. By grace from Apollo, on what condition was Admetus granted the privilege of not dying? A. On condition of his being able to find some one who would agree to die in his stead when his turn should come.
9. Q. Who became the required substitute? A. Alcestis, the wife of Admetus.
10. Q. After her death by whom was she brought back to life and restored to her husband? A. By Heracles.
11. Q. From what drama of Euripides does our author take a celebrated chorus, in part eulogistic of Athens? A. The “Medea.”
12. Q. Who stands alone as representative to us of Greek comedy? A. Aristophanes.
13. Q. What two comedies of Aristophanes retain for us more interest than perhaps any other of his works? A. “The Frogs” and “The Clouds.”
14. Q. Who were the especial targets of these two comedies respectively? A. Euripides of the “Frogs” and Socrates of the “Clouds.”
15. Q. Who is first in fame among ancient lyric poets? A. Pindar.
16. Q. What does Sappho remain to this day in general estimation among those entitled to adjudge her just rank, from the various trustworthy indications that survive? A. The foremost woman of genius in the world.
17. Q. What is the only complete poem that has come down to us from Sappho? A. The “Hymn to Aphrodite.”
18. Q. On what does the fame of Simonides chiefly rest? A. On his epigrams.
19. Q. What is the most celebrated, perhaps, of all the epigrams of Simonides? A. That on the Spartan Three Hundred who fell at Thermopylæ.
20. Q. What is the great name in Greek idyllic poetry? A. Theocritus.
21. Q. What two other pastoral poets are associated with Theocritus, in a kind of parasitic renown? A. Bion and Moschus.
22. Q. From what two idyls of Theocritus does our author give presentations? A. The “Death of Daphnis,” and the “Festival of Adonis.”
23. Q. Who is first among the masters of eloquence? A. Demosthenes.
24. Q. The name of what other orator is associated with that of Demosthenes? A. Æschines.
25. Q. What are the most celebrated of Demosthenes’s public orations? A. The “Olynthiacs,” the “Philippics,” and the oration on the “Crown.”
26. Q. Why is chlorine a substance of very great commercial importance? A. On account of its extensive use as a bleaching agent.
27. Q. Of what common article is chlorine an important constituent? A. Salt.
28. Q. What are the three most striking properties of chlorine? A. Its noticeable weight—greater than that of the air—its greenish color, and its exceedingly irritating odor.
29. Q. In connection with what two principal properties does chlorine, as a chemical agent, manifest its activities? A. Its affinity for hydrogen and its affinity for the metals.
30. Q. Of what may the substance known as bleaching-powder be spoken in a general way as consisting? A. Of lime saturated with chlorine.
31. Q. When was bromine first recognized as an elementary substance, and by whom discovered? A. In the year 1826, by Balard, a French chemist.
32. Q. Where does the substance bromine occur? A. In the brine of the ocean, and in the water of mineral springs, united with certain metals in the form of bromides.
33. Q. To what does bromine show very decided resemblances, in its chemical relations? A. To chlorine, having affinities for the same substances, only less in intensity.
34. Q. In what processes is bromine an important substance? A. In the processes of photography.
35. Q. In what form has bromine had a very wide and beneficent use, as a remedial agent? A. In the form of potassic bromide.
36. Q. What is the other member of the chemical family to which it may be said chlorine and bromine belong? A. Iodine.
37. Q. Where are all these three elements found? A. In sea water.
38. Q. From what source is iodine obtained? A. From sea weeds.
39. Q. To what are the chemical characteristics of iodine throughout closely allied? A. To those of chlorine and of bromine, only in general, iodine may be said to have weaker chemical affinities than either of the other two.
40. Q. What are two of the principal uses of iodine? A. In photographic processes, and as a remedial agent.
41. Q. What remarkable statement is made of fluorine? A. That is has never been known to be produced isolated, that is, in a separate or uncombined form.
42. Q. What property above all others is characteristic of fluorine? A. Its striking affinity for silicon.
43. Q. With what substance is fluorine never known to form any compound? A. With oxygen, which can be said of no other element.
44. Q. What are three considerations upon which the importance of oxygen depends? A. The surpassing abundanceof the substance itself, the great number of compounds into which it enters, and the activity of its chemical powers.
45. Q. To whom is the first discovery of oxygen usually attributed? A. Dr. Joseph Priestly, an English clergyman and student of natural science.
46. Q. What is the most prominent compound of oxygen? A. Water.
47. Q. What are some of the remarkable properties of sulphur? A. The ease with which it melts; the readiness with which it takes fire and burns in the air; the striking blue flame produced when it burns; the choking and disagreeable odor attendant upon its combustion; and its burning when in the pure form without leaving any ashes.
48. Q. From what localities is the principal supply of sulphur for commerce obtained? A. From the volcanic districts of the island of Sicily.
49. Q. What is said as to the number of elements with which sulphur combines? A. It combines in simple form of union with a majority of the elements known.
50. Q. What are three important compounds of sulphur? A. Sulphuretted hydrogen, sulphur di-oxide, and sulphur tri-oxide.
On the thirteenth of January the Chautauqua Board of Trustees held its annual meeting in the elegant rooms of the Young Men’s Christian Association of the city of Pittsburgh, to prepare the way for the next great Assembly. Mr. Lewis Miller, Dr. J. H. Vincent, Messrs. F. H. Root, Jacob Miller, E. A. Skinner, W. A. Duncan, Dr. J. T. Edwards, Rev. J. Lester, Rev. H. H. Moore, and most of the trustees were present, but as usual, of the twenty-four members, letters of apology were received from a few who were detained at home by sickness or urgent business matters. Those present, however, were fully prepared to go forward and meet the responsibilities of the hour. Dr. T. L. Flood, editor ofThe Chautauquan, and Judge Holt, attorney for the corporation, were present to look after their respective departments.
As they came together for deliberation the trustees felt the inspiration of a history of grand successes, of a present satisfactory, and of a future full of hope. Hence the boldness of their plans, and the energy with which they were carried into effect. Chautauqua has a constituency which is of inestimable value, in the prayers and sympathies of many thousands of people who have never seen those beautiful grounds.
Wherever the Board of Trustees hold their annual meetings a lively interest is created, especially among press reporters and in the C. L. S. C. part of the community. In this respect Pittsburgh surpassed any other place ever visited, Jamestown and Cleveland not excepted. On reaching the city it was found that a reception had been arranged by the alumni and members of the Chautauqua Circle, to be held in Christ Church on the evening of the 13th, and that an elaborate program of exercises had been provided. The Rev. Mr. Williams, of the PittsburghChristian Advocate, occupied the chair. Music was furnished by Hamilton’s Junior Orchestra. Dr. Hirst, pastor of Christ Church, delivered, in chaste and eloquent language, an address of welcome. Prof. Holmes, Registrar of the Chautauqua University, in reply, spoke at length, explaining its aims and method of operation. President Miller followed in his happiest vein, and made clear the point that the educational scheme of the Circle was well suited to meet the constant and progressive changes ever going forward in society. On being introduced, Dr. Vincent was received by the great audience with a storm of applause. In his own usual taking way he unfolded the principles embraced in the Chautauqua Idea. We deal mostly, he said, with the mature mind that is athirst for knowledge. We make use of practical methods to supply the great want of the day, which is a rational society.
Dr. Flood, editor ofThe Chautauquan, was presented and spoke for a few moments. The music was fine, the speaking the happiest, and after the formal exercises had closed a season of free social intercourse followed. The power Chautauqua had exerted upon the city of Pittsburgh appeared in the great number present, who rose to their feet as witnesses; and most of the cities of the nation could produce like evidence of its popularity and influence.
The lavish expenditures of money which have been made upon buildings at Chautauqua in the past have created such facilities for work of all kinds that at present nothing further is required in that direction. This was a satisfaction not only to those who have heroically carried heavy financial burdens, but to those who have regretted that they were able to give only their sympathies to the cause. The brief address made by President Miller to the Board of Trustees consisted of a brief and cheery review of the past and a hopeful glance into the future. There is, he said, much yet to be done, sacrifices to be made, for Chautauqua is yet in its infancy, and its enlarged work from year to year will demand increased attention. Secretary Duncan in his annual report informed the trustees that during the past year his receipts had exceeded his expenditures by nearly ten thousand dollars, and that this sum had been used as far as it would go to liquidate the floating debt.
The following written report was presented by Chancellor Vincent:
“For the first time in the history of the Chautauqua Assembly I present to the Board a formal report. This has hitherto seemed to me unnecessary, and you have generously accepted a verbal statement in lieu of a full, official communication. I no longer thus tax your generosity, but under a keen conviction that an important crisis has arrived in our history, I beg leave to lay before you the following statements and suggestions:
“The Chautauqua movement is a marvel even to its projectors. However all-embracing may have been the original conception of our noble president, Mr. Miller, when he proposed a summer gathering in the grove at Chautauqua, the gradually unfolding scheme has been a source of surprise and delight to the world of curious and interested observers.
“Chautauqua in its various departments is a unit. However diverse the outward forms, the name which marks them all proves them one. The ‘Chautauqua Assembly,’ the ‘Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle,’ the ‘Chautauqua School of Languages,’ the ‘Chautauqua Teachers’ Retreat,’ the ‘Chautauqua Young Folks’ Reading Union,’ the ‘Chautauqua School of Theology,’ the ‘Chautauqua University’—all are but developments of the radical idea of Chautauqua, which is popular and symmetrical education; education for all people; education in all lines, according to varied tastes, needs and opportunities.
“Our constituency is as broad as are the aims of the institution: Sunday-school and other Christian workers, day school teachers, students of language, ministers of the gospel, citizens who mold the nation, mothers who mold citizens by making homes—these all, and all beside who seek knowledge, character and usefulness, are the people for whom Chautauqua was organized.
“With this wide reach of purpose it was necessary that Chautauqua should project the lines of its intention in plans and departments, that the world might see its magnitude, and that the full territory it proposes to occupy might be preëmpted. Until this projection was made, the Chautauqua Idea was irrepressible. And now Chautauqua with its variety of departments is not like a mere pile of buildings, with additions, lean-tos, unrelated edifices, and other after-thoughts, the results of unmanageable ingenuity. It is a growth and development, a provision according to the highest law, to meet the necessities which called it into existence.
“In this growth of twelve years there have been no unnecessary additions. To have omitted any of them would have made Chautauqua less than it is; and to have made Chautauqua less than it is would have been a mistake—almost a disaster. Because of the broad and varied provisions now included in the Chautauqua movement, it will be greater and stronger for all time to come.
“It would not have been easy to organize these departments at first under a single charter. The separate schemes under separate constitutions came into being. Each is stronger to-day because of the relative independence of its origin. The time may have come, I think the time has come, for an external union of departments which have all along been practically one. No antagonism between them has ever seemed to me possible, but there is a way of preventing even the seeming or fear of such antagonism.
“At the first meeting of the Board of Trustees of Chautauqua University, I proposed the appointment of a committee whose business it should be to bring into complete external unity all departments of Chautauqua. This committee has never acted. I now renew the proposal, with some practical hints looking toward this result.”
Dr. Vincent then presented several suggestions designed to harmonize the various Chautauqua interests.
The report continues:
“The financial condition of Chautauqua is a subject to which I have heretofore given little attention. I trusted implicitly to the wisdom of the Board, whose large ideas of the Chautauqua work, whose enthusiasm in it, and whose generous courtesy toward me, have caused them to give me the largest liberty, and to treat with great gentleness what they have sometimes felt to be excessive expenditure.
“My dreams and aspirations concerning the development of Chautauqua have led me to plan largely, and to spend liberally, that the attention of great-hearted men might be attracted to our work, the sympathy of progressive educators secured, and the great centers of influence in pulpits, colleges and newspapers be commanded in the interest of Chautauqua. A careful analysis of these expenditures will show that there has been no extravagance, although a greater economy might have been exercised.”
The report of Dr. Vincent closed with the following words:
“Trusting that you will see your way clear to coöperate in the plans proposed, and commending our great institution to him who is the ‘Master of Assemblies,’ this report is respectfully submitted.”
The report of Dr. Vincent was submitted to a special committee, which presented the following report, which was adopted as below:
The special committee to which was referred the report of the Superintendent of Instruction, begs leave respectfully to report:
1. That we recommend to the Board to reorganize the union of the several associations, schools, and departments of the Chautauqua Assembly, the Chautauqua School of Theology, the Chautauqua University, and the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, under a single organization to be known asThe Chautauqua University.
2. (This article calls for necessary legislative action.)
3. The work of the new organization shall be carried on under the following departments: