“Take whatever God sends,As the blossoming pansies do;He clothes them with royal grace;Shall he not take thought for you?Trust—for the trustful heartKnoweth the tenderest leading,Knoweth how certainly GodOur need and our craving is heeding.”
“Take whatever God sends,As the blossoming pansies do;He clothes them with royal grace;Shall he not take thought for you?Trust—for the trustful heartKnoweth the tenderest leading,Knoweth how certainly GodOur need and our craving is heeding.”
“Take whatever God sends,As the blossoming pansies do;He clothes them with royal grace;Shall he not take thought for you?Trust—for the trustful heartKnoweth the tenderest leading,Knoweth how certainly GodOur need and our craving is heeding.”
“Take whatever God sends,
As the blossoming pansies do;
He clothes them with royal grace;
Shall he not take thought for you?
Trust—for the trustful heart
Knoweth the tenderest leading,
Knoweth how certainly God
Our need and our craving is heeding.”
The “Garfield” circle, atLewiston, Maine, a new circle of seven members, gives us a delightful glimpse of their C. L. S. C. hour: “Our president is a dressmaker, and ‘we girls,’ or at least four of us, work for her. We have reading in the shop nearly every day, forty minutes or more, and then talk of what we read. Almost a Socratic school in a dressmaker’s shop! Friday evening of each week the shop takes on another look. The work is put away, the table drawn out, the bright cloth laid, the lamps trimmed and burning; the members take their seats and place at the ‘table square,’ and for two or three hours we spend a refreshing and enjoyable evening. We find the programs inThe Chautauquanvery useful, but always have to add to and rearrange the parts, for we all want to do something for the next meeting. Arrangements were made by the presidents of the ‘Garfield’ and ‘Scott’ circles to have a union meeting on Longfellow day. We spent a delightful evening. The work was divided between the two circles, and we all felt much benefited by the meeting. We heartily recommend the occasional union meeting.”
There are over twenty-one regular members in the “Alpha” circle ofMelrose, Mass., though it was started only last October, and any amount of enterprise. The secretary writes many appreciating words of the C. L. S. C.: “This is my fourth year,” she says, “but I can echo the sentiment expressed by some one in the lastChautauquan—‘Once a Chautauquan, always a Chautauquan’—and rejoice to think that it is by no means my last year. I hope to send you annual greetings from our circle, for we anticipate a future for it.”——A share of the honor which is bestowed upon the circles of ’88 certainly belongs to the “Hestia” circle, ofLeominster, Mass.Their motto,Festina lente, they are faithfully carrying out. In addition to the Chautauqua course, they are taking a systematic course in botany, which they expect to enjoy very much this coming summer. One of their number is a zealous student in botany and chemistry, and is a great help to them in these branches, performing all the experiments, and explaining the difficult points.
The “Gardner” circle was organized inPascoag, R. I., last November, with a membership of seven, which rapidly grew to its present number of twenty-two, all, with the exception of two, “Pansies,” of the class of ’88. The circle was named in honor of Mr. E. P. Gardner, of Norwich, Conn., to whose inspiring words it owes its formation. The interest of the members is steadily increasing, and although few of the number are persons of leisure, yet the earnest work accomplished by this circle, we are confident, would cheer the hearts of those who love the C. L. S. C.
A second circle inPlainfield, N. J., has met with a cordial recommendation from Dr. Hurlbut. There is no lack of enthusiasm in the new circle. The members are thoroughly pleased by the readings, and give a hearty support to the work, writing many interesting papers. At a recent meeting it was decided that the circle be hereafter known as the “Hurlbut” circle, in recognition of the assistance which has been received by them from the able C. L. S. C. worker, the Rev. J. L. Hurlbut.——AtPhiladelphia, Pa., so a note informs us, the “Arcadia” circle was organized in February, with a membership of five, and a promise of gathering in more.——On February 16th, through the efforts of Mrs. Dr. Seeley, a circle of the C. L. S. C. was organized atJefferson, Ohio, which at present numbers thirteen members. It is the first circle organized in the place, although two of the members are graduates of ’82.——The C. L. S. C. ofEllsworth, Ohio, has never before been noticed inThe Chautauquan. A circle of seven members was organized there more than a year ago. Each made an effort to enlarge the circle this year, but succeeded in obtaining but one new member. It is a country place, and the members are scattered, but meet occasionally; although they can not meet often they are busy workers.
This little note fromIowaexplains itself: “We are glad to announce an organized local circle inIowa City, of eleven members. At our first meeting we received an invitation from the Nineteenth Century Club, to attend a lecture given by the president of the State University. Subject: ‘Our National Constitution.’ We are all enthusiastic over the C. L. S. C., are working now for a large membership to begin fall work in time.”——AtHopkintona circle was formed last October of fourteen members. A bright, interested circle it is, too, quite up to the times in the variety and quality of its fortnightly exercises. The special days afford much pleasure to the circle. College day was spent in a half day’s visit to their flourishing local college, Lenox.
At the confluence of the Vermillion and Missouri rivers in the town ofVermillion, Dakota Territory, a new circle came to life in November last. The circle has an active membership of twelve, consisting of lawyers, teachers, printers, university students, milliners, business men and their wives. Among the special features of the circle may be mentioned that of thorough interest in the readings; special effort to acquire accuracy in pronunciation; the utmost freedom in conversing about, and discussing questions that incidentally arise during the evening’s reading; essays on the important facts of the subjects considered; and the roll call, the responses thereto being made by reciting mottoes, wise sayings, proverbs, quotations from the poets, brief descriptions of foreign countries (the assignments for this exercise having been made at a previous meeting). At its next meeting the responses will consist of three minute biographical sketches of eminent American statesmen.——Still another new circle sends greetings from the heart of the Rockies. A class of three has been formed atGunnison, Colorado, and neither the small number nor their far-away home dampens their ardor. They are “greatly interested, and feel a thousand times repaid.”
Several of our senior friends fromNew Yorkhave come in with how-do-you-dos and cheerful news this month. The C. L. S. C. readers in the “Flower City” (Rochester) have not been idle during the past months, and although, like most Chautauquans, they are busy men and women—teachers, professional and business men, housekeepers and students—still they find time to keep abreast with the prescribed reading, and do not fail to attend the meetings of the circle. The circle is known as a section of the Rochester Academy of Science. By affiliating with this body they secure an excellent hall for a place of meeting, as well as increased dignity and importance, and frequently members of other sections are attracted to their meetings as interested spectators. Their circle was reorganized early in the fall, starting off with nearly twice as many members as last year. They hold meetings twice a month, and the interest and attendance are constantly increasing. The leaders in the Academy of Science, at first somewhat adverse to connection with them, are only too glad now to welcome the circle in their monthly meetings, and the vice president of the circle is now the corresponding secretary of the Academy. There are about fifty active members, and many others are quietly pursuing the course of reading. In character they are quite cosmopolitan, representing extremes in age and character, as well as every C. L. S. C. class, from that of ’82 to that of ’88. The president is an old Chautauquan, and although an active business man, never misses a meeting; other leading members are quite as punctual in their attendance.——AtAndoverthe circle of nine is steadily working away, and with good results, too, for their work has brought this experience: “We all agree that the C. L. S. C. has brought a blessing and inspiration into our lives, and we give to all its projects our undivided and unswerving loyalty.”——AtSouth Lansingthe C. L. S. C. has lost one of its most devoted workers. Miss Emma Morrison, a member of the class of ’84, died at her home October 21, 1884.——Another bereaved circle is that ofOlean. Nelson F. Butler, a warm admirer of the Chautauqua work, and a leader in the “Philomathic” circle, was taken from them February 20, 1885.——“Les Huguenots,” ofNew Paltz, N. Y., was organized in 1883, since which time the circle has increased from fifteen to twenty-seven. The programs, prepared two weeks in advance, are very bright and interesting. The circle is faithful, and work promises well for the future.——Some excellent suggestions, and aptly called too, come fromWebster’s Corners, N. Y., where the “Iota” class of Orchard Park entered upon its second year’s work last October. It is at present composed of fourteen earnest members, the classes of ’84, ’86, ’87 and ’88 being represented. The aim of the class has been to make its meetings as informal as possible, and this year it has succeeded. Among their exercises are roll call, responded to by quotations or facts, talks on some given topic, select readings, pronouncing contests, and the question box. To vary the program a “basket of facts” is sometimes substituted for the usual question box. Sometimes they have conundrums on Greek History. One feature of a recent program which gave an excellent drill, besides affording much amusement, was a Greek memory test, consisting of twelve facts from Greek History. At first the leader gives but one fact, the class repeating it. As each additional fact is given, the ones previously given are repeated in reverse order. For instance, after the twelfth is given, all are repeated in this order—12th, 11th, 10th, 9th, … 2d, 1st. They have also had “An Historical Lingo,” commencing about 900 B. C., and giving prominent facts in Greek History down to the year 145 B. C., when the Romans controlled Greece.
SeveralPennsylvaniaitems are at hand, too. The “Emanon” circle, ofWest Philadelphia, now in its second year, is meeting with good success. The members of this circle have been delighted with the studies ever since the organization—no one regrets, they say, having joined the circle. While actively engaged in the literary, historical, and other studies, they pay more attention to the scientific studies, probably because they have more advantages in that direction. The circle has access to a very fine microscope, and is one of the circles to whom Mr. Hall, of Jamestown, N. Y., sends slides with instructions regarding them, and the preparation of the same. Again, they have a good outfit of chemicals and chemical appliances for experimenting in chemistry; also the use of stereopticon views, to illustrate some studies. And while thus well equipped in various instruments and appliances to help in their studies, it should be added that they are largely—indeed, altogether—indebted to their instructor, Mr. John S. Rodgers, for the explanation of these branches of study.——AtLock Haventhe circle has been enjoying a good winter, and prominent in their work has been chemistry, many experiments having been performed for them by an interested friend.——At the Y. M. C. A. parlors ofHarrisburga meeting was held on March 20th, the program of which we have received. It has some very pleasant features.
An excellent method of work has been adopted atBayonne City, New Jersey. Each member makes a specialty of some subject in the course, and is prepared to furnish an article on the subject at any meeting when called upon, and also to answer any questions on that subject from the question box. The “Pamrapo” circle has ten members and one officer, a president—they do, however, have an extra official, a journalist, who is appointed at each meeting.
As enjoyable a C. L. S. C. banquet as we have heard of this year was that held inAkron, Ohio. The circle entertained its friends royally on this occasion, some one hundred of whom were seated at the supper table. A happy surprise of the affair was an unexpected visit from Chancellor Vincent, who responded to the toast, “Chautauqua.” A fine speech was made by President Lewis Miller. “This is an age of quick things,” he said, giving an apt illustration of his remark by referring to his telephone talk with Dr. Vincent, at Cleveland, forty miles away, but for which conversation, voice to voice, Dr. Vincent would not have been the guest of the Akron C. L. S. C. Because one could talk with Pittsburgh by telegraph—by the quick medium which was the product of this latter day—did not obviate the necessity for the longer or slower trip by rail, requiring hours. In fact, the telegram might be only a preliminary to the trip by car. As this is an age of quick things, so it is an age of condensed things. The student sweeps over 1,000 years of history—of great events—in the story of an hour. This is the work of the C. L. S. C. It takes these broad, quick views of the great events in the world’s life. And because the C. L. S. C. student makes this general survey,we are not to infer that he is content with that. It is the hour’s study in the history of the Roman empire that precedes the trip to Rome.
“Though we are so late in reporting the existence of our little circle, known as the ‘Philomaths,’ ofAckley, Iowa, we are confident that none other has been carrying on the season’s work with more enthusiasm than our own. September 19, 1884, we organized with an enrollment of ten; since that time the number has increased to fourteen—all ‘Plymouth Rocks.’ Each member leads a busy life, yet we meet each Friday evening, and are convinced that we can not spend our few spare minutes more profitably than in following the C. L. S. C. readings. Our programs, prepared by an efficient board of three members, are based on the proposed programs ofThe Chautauquan, and are published each week in the town papers. The quotations selected as responses are brought into the circle on uniform slips of paper and are preserved in a ‘Mark Twain Scrap Book.’ In course of time we shall possess a very choice collection of ‘gems.’ Bryant and Milton days were observed in their turn, as was also a Burns day. We are all delighted with the work, and our only regret is that the wave reached us no sooner.”——“We have organized in our village—Blanchard—a local circle of the class of ’87, of eleven members. This year we have nineteen members, one being a lady seventy-four years old, a graduate of the class of ’82. We hold our meetings weekly, members answering by quotations. We pursuedThe Chautauquanplan of questions and answers last year very successfully, and are proceeding in the same way this, although our programs vary according to the option of the leader. We usually have written questions on the readings inThe Chautauquan. The work has proven pleasant and profitable.”——AnotherIowacircle from which we are very glad to hear is that ofGrundy Center. They had the misfortune to have their goodly membership of fifteen of last year dwindled down to five when they started last fall, but their enthusiasm was too much for discouragement. They have “caught up” again, and now are a democratic assembly composed of three ministers, Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian, and their wives, one doctor, four lawyers, an editor, and two school teachers, a banker’s wife, two merchants’ wives, a county officer and two farmers.
It is a matter of congratulation that theChattanooga, Tennessee, branch has joined the “local circles.” The cheery letter giving their past history is a guarantee that we will get the lines from them giving accounts of their future progress which they promise to send from time to time: “We have a very active little circle in Chattanooga, and think we have accomplished a fair amount of work in a short time, and under somewhat adverse circumstances. In the latter part of March, 1883, seven of us met and organized a class. We hoped and expected to increase our numbers in a short time, but resolved to pursue the course of reading and cling together, whether successful or unsuccessful in our efforts to induce others to do likewise. A month passed before we got fairly to work, the Chautauqua term being then two thirds gone. We preferred, however, doing double work and studying during the summer months to waiting until the following October to commence. We completed the first year’s reading in December, and were ready to begin the third year the first of last October. Our meetings are intensely interesting, for we are all in love with the course, and intend to finish it. Our silence respecting our circle and its work is attributable to the fact of our work and the jealous economy of every moment of time. We hope, however, to forward an account of our progress from time to time.”
“We can not do without the Chautauqua movement here,” so writes the secretary of the circle atKahoka, Missouri. The class of workers there is large, including twenty-two regular members, beside many local ones. They are studious and regular, and as a result interested. Last year this circle held an open session in June, which was very successful, and they are looking forward hopefully to the next one.
Thepersonnelof the circle atColumbus, Nebraska, is very striking, and, we think, decidedly an advantage. Here is what the secretary says: “One farmer, one teacher (our pioneer, all honor to her), one book-keeper, and two housewives. We are also decidedly cosmopolitan; one hailing from Switzerland, another from Alsace, one from Nova Scotia, and two from Ohio. One Nihilist, four woman suffragists (the ladies included), four prohibitionists, but all enthusiastic Chautauquans. What we lack in quantity we make up in quality, versatility and power. Our Longfellow anniversary was a right pleasant affair, and instructive withal. ‘Ah, that’s the way you literary people entertain yourselves!’ exclaimed one aged visitor. Our town is not a ‘literary’ one, by any means. Saloons, skating rinks and ball rooms seem to crush all upward tendencies. It is evident that a mingling of people from the four quarters of the globe has a depressing effect on public morals here.”
AtSalt Lake City, Utah, much more interest is taken in the Chautauqua readings this year than ever before. The circle has regularly observed memorial days. It meets every Tuesday evening. The roll call, responded to by quotations from different authors, is always profitable and entertaining. The Rev. T. C. Iliff, pastor of the Methodist Church, is the president. He is an enthusiastic leader, and frequently entertains them with accounts of his travels in many of the places mentioned in the Greek studies. In its platform the circle is broadly Chautauquan, four churches being represented. A class in the “Spare-Minute Course” has lately been organized in Salt Lake City, composed mostly of pupils from the various schools in the city. Excellent work is being done.
We are heartily glad that our loyal Chautauqua worker, Mr. Burnell, brought out theSeattlefriends who were consenting to hide their light under a bushel. Here is a second come forward to vindicate Seattle’s C. L. S. C. honor. However, it must be said, in order to in turn vindicate Mr. Burnell, that his work on his western tour was evangelistic, that his efforts to aid the C. L. S. C. was an extra labor of love, done because his heart was so warm toward Chautauqua, so zealous for her welfare that he was glad to use any effort to extend her usefulness. He was in Seattle only a few hours and was driven with work all the time. It is not strange that he did not find the workers which now come so valiantly to the front. As we said before, we are glad Mr. Burnell has “brought them out.” And here is the second vindication. It contains much excellent news about the work in that section:“The article from K. A. Burnell is entirely behind the times. Three active circles are in Seattle, with an average attendance of forty in all. The University of Washington has just arranged a series of twelve lectures, six on ‘Chemistry,’ and six on the ‘Greek College Course.’ Professor G. O. Curme, Professor of Greek, Latin and German, is an earnest worker and enthusiastic lecturer on Greek history and literature, and four of the professors are actively engaged in the course. An executive committee of five from each circle, and two from the university faculty, have organized to hold a Chautauqua Assembly on Puget Sound the coming summer, and the teachers of the public schools are in full sympathy with the movement. The first public movement in the Chautauqua course known to me was the formation of a literary society for the study of American authors, in the Seattle Baptist Church, September, 1883, at whichThe Chautauquanwas regularly read for one year. This society resolved itself into a Chautauqua circle the first of September, 1884, and engaged Prof. G. O. Curme, Prof. C. B. Johnson and J. C. Sundberg, M. D., to lecture before its members. Other circles were formed, and a general society centered in the university, resulting in the present combination, as above stated. I think there will be twenty circles in Puget Sound next year.”
“Press on, reaching after those things which are before.”
President—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.Vice President—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.Treasurer—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.Secretary—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.Executive Committee—Officers of the class.Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.
President—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.
Vice President—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.
Treasurer—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.
Secretary—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.
Executive Committee—Officers of the class.
Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.
The thousands of men and women who belong to the Chautauqua Class of 1885 are beginning, we think, to feel the pressure of the responsibility of their position—which is something more than that which has rested upon the shoulders of their honored predecessors; that the expectations of the Chautauqua public are becoming higher, year by year; that what was equal to the great occasion in former years will not meet the hopes that will be entertained by the masses of people who will be gathered on the grounds this year. The readings must not only be faithfully and intelligently completed, so that the diplomas may be earned and received, but it should be the purpose of every member to answer, entire, the list of questions submitted, and answer them correctly. And an organized attempt should be made to secure the attendance of all members of the class who can possibly be present on Commencement day. We should have a larger class present in front of the Golden Gate than has ever appeared in that conspicuous place. Members should commence their preparations at once, and so arrange matters as to enable them to do their part in swelling the ranks of a class which is to honor itself by the work of the year, and by the demonstration of strength and spirit which shall bring it to the front at the supreme hour!
For Chautauqua is growing! And its career is onward, and upward, and outward! It has planted itself in hundreds of cities and villages throughout the land, and in some other lands, and in thousands of social circles it has shown an influence and potency that is not only wholesome, but inspiring and wonderful. Well may the class of 1885 sing in behalf of the whole fraternity:
“No pent-up Utica contracts our powers;The whole boundless continent is ours!”
“No pent-up Utica contracts our powers;The whole boundless continent is ours!”
“No pent-up Utica contracts our powers;The whole boundless continent is ours!”
“No pent-up Utica contracts our powers;
The whole boundless continent is ours!”
And the whole world, too! For Chautauqua is not only reaching outward, in all countries, but the peoples of all climes and zones are beginning to reach toward Chautauqua. Her representatives have their hands upon the machinery which moves many of the country’s most important enterprises; the new administration could not carry on its work without Chautauquans, and we can not now tell whereunto this great thing will grow. For the end is not yet. Chautauqua has only made a fair beginning. Let us hope that Dr. Vincent and Mr. Lewis Miller will live to experience a long series of annual surprises at the wonderful developments and achievements of Chautauqua!
The work of generating, cultivating, and executing the first of these surprises belongs to the class of ’85. Classes of former years have done so well that it will require thought, and effort, and scheming, and coöperation, and energetic pushing on the part of our class to do better! There must be hard studying, and close figuring on expenses, and a vast deal of management, and a world of rallying and enthusiastic work, if we are to have the best and the largest of classes at the foot of the Chautauqua Acropolis this year! But let us have it! Let the ’Eighty-Fivers, of all classes, sexes and colors, flock toward Chautauqua early in August, from Oregon, and California, and Texas, and Florida, and Canada, and England, and China, and India, and the Soudan, with a common impulse, and inspiration, and a common purpose to honor theiralma materand the cause of popular, intellectual and moral culture, and growth, and progress, which she represents.
Notes From Members.—One lady, mother of two little children, writes: “I only wish every young mother in this land could see her way clear to try this course, not only for her own pleasure, but the influence it would have on her home.”
Another from Massachusetts, “the solitary ’85” in a circle of fourteen, writes: “I read alone for a year, then succeeded in starting a circle. I have had some advantages of education, but this C. L. S. C. has made my life very different from what it would have been without it.”
From Philadelphia, likewise, report comes of good work by the ’85s, who organized the “Ivy” circle of that city.
An “Invincible” asks, “Why can not the class of ’85 have a seal for reading the course of biographies, etc., which was provided for the ’84s last year?”
A classmate now residing in Kansas challenges all his fellow-students that, being born in the year in which the battle of Waterloo was fought, he is the oldest—no, the youngest, who will claim his diploma this year among the “Invincibles.” Does any one dispute the honor? His letter, together with many others, will be read at our class gatherings at Chautauqua, the coming season. Let us all be there.
Those of the ’85s who can not possibly be at Chautauqua this summer, but who can visit, if for only one day, Ocean Grove, N. J., will be pleased to learn that during the Sunday-school Assembly exercises at that popular resort, C. L. S. C. Recognition services will be held, July 29th, and then those who have won their parchments can not only obtain them, but also hear eloquent words of congratulation from Dr. Vincent, who has consented to be present. All who expect to be present, and desire their diplomas, should send their names immediately to the Rev. E. H. Stokes, D.D., the president of Ocean Grove, or the Rev. B. B. Loomis, Superintendent of Instruction for Ocean Grove Assembly, at Troy, N. Y.
It is proposed that the “Invincibles,” after their graduating exercises are over, publish in a small volume the Baccalaureate Sermon by Chancellor Vincent, Oration by Bishop Warren, Class Poem by Mrs. Frank Beard, the Memorabilia of the Class Meetings, and whatever else may be deemed of interest. Such a book could be issued and bound in cloth, in class colors, for fifty cents each, or seventy-five cents in gilt edges, if (500) five hundred copies are desired. If enough names are received by Miss M. M. Canfield, our secretary, Washington, D. C., before July 1st, arrangements will be made to issue the book.
Many inquiries are still made, notwithstanding several explanations have been given in this column, as to the purpose of the class fund. It is that we may present to ouralma matera suitable remembrance of the “Invincibles.” Just what it shall be will be decided by the class at Chautauqua, at such time as the largest representation may be on the grounds. Every true ’85 should send their contribution at once to Miss Carrie Hart, Treas., Aurora, Ind, as it is very desirable to have as little of this business to do at Chautauqua as possible;we want all the moments then for the ever-to-be-remembered “good time coming,” when we meet as a class at the Hall in the Grove.
The Rev. J. H. Vincent, D.D., Chancellor of the Chautauqua University, will conduct Recognition services for the benefit of ’85s who can not be at Chautauqua, at Ocean Grove, N. J., July 29th, and at Framingham Assembly in July—date to be announced in nextChautauquan.
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee.”
President—The Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio.Western Secretary—K. A. Burnell, Esq., Chicago, Ill.Eastern Secretary—J. A. Steven, M.D., Hartford, Conn.Treasurer—Either Secretary, from either of whom badges may be obtained.Executive Committee—The officers of the class.
President—The Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio.
Western Secretary—K. A. Burnell, Esq., Chicago, Ill.
Eastern Secretary—J. A. Steven, M.D., Hartford, Conn.
Treasurer—Either Secretary, from either of whom badges may be obtained.
Executive Committee—The officers of the class.
The Allegheny, Pa., circle, Class of ’87, is gaining a reputation for enthusiasm and thoroughness of work. They hold regular meetings, have printed programs, and sometimes are entertained at times of meetings or excursions, at a good hotel.
The Toledo, Ohio, circle, with the Rev. H. M. Bacon for its president, issues a beautiful program of the whole course of winter meetings, with a list of the memorial days, put in handsome shape.
The officers of the class are in receipt of many pleasant letters, speaking among other things of many letters which have been written to Pansy containing suggestions about the class memorial book which is expected from her pen, and which will receive most enthusiastic welcome from every member of the class.
As the dreary winter weather is likely at last to give way to spring, Pansy blossoms are appearing on paper in preparation for their appearance in the memorial Pansy bed, which it is hoped will be a treasured improvement in the Chautauqua grounds.
Williamsburg, Kansas, writes of a circle of forty members, all but two of whom are members of ’88. These two delightful Pansy blossoms, a minister and his wife, represent the class of ’87.
Here is a C. L. S. C. inspiration from a lonely but enthusiastic reader in New Virginia, Iowa: “I have never had the benefit of a circle, and could seldom attend if one were here, having four small children, the eldest of whom is not yet seven, and besides, I am trying to fill my mission as the wife of a pastor whose work takes him much away from home. After the little ones are tucked up in bed, and the good-nights are spoken, I find it delightful to rest with my book and reading for an hour or more. I am determined that my husband with his studies shall not leave me far behind. Two years is a long look ahead, but I am planning for that one trip to Chautauqua, when I shall hope to grasp the hand of many an ’87.”
The Lower Oswego Falls circle, New York, is doing a most excellent work by downright hard study, in their class meetings.
The circle in Hartford, Conn., with Secretary Steven for its president, issues a fine program for its meetings, which already for this winter run into the twenties.
A new circle has been organized in Chicago, called the Oakland circle. All of its members belong to the Pansy class, though that can not account for their all being ladies. They are doing a most excellent work.
Great gifts are not given to all,Great tasks from all not required.The Master is just—faithful useOf talent is all desired.“Neglect not the gift that is in thee,”Oh! heed well that resonant call;Teach, write, or speak, at its bidding—To thy work, ere the shadows fall.—Margaret Heath, Class ’87.
Great gifts are not given to all,Great tasks from all not required.The Master is just—faithful useOf talent is all desired.“Neglect not the gift that is in thee,”Oh! heed well that resonant call;Teach, write, or speak, at its bidding—To thy work, ere the shadows fall.—Margaret Heath, Class ’87.
Great gifts are not given to all,Great tasks from all not required.The Master is just—faithful useOf talent is all desired.
Great gifts are not given to all,
Great tasks from all not required.
The Master is just—faithful use
Of talent is all desired.
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee,”Oh! heed well that resonant call;Teach, write, or speak, at its bidding—To thy work, ere the shadows fall.
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee,”
Oh! heed well that resonant call;
Teach, write, or speak, at its bidding—
To thy work, ere the shadows fall.
—Margaret Heath, Class ’87.
—Margaret Heath, Class ’87.
Miss Eliza Gummage, a member of the class of ’87, recently died at her home in Lewiston, Me. She was a devoted and enthusiastic Chautauquan.
Massachusetts.—I am a member of the Pansy class, but am entirely alone in my reading. My attempts to form a circle have not yet been successful. Not because our people are not interested in all good work, but they have some “first loves” in the way of clubs, the proceeds from which are appropriated for good at home or abroad. Still I hope that very soon they will expand their hearts and take in the C. L. S. C., the benefits of which are so many. I read with much interest all items from our class. In fact, I think the Pansy column is the first thing I look for upon the arrival ofThe Chautauquan. I am not only alone in my reading, but have not the acquaintance of a single member of the great family of “Chautauquans.” However, I am far from discouraged, and look forward to meeting a goodly array of Pansies in ’87.
Miss Flora Warren Potter, a member of “Pansy” class (’87), C. L. S. C., and of “Union” circle, of Washington, D. C., died in that city on the evening of March 20th, at the residence of her brother-in-law, Geo. H. Walker, Washington correspondent of the ClevelandLeader. Becoming a member of the C. L. S. C., she foresaw the advantages and possibilities which it opened out before her, and though an humble toiler in the work, none loved it more than she. At five o’clock on the Sabbath afternoon following her death, at the regular Chautauqua vesper hour, funeral services were held in the Union M. E. Church, the members of “Union” circle being present in a body and rendering the music, some new and choice selections, on the occasion.
In the past winter the C. L. S. C. lost a devoted member of the class of ’87 in Miss Maggie R. Elwell, of Salem, New Jersey. Most appreciative resolutions of condolence and respect were sent the bereaved friends by the Salem circle.
“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.
We give name, locality, and number of members of new circles formed: “Kate F. Kimball,” Minneapolis, Kan., 12; “Delta,” Norwich, Conn., 16; Orlando, Fla., 20; “Evening Star,” Torreyville, N. Y., 7; “Oird,” Oird, Mich., 27; “Lawrence,” Chillicothe, O., 18; “Souri,” Blair, Neb., 22; “Progressives,” Danielsonville, Conn., 16; “Colton,” Colton, Cal., 16; “Gleaners,” Zumbrota, Minn.; “Euclid,” Vicksburg, Miss., 18; “Olympic,” Yarmouth, Me., 14; “Adelphic Union,” Holden, Mo., 21; South Manchester, Conn., 50; oldest member seventy-four, youngest sixteen; West Lebanon, N. Y., few members; Carpinteria, Cal., 8; Hopkinton, Ia., 12; Tiffin, O., organized with 6, now 13;“St. Johns,” Toledo, O., 26, was organized by a “lone member.” In Barrie, Ontario, Canada, the enthusiasm of 5 enrolled 24 more; smallest attendance has been 16. Two teachers of Brainard, Neb., have failed but twice during the severe winter, to meet every week. Their walk is several miles to the home of an invalid, who, with them, composes a circle, “The Triangle.” “Straight Line,” Matawan, N. J., 2. These object to name, saying “it speaks of poultry.” Can not the class suggest names and have them given in our column, and be voted upon, selecting the one receiving the highest number of votes? Portland, Ind., circle desires a change of name. One from Darlington, Ind., also objects to name. One member from Chicago, Ill., suggests change of motto to “Let us be doers of the Word, not hearers only:” Matt. v:16. “Evening Star,” Terryville, N. Y., “started late, but worked hard and caught up, and have not yet had a dull meeting.” “Oird,” Mich., writes: “After starting, no one wishes to turn back.” Quite a number have written regarding their “Longfellow” day. One circle, “Delta,” of Norwich, Conn., sends a poem respecting their “Washington” day. Want of space crowds out this, and much more.
Why should we take with such pretenseA name so great? and in what senseShould we be likened to the stoneWhich to the Pilgrims first was known?This answering thought then came to me;“The teachings of our class should beA stepping-stone for coming youth,From seas of doubt to shore of truth.”So, when the ocean waves of wrongShall dash about us fierce and strong,We may not fear, nor be dismayed—Truth never in the grave was laid.And when the surging waves subsideAnd calmed shall be the raging tideWe, like the “rock,” may firmly standTo “welcome home” the storm-tossed band.These principles our lives will lead,If to our name we give good heed;True helpfulness to others give,And firmness for the right to live.Our influence will then appear,Proving more clearly year by year,The motto which our class now leads,“Let us be seen by our (good) deeds.”—Marietta S. Case.
Why should we take with such pretenseA name so great? and in what senseShould we be likened to the stoneWhich to the Pilgrims first was known?This answering thought then came to me;“The teachings of our class should beA stepping-stone for coming youth,From seas of doubt to shore of truth.”So, when the ocean waves of wrongShall dash about us fierce and strong,We may not fear, nor be dismayed—Truth never in the grave was laid.And when the surging waves subsideAnd calmed shall be the raging tideWe, like the “rock,” may firmly standTo “welcome home” the storm-tossed band.These principles our lives will lead,If to our name we give good heed;True helpfulness to others give,And firmness for the right to live.Our influence will then appear,Proving more clearly year by year,The motto which our class now leads,“Let us be seen by our (good) deeds.”—Marietta S. Case.
Why should we take with such pretenseA name so great? and in what senseShould we be likened to the stoneWhich to the Pilgrims first was known?
Why should we take with such pretense
A name so great? and in what sense
Should we be likened to the stone
Which to the Pilgrims first was known?
This answering thought then came to me;“The teachings of our class should beA stepping-stone for coming youth,From seas of doubt to shore of truth.”
This answering thought then came to me;
“The teachings of our class should be
A stepping-stone for coming youth,
From seas of doubt to shore of truth.”
So, when the ocean waves of wrongShall dash about us fierce and strong,We may not fear, nor be dismayed—Truth never in the grave was laid.
So, when the ocean waves of wrong
Shall dash about us fierce and strong,
We may not fear, nor be dismayed—
Truth never in the grave was laid.
And when the surging waves subsideAnd calmed shall be the raging tideWe, like the “rock,” may firmly standTo “welcome home” the storm-tossed band.
And when the surging waves subside
And calmed shall be the raging tide
We, like the “rock,” may firmly stand
To “welcome home” the storm-tossed band.
These principles our lives will lead,If to our name we give good heed;True helpfulness to others give,And firmness for the right to live.
These principles our lives will lead,
If to our name we give good heed;
True helpfulness to others give,
And firmness for the right to live.
Our influence will then appear,Proving more clearly year by year,The motto which our class now leads,“Let us be seen by our (good) deeds.”
Our influence will then appear,
Proving more clearly year by year,
The motto which our class now leads,
“Let us be seen by our (good) deeds.”
—Marietta S. Case.
—Marietta S. Case.
Many write of the “unbounded pleasure” they find in our reading course.
“Adelphic Union,” Holden, Mo., says their circle has neither “flaw nor break.” They have sent us a program of a symposium. Each member assumed a Greek name and wore an appropriate costume. The Greek idea was carried out even to the “Master of Revels.”
“Kate F. Kimball,” Minneapolis, Kansas, sends us theirmenu. The invitation to this tempting repast we could not accept, though the foodwasprepared in accordance withThe Chautauquan’sdirections. We must also decline the kindly invitation to the reception tendered our president, the Rev. A. E. Dunning, by the Congregational Sunday-school Superintendents’ Union, of Boston. The card is itself a treat.
Make your items for this column very brief, as we are not allowed much space. Writeno more wordsthan are necessary, and yet state everything of interest.
Illinois.—“The North Side C. L. S. C., of Chicago, held a public examination and reception at the parlors of the Grace M. E. Church, recently; it was a great success. There were about 150 persons present, and they evinced great interest in the exercises. We belong to the class of ’88, and this is our first reception, and we all feel delighted over our success, and we will have another in a short time. We know that our meeting will be of interest to all Chautauquans, particularly those of Chicago and vicinity.”
From a packet on the Tensas River comes a bit of history telling how one new member has been added to the class of ’88: “Having complained to a passenger on board my steamer that time hung heavily on my hands during a portion of each trip, and asked her to suggest a remedy, she immediately named the Chautauqua school, and advised me to become a member of the class of ’88, and gave me a list of questions I would be obliged to answer. As my education has necessarily been limited, I thought favorably of the scheme of self-improvement, as a relief to the monotonous long watches.” The master of the packet is now a member of the class of ’88.
Way down in Texas, at Hempstead, is a faithful band of fifteen C. L. S. C. workers of the class of ’88. They are college folks, the president of the institution—Soule College—to which they belong being the president of the circle. They are very enthusiastic over the course, and do a great deal of work.
The pathetic interest surrounding the illness of General Grant recalls the intenser, but not more persistent, emotions of the days when President Garfield lay dying. The strong and sustained popular interest in the illness of General Grant is shown by the constant attention of the press to the theme. No day is allowed to pass without a telegraphic bulletin informing the nation how well or ill the distinguished patient slept the last night, and reporting any change for the better or the worse. We are all gathered about the invalid chair, in which the illustrious sufferer spends his wearisome days; and any word which drops from his lips flies on the wires all over the country. It is not a passion, or a folly, or a nullity. It is a piece of modern Providential education. What distinguished patient, ever before Garfield had so large and sonearan audience of sympathy? And who does not see in the strong-flowing tide of sympathy for General Grant another lesson of the same kind? Eminence has been honored before; but these thought-laden wires take us into the very chamber of the patient and set us all upon muffled words of regret, and pity, and sorrow. We are learning, hardly knowing it, how eminence claims our regard and commands our attention, and how rapidly we can forget our criticisms and our antagonisms when Death knocks at the great man’s door. There is nothing political, nothing sensational, in this illness. No public fortunes, or hopes, or fears hang upon the event. General Grant is dying; that is all; but the man who has filled so large a space in his country’s history, and dwelt so long in the world’s eye, can not die without quickening all pulses, and awakening every soul to pitiful attention. Great worlds of mysterious human powers of interest and sympathy seem to open before us, and invite us within the awe and solemnity of their spiritual skies. It isbetter—we see why, now—to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting. No day of triumph in General Grant’s life had such an uplifting and educating power as is borne along in the arms of these days’ sickness and sorrow. Dying so among us, the illustrious patient does indeed die for us—his death lifting us into better life.
There are many smaller lessons. What an education in gunshot wounds we got at the bedside of Garfield! What a window into one of the awfully mysterious diseases we are looking through at the bedside of Grant! Before the end comes, cancer will have parted with much of its mystery. What doctors know the nation will know; and the education will save human lives; perhaps impel men to closer and more effectual search for the causes and remedies of this terrible disease. A human interest, such as we are feeling throughout the nation and the world, has a stimulating power which no man can measure. It may be that out of Grant’s dying of cancer may come discoveries of permanent and universal value to mankind.
Many circumstances have combined to fix attention at the present time upon the Senate of the United States. We have seen a Republican majority confirm the appointments of a Democratic President with the calmness and dignity of a Supreme Court passing upon questions of law. The event is not a new one, but it is still an impressive one, quite as much so as the change of the presidential office on the fourth of March. We then saw a defeated party resign the control of the government with decorum and civic reverence. We waited with bated breath for the first conflicts between the President and the Senate. No conflict came. Appointments were confirmed by the Senate without partisan bickerings or lamentations. The dignity of the Senate was seen to be a splendid and honorable reality. We catch other lights shining upon the Senate by going back a little. Last year, when the English people were “mad to the verge of insanity” because the House of Lords refused to pass a bill extending the franchise, the English magazines and newspapers overflowed with commendations of our Upper House. In the light of their own trouble, the English saw how happily our fathers had founded an Upper House upon enduring foundations, and how deftly they had combined popular representation with conservative privilege in our Senate. No other American institution ever had so much first-rate advertising as this Senate of ours had last year. The praise came from the best foreign sources; from men deeply versed in history, rich in public experience, and renowned for candid and sober judgment. What the historian sees in our Senate is an Upper House which reposes upon the elective principle, and is in fact constituted indirectly by the same vote which fills the Lower House—and therefore as truly from the people—but which has at the same time a distinct and original and impressive office in the government. The result was achieved by the fathers with a few well-aimed strokes of political art. For example,the Senate never dies. There are many Congresses, but there is only one Senate. There is at this time no House of Representatives; there never was an hour of constitutional history when there was not a Senate. This was achieved by a simple provision that one third of the Senators should retire biennially. The Senate must “advise,” that is to say, confirm all the President’s appointments. It is his council for considering and completing treaties with foreign powers—and without the consent of the Senate the President can make no treaty. And if the people through the House of Representatives impeach the President, it is in that august presence that he must appear and plead in his defense. The Senate has exercised all these peculiar functions during the century past, and in all of them it has displayed in the main those special qualities which the framers of the constitution sought to enlist in the service of government. It has even tried a President in the intense heat of controversies begotten in civil war—and acquitted him in the face of the clamorous dominant party to which the majority belonged. Its record is full of striking triumphs over the bitterness of party spirit. It has been judicial in its temper many a time when the air was full of rancorous strifes and malignant personalities. It has sloughed off the partisan sores caused by factional poison; and though it was seriously endangered by such devices as “the courtesy of the Senate,” it has refused to be used for narrow and selfish ends. The wranglers have passed out of sight; the Senate never dies.
The judicial character of the body is apparent in its methods of discussion. There is no “previous question” gag upon debate. A conspicuous unfairness to a member is impossible. A neat way of showing self respect by respecting brother Senators is the custom of confirming, without reference to a committee, any nomination of a Senator to an office. All other names must go to the committees; the names of Senators are honored by immediate action. Members of the Lower House are, not without reason, jealous of the power and “arrogance” of the Senate. But the people enjoy the breadth and decorum of their Senate. It can be trusted tojudge, to put its candid opinion into all the peculiar functions which it exercises. In the field of politics, senatorial action may be very like any other human behaving in such environments; but in the special judicial tasks of the Senators there is the serenity and probity of a court room. And yet the Senate has its dangers, and it has in recent years been close to the perilous edge of the precipice. A tendency to venal methods of electing Senators came in after the civil war, and a number of rich nobodies have disgraced the high office. It is believed that there are now a few Senators whose purses are far longer than their heads, and in some of the wrangles over recent elections of Senators, the power of money has been very freely talked of and boasted of. But in this matter the worst is over. The election of Mr. Evarts in New York is a proof that legislatures can be lifted above money influence; for if any senatorships would invite special efforts to win them by venal arts, they are those of the Empire State. When that state chose last winter one of its most eminent citizens—a man known rather as a great man than as a politician—it set an example which will have no small influence over other states. The Senate has in both parties men of great ability. There is undoubtedly a growing desire and purpose that only great men be clothed with senatorial honors. We are well past the civil war and reconstruction periods, and as we advance into happier conditions we are likely to take an increasing popular pride in our unique, original and successful Upper House. There is nothing like it in the world. It is the most conspicuous work of American political genius. The more the people realize it, the more pains will they take in filling it with great men.
We are, as a people, growing in taste for amusements. Some of the manifestations of this taste are not of an entirely satisfactory character; but there are other aspects of a very agreeable nature. Our summer amusements are in the open air. We have not yet learned to play outdoors in the winter; but we are slowly learning of the Canadians, and it is not improbable that Southern people will by and by come north in the season of short days to play in the frost of our most Arctic states. We have commented in a former number ofThe Chautauquanupon the advantages of the Canadian winter sports. Our summer sports are in a more advanced state of development. Base ball, Lacrosse, lawn tennis and croquet are established institutions, while we are only experimenting with tobogganing. It needs no argument here to satisfy people who think at all that amusements should be in the open air and require exercise enough to increase the strength and expand the lungs. Exercise is a farce unless the heart is putinto it; and play is unwise if it is not healthful. Play is primarily a demand of the physique; its value to the mind begins with the refreshment of the body by wholesome use of the muscles. The summer amusements in which women take part are above all just criticism. Croquet and lawn tennis have no doubtful elements. The exercise they afford will not content an athlete, but they are adequate to the wants of sedentary people in warm weather. There is no doubt that many persons would be greatly benefited by such games. They are too sedentary; they live too much indoors; they are too closely tied to a routine of thought or feeling. The open air, the mild exercise, the social chat, would give them a change of feeling and an agreeable exercise. Nor is there any conceivable avenue of approach for moral dangers. It is not wise for any one to make a business of croquet or of any other amusement; but the danger of excess is not worth considering. It will occur so seldom and have such limited consequences that the moralist need not post sentinels upon croquet grounds.
The “manly sports” are less satisfactory. Cricket, base ball and Lacrosse have the disadvantages following: First, they are exhibitions and public rather than social; second, they require violent exertion in hot weather; third, they are accompanied by gambling and other unmanly vices. Cricket and Lacrosse are not open to the last objection to any considerable extent. Those who engage in them are for the most part gentlemen; they are, so to say, the aristocratic games, while base ball is the great popular athletic game. It is not very old. When men now fifty were boys they did not know the modern game, though they did know a much simpler and far less strenuous practice with a soft ball—a game also called base ball. There is some reason to fear that this form of athletics is being ruined by immoral attachments and environments. Of boating we make special mention because itrequiresno overstrain—since boating need not mean boat-racing—and, indeed, is open to none of the objections urged against the exhibitory public games. On Chautauqua Lake, in the Assembly season, boating is one of the most healthful and enjoyable recreations. The exercise can be adjusted to strength, arrested at any time or prolonged at pleasure, and the boatload is enough for pleasant society—which may, of course, be selected to suit one’s tastes. Of this amusement we have only one regrettable feature to mention—it can be enjoyed only where there is convenient water.
Of the vigorous sports, we are compelled to speak with some reserve. We doubt the wholesomeness of athletics; they involve excess of exertion, and the gambler is the curse of base ball games. The other games may escape the influence of the demoralization, and cricket, polo and Lacrosse become great American exhibitory games of strength and skill. But the quiet social amusements ought to flourish among us, and indefinitely increase. The pleasure row-boat, the croquet and lawn tennis grounds, deserve our special attention. Let us play a little more. We can spare the time, for we shall live longer; we can well afford the hours, because the other hours will be worth more to us. In these quiet games we get refreshment of body and of spirit.
Decoration Day has many happy outlooks upon the humanities. Philanthropy may use it as a finger-board indicating the direction of our modern progress. The soldier’s grave is its special theme; it as clearly suggests the happier fate of the modern soldier as compared with his ancient brother. Great nations have always honored their dead soldiers; it is only in modern times that nations have given their whole hearts to the living soldiers. In the long wars between France and England from the twelfth century onward, the armies had no surgeons, and medical supplies were unknown. The medical equipment of a modern army is costly and ample; and that no man may die unnecessarily, woman hangs on the verge of battle to nurse the wounded, sheltered and safe under a red cross or a red crescent. In the old navies of England and France, the men were slaves who had been captured in their own lands and sent to suffer in crowded bulkheads of ships, or in the galleys, steaming with the most abominable odors. A French duchess in the sixteenth century wrote of that “living hell,” the many-oared galley war ship of the Mediterranean. One can not recall the horrors of any battle on sea or land with composure, but the whole life of soldier and sailor in public service was in the old days full of the horrors of battle fields.
It is often said that war will eventually be stopped by the increased and perfected effectiveness of engines of war. It may well be doubted on general grounds; but it is specially true that humanity has robbed war of many of its terrible aspects; it may well be that those who open again the gates of mercy are competing successfully against those who “shut the gates of mercy” on mankind.
The modern treatment of the soldier is conspicuous in providing for his comfort. Why should England buy canned meats for her soldiers? Some crusts would have sufficed the providing spirit of an ancient general. The British army in the field must be well fed or there will be a great noise about the ears of the government. Let it be written home that the biscuits were stale, or the army went without its supper, and the newspapers will roar out the indignation of the nation. It is an immense task; but it must be accomplished; the modern soldier must have his regular meals with certainty, and the food must be good. The Mahdi has no such cares or duties. His soldiers must forage and browse as best they can. The superior power of the civilized soldier lies as much in his regular feeding as in his discipline—the feeding is an element of his discipline. The soldiers must also be comfortably clothed and sheltered. Woe to the commander who exposes his men to needless hardships. The country will not allow its loyal and brave defenders to suffer a needless deprivation or hardship. If commissaries are careless or venal, the nation will pillory them in eternal infamy. The soldier must have, even in the far off desert, many of the comforts of home or the country will know the reason why. And when the battered veterans come home, how the air rings with huzzas, how tender the pity for the wounded, how liberal the pensions for the widows and orphans of those who did not come home! Neither Cyrus nor Alexander had any such pension rolls. Rome idolized her armies, but she let them starve abroad, and forgot their families at home. This whole line of treatment means more than we can express in words. It is a very real and royal worship of the nobility which we see in the soldier. Often he is a sorry human creature, but it is almost a profanation to say so. We idolize him and his office. He is our defender, our chivalric knight, our personation of the flag over us, and of the civilization in us. But—but—what chance does this treatment of the soldier afford for the Day of Universal Peace? Will a sword ever become a pruning hook so long as it is glorified by such a symbolism and illumined by these soft lights of pity and reverence? Let us not take too gloomy a view of the effects of our philanthropy toward the soldier. The causes of war probably lie out of the range of these influences. Wars would still be, if they were still as diabolically merciless as they were in the mediæval days when a war galley was “a living hell.” Peace is a question of universal civilization; and the pity we yield to the soldier is one of the undying agencies of universal civilization.
Street lighting is a modern invention. The history is imperfect, but Alexander Dumas gives credit to the tradition that Naples was first lighted in the seventeenth century by the cunning of a popular and sagacious priest, who induced the people to burn votive lamps before the numerous images of St. Joseph,the patron saint of the city. In the ancient towns people went about at night with lamps; and in mediæval times crimes of vengeance and greed found shelter and safety in the gloom of unlighted thoroughfares and bridges. When lighting began with oil lamps, the situation was not much improved; the feeble glimmer of the lamp-wicks only made certain corners less gloomy. When gas lights began to be used the millennium seemed to have come, and gas was expected to abolish midnight crimes. Until about a score of years ago, there was general satisfaction with gas light. Very satisfactory results were obtained in small towns by the use of petroleum, and the only formidable difficulties were those arising from the high cost of gas in towns of moderate wealth. It almost doubled the tax-levy, and when this bill did not materially decrease the cost of a police force the tax-payers murmured. Still, the work of lighting went on, and as soon as a town became ambitious, its citizens demanded street lights of some kind. The general result has been an immense increase of the aggregate outlays for this purpose. If we take into account the growth of towns and the extension of public lighting, it is safe to estimate that the public lighting bill of the world is twenty times as large as it was fifty years ago.
The invention of electric lights has, by the superior efficiency of this method, rendered oil and gas unsatisfactory; and the electric lamp furnishes three or four times as much light as gas at the same cost. But there are a dozen or more methods of using the electric lamp, and it may be doubted that we have yet reached the end of our inventive wits in this field. It is quite probable that the electric lamp of the next century will cost far less than any now in use. We are yet in the infancy of electrical invention, and it may be wise for communities to suffer a little longer the evils of darkness in order to obtain the best appliances for public lighting. The time is at hand when all towns will have street lamps; the inventors are busy and hopeful, and a little cautious patience in the public will probably stimulate rather than discourage invention. It is a good trait in our people that they want the newest device, at whatever cost; but on the other hand the ability of A to stock the market with an inferior article discourages the efforts of B to devise a superior one. The plant for lighting a town is expensive, and can not easily be thrown aside for a better one. Besides, we are in some danger of hatching a new brood of monopolies to plague us with unreasonable exactions.
We need street lights much more than our fathers did. In large towns—and in many small ones—the din of toil does not cease when darkness comes on. There is a steady increase of night occupations. Some of these occupations are of high convenience, such as the pharmacies, the printing offices, and the depots of travel. Others are means to profitable ends for individuals. In a great city a multitude of people use the streets at night. The market gardener must be in his stall before day dawn. The daily bread is baked or distributed to depots of sale in the night time; a thousand small trades are plied in the darkness to provide the tables of the families with the necessaries and luxuries of life. The result is a growing demand for artificial sunshine, and this demand will be amply met in a near future. The bright lights will do what the feeble lights partially failed to do. The night will cease to be the hour of crime. If one will but think of it, a marvelous change has come over the world since petroleum was discovered in Western Pennsylvania—which was, as it were, but yesterday. Then we had tallow dips in all but the largest towns for all lighting purposes, except when extravagant people burned on rare occasions the costly illuminating oils. To make noonday in a whole town at midnight would have seemed a foolish dream thirty years ago. The world moves—into the light.