MERCURY

Presents us this month with an unusual number of phenomena, none of

which, however, are of a striking character. He rises on the 1st at 8:28

a. m.; on the 16th, at 8:55 a. m.; on the 31st, at 7:48 a. m.; sets on

the corresponding days at 5:16, 5:53 and 5:20 p. m.; that is, during

the entire month setting from one-half hour to one and one-third hours

later than the sun; and thus being visible to a careful observer for

perhaps ten or twelve days both before and after the 17th, the day on

which he reaches his greatest distance (20° 12′) east of the sun. His

motion during the first seventeen days is 30° 33′ 44″ direct, and for

the remaining fourteen 5° 9′ 55.5″ retrograde. Diameter increases from

5.2″ to 9.6″. At 3:00 p. m. on the 4th he is 1° 26′ south of Mars; on the

19th, at 6:34 a. m., 6° 27′ south of the moon; on the 25th, at 10:00 a.

m., stationary; at midnight on the 29th, 2° 25′ north of Mars; and on the

30th, at 5:00 a. m., reaches its nearest point to the sun.

VENUS

Is now on the wane, decreasing from 14.2″ to 12.4″ in diameter, though

still an object of beauty in the morning sky. She rises at 4:03 a. m. on

the 1st; at 4:36 a. m. on the 16th, and at 5:10 a. m. on the 31st. Her

motion is direct and equals 38° 30′ of arc. On the 14th, at 4:37 a. m.,

she is 1° 15′ south of the moon.

MARS

Makes a very poor showing, his diameter being small, only about 4.2″,

and his rising and setting nearly the same as that of the sun. At 8:35

a. m. he rises and at 5:33 p. m. sets on the 1st; on the 16th, rises at

8:25 a. m., and sets at 5:25 p. m.; and on the 31st, rises at 8:11 a.

m., and sets at 5:21 p. m., remaining above the horizon on an average of

about nine hours each day. His motion is direct and amounts to 25° 57′

of arc. On the 18th, at 1:35 p. m., he is 5° 59′ south of the moon. His

declination on the 1st is 24° 17′ south, and on the 31st, 22° 58′ south.

JUPITER

Is morning star throughout the month, rising November 30th at 11:07 p.

m., and setting December 1st, at 12:19 p. m.; on the 15th, rising at

10:10 p. m.; setting next day at 11:22 a. m.; and on the 30th rising at

9:10 p. m., and setting on the 31st at 10:23 a. m. Direct motion 31′ 39″;

retrograde motion 12′ 22″. Diameter increases from 36.2″ to 39.6″. On

the 8th, at 10:52 a. m., 4° 10′ north of the moon; about midnight on the

20th, stationary.

SATURN

During the former part of the month will be a morning star, but during

the latter and greater part an evening star, though shining during most

of the night time. He rises on the 1st at 5:19 p. m., and sets on the 2d

at 7:57 a. m.; rises on the 16th at 4:14 p. m., and sets on the 17th at

6:52 a. m.; rises on the 31st at 3:11 p. m., and sets on the first day of

the new year at 5:47 a. m. His motion, 2° 39′ 15″ of arc, is retrograde;

and his diameter diminishes about two-tenths of a second of arc. On the

3d, at 5:48 a. m., 3° 15′ north of the moon; on the 12th, at 2:00 a. m.,

180° west of the sun; and on the 30th, at 1:48 p. m., 3° 16′ north of the

moon. As mentioned in a former number of THE CHAUTAUQUAN, from this time

for several months will be the most favorable for seeing the rings (the

“handles” of the seventeenth century) of this planet.

URANUS

Has a direct motion of 35′ 1″ of arc during the month, and its diameter

increases two-tenths of a second. On the 10th it will be found, at 11:08

a. m., 1° 37′ north of the moon; and on the 24th, at about 2:00 p. m.,

90° west of the sun. It will also appear as an evening star, rising at

1:28 a. m., and setting at 1:26 p. m. on the 1st; rising at 12:30 a. m.,

and setting at 12:28 p. m. on the 16th; and rising at 11:33 p. m. on

30th, and setting at 11:39 a. m. on 31st.

NEPTUNE.

“Distance lends enchantment to the view.” Our imagination may readily

picture a huge ball having a diameter of 34,500 miles, and a density of

1.15 times that of water, at a distance of 2,775 millions of miles from

the sun, and making its way around it in a period of about 165 years, at

the rate of about 3.36 miles per second; but methinks most of us would

prefer to remain where we are rather than migrate to a “land of liquids”

and spend our lives in swimming through oceans of liquefaction. Neptune

rises on the 1st at 3:34 p. m., and sets on the 2d at 5:30 a. m.; rises

on the 16th at 2:35 p. m., sets on the 17th at 4:29 a. m.; rises on the

31st at 1:35 p. m., sets on January 1st at 3:29 a. m. Retrogrades 40′ 35″

of arc. Diameter, 2.6″.

THE LIBERAL UPHEAVAL IN NORWAY.

BY BISHOP JOHN F. HURST.

In no European country has there been, in the last half century, such

a thorough coming up of liberal sentiment concerning all that regards

the rights of the citizen and the Christian as in Norway. Lying at the

northwest corner of the continent, far removed from the excitements and

jealousies common to the nervous central countries, Norway has moved on

in its even way, and cared little for the general current of these lands.

But these Norwegians have not been asleep. Nor has there ever been a time

when they have slept, from the hazardous day when their Vikings invaded

Britain, and became forever a part of the bone and fiber of Scotland in

eastern England, down to our century. All Norwegian history is a romance,

whether in former or recent times. The unexpected change happens on those

mountain sides and in those happy valleys, and when a new movement does

begin there it is apt to overthrow the whole of Scandinavia. Norwegian

impulses, as a rule, have such abundant vitality in them that no

resistance can be made successfully against them. They are as invincible

with their new liberal policy, in state and church, as was their Harold

the Fair-Haired, who fought and slew twenty-two hostile kings of Norway,

in the one battle of Stavenger, and made the land first and for the whole

future one and strong, and then took for his queen the fair lady who had

declared she would never marry him until he became king of United Norway.

He laid deep plans, and then both wise and believing, waited ten long

years, and so came the Norway of to-day, stretching from North Cape down

to Land’s Nose.

Here is an instance of the old and the anticipated never taking place

in Norway. When the country separated from Denmark in the year 1814,

and became consolidated with Sweden, it produced its own constitution,

and has ever since been independent of either Scandinavian country,

and produces all the liberal political and ecclesiastical sentiment in

northern Europe, so far as the continent is concerned. But Norway has

the same king as Sweden, and the two constitute the kingdom of Sweden

and Norway. There is, however, nowhere a parallel to their internal

arrangements. While the countries are one, there is a broad strip of

felled forest, or open land, which marks the boundary line between them.

They have two different postal systems, and two classes of postage

stamps. The crowning of the king in Stockholm does not make him king of

Norway. He must go five hundred and twenty-seven miles northwest, and be

crowned in the cathedral of the ancient capital of Norway, Trondhjem,

and be blest by Norwegian clerical hands, and benedictions rung out by

Norwegian bells, before he is king of Norway. Then, too, he must have

not only a Swedish cabinet and court, resident in Stockholm, and his

two houses of Parliament as well, but must have the same double headed

arrangement in Christiania, the capital of Norway. He must have his

palace and court, his upper and lower houses of Parliament, and his

Ministry. Sweden can not make a law for Norway, nor the latter for the

former. The king has two sets of men for everything, and unlike most

kings, has duplicate critics on every question of royal action.

The Norwegian Parliament, or Storthing, has always been a troublesome

thing to handle, by both kings and nobility. It is made up of rich and

poor alike—all men who prove themselves worthy of the popular confidence.

Until 1869 it met only triennially, and as soon as it had fought a few

months for the people it could say no more for so long a time that

there was ample opportunity for its legislation to be half forgotten,

and, where there was a will, to be often evaded. But so rapidly did the

liberal sentiment grow throughout the land that a law was at last made

requiring the Storthing to meet annually. This was the fatal day for

the rule of the aristocratic and bureaucratic spirit in Norway. When,

in 1869, for the first time, the parliament of the country found itself

compelled to come together every year, to revise the affairs of the

country, it began a series of legislative acts which covered all the

great and overlooked needs of the people, and, without treading upon

the authority of the throne, did pursue such a course as the kings had

been accustomed to think belonged only to them. In 1872 the Storthing

went so far as to order that the king’s ministers, who hitherto had

been shut out from all participation in the proceedings of both houses,

might appear, and in case of need must appear, and give all needful

information concerning the points at any time under discussion. They must

be “interpellated” without let or hindrance, and in this way be held

responsible to the popular representations. But the king would not sign

this law. His ministers were antideluvian and conservative, and strongly

advised him not to do it. The Storthing could do nothing. Here was a

violent clash between the people and the throne, and the relation was

strained more violently than at any other time in the last thirty years.

The fact is, the people had waked up, and were moving on. The Storthing

adjourned, and the members went home.

Now began a strong current of liberal sentiment, which overspread the

entire country. In five years, or by 1877, there was such a liberal

Storthing in session that the law requiring the ministry to appear in

person and give account of their discharge of official duty, was again

passed, with an overwhelming majority. But the king and his ministry

refused again to favor it. The royal signature was withheld, and so

the law remained a dead letter. The same thing took place in 1879. The

same refusal knocked it to pieces. In 1882 matters began to culminate.

The Storthing passed the same law, by a vote of one hundred and five

to eight, and determined to see it signed and executed. The king lost

all patience. His ministers advised him not only not to sign it, but to

veto it. This they supported, as his right, by a false interpretation

of an article of the constitution. The Law Faculty of the University

of Christiania indorsed the veto as constitutional, and so for the

moment things seemed to be settled. Here was a case, however, where

the people stepped in, and formed themselves masters of the king and

his willing instruments. The next Storthing boldly declared that the

new law was valid, with or without the king’s sanction, that he had

no right to absolute veto at all, and demanded the government to

promulgate the new law without ceremony, as a part of the laws of the

land. This the ministers refused to do. This procedure, with several

other unconstitutional acts, caused the Odelsthing, or select body of

the Storthing, to remove the ministers before the Rigsret, which is the

supreme court. From August 1883 until January 1884 the court deliberated

on the case, and at last pronounced its verdict. We venture to say that

no such excitement has been seen in Norway since it dropped off from

Danish rule. By this verdict the entire ministry, including the prime

minister, Selmer, were declared to have forfeited their right to be royal

advisers, and two of the number were fined eight thousand crowns, as

penalty for disobeying the laws.

The king still hesitated. He claimed that he had the right of veto, and

was going to exercise it. The old and impeached ministry went out, of

course, but the new one was a question. He chose, as his next ministry,

the same kind of men he had been having. They were known in the country

as enemies of the people’s rights, and the storm of indignation was

violent throughout the country. In this chaotic condition, Sweden came

in with its advice. The ministers over in Stockholm saw that there was

danger of losing Norway entirely, and they plainly told the king that

he must make peace there at all hazards. The king now looked at the

status of things with great care, and seems to have feared for his crown.

He turned suddenly about, and chose a new ministry, with the renowned

liberal leader, Johan Sverdrup, as his premier. For thirty-three years

this man had been an advocate of the people’s rights, and during all that

time had been a member of the Storthing. He was known in every valley

and on every mountain in the land of the midnight sun, as the one man who

could be trusted to defend the poor and fight for the largest liberty

to every one. He had been for at least a quarter of a century the most

powerful man of the country. He was feared and hated by every despotic

and aristocratic spirit in the land, and not one even dared to attack his

patriotism and honor. That King Oscar should choose Sverdrup as his prime

minister was infinitely more of a revolution than when Queen Victoria

took Gladstone in place of Beaconsfield, to select a new ministry and

preside over it.

The changes consequent upon this new and happy resolution of the king to

make peace with the liberals, have been complete, and of great numbers.

The question of the king’s veto of a law passed by the Storthing is

settled forever. He can not do it. The Storthing is king, in fact. No

sooner were the new ministry in power than they appeared in Parliament,

took part in all debates, answered all questions concerning the policy of

the government, and, to cap the climax, enlarged the right of suffrage

to such an extent that forty thousand citizens could participate in all

the canonical and political elections, for the first time. As to the work

done, the Storthing now did more business in one week than had been done

in months before.

This change in the political structure of Norway is the most significant

event in Scandinavian history since 1814. It not only covers the past,

but promises grandly for the future, to see the coming of the people to

the front, in the land of our old Norse ancestors. And we may depend

upon it that in Norway there will be no going backward. The king has had

a hard task, but when the critical hour came, he chose discretion and

the interests of the people. This assertion by the people, that they are

supreme, means more than merely political liberation. It means that the

day is not far distant when the Norwegian state church will be placed

away among the rest of the useless antiquities.

HOW TO HELP THE C. L. S. C.

BY CHANCELLOR J. H. VINCENT, D.D.

The C. L. S. C. is an institution. It has an aim, a plan, an

organization, officers and members. It began, has grown, and will

continue to grow. The ends it proposes are useful and much needed. They

lay hold of personal character. They reach society in the family, in the

community, in the church. They are ends intellectual, moral, domestic,

social, and religious. Every reason that can be urged in favor of general

education, of refined manners, of cultivated tastes, of religious

principles, of personal influence in favor of the true, the beautiful

and the good, may be presented in behalf of the Chautauqua Literary

and Scientific Circle. Its enthusiastic alumni, its undergraduates

and outside persons of sound judgment who have studied its philosophy

and watched its progress have said many strong and beautiful things

in commendation of it. And there is no danger of saying too much, for

however crude the beginnings of the movement, one may easily see in it

the most splendid possibilities. The universal praise which the scheme

has elicited is all deserved. The C. L. S. C. is a great institution.

But it must be remembered that institutions, however lofty in purpose

and practical in organization, can not grow or work by virtue of mere

aim and plan. Ideals and artistic apparatus are essential, but without

personal genius and labor are impotent in the world of art. Something

more is necessary to a transatlantic passage than a dock at Liverpool

and a seaworthy steamer in New York. Between the two lie the conditions

of success in human enterprise and effort. The C. L. S. C. needs

appreciation as a scheme, but it needs also work—wise, unremitting,

indefatigable work, on the part of those who believe in it.

The problem before us now is: How may we help the C. L. S. C.? Every

member who receives benefit from it, and who believes in its value to

others, may become an advocate and representative and thus may induce

numbers to test its worth. This service, voluntary and uncompensated,

is due to the Circle. I propose to show how it may be most effectively

rendered.

1. There are multitudes of people who would welcome the C. L. S. C. as

an angel of strength and comfort, if its existence were but made known

to them. They have no definite idea about it. The mystic letters which

represent it they have often seen, but having “no interest in secret

societies” have not even asked what the C. L. S. C. is. They have seen

the word “Chautauqua,” and know that Chautauqua County is famous “for

butter and for Republican majorities.” Or they have heard about a “camp

meeting at Chautauqua,” which being a camp meeting must of course be

Methodist—and in “Methodist camp meetings they have never taken much

interest”—indeed, they have a “prejudice against such things.” As for a

“Sunday-school Assembly” at Chautauqua, if they do not think of it as “a

big picnic with lots of children and barrels of peanuts,” they class it

among “the pious conventions which only very good people care to attend.”

Thus the widespread name of Chautauqua means half a dozen different

things, according to the measure of the hearer’s ignorance. Now, members

of the C. L. S. C. can do a world of good to people who would welcome

and enter the Circle if they knew about it, by telling of its aims to

persons whom they casually meet, by distributing the “Popular Educational

Circular,” and by handing out judiciously copies of “The Green Book.”

Thus they could soon disabuse minds which hold the superficial views

of the movement above indicated and convince them that Chautauqua is

not merely a “creamery,” that it is not a camp meeting, that it is

not Methodist, that it is not a children’s or Sunday-school picnic at

all, that Sunday-school work has a place, but a comparatively small

place in the great Chautauqua Idea and movement, and that Chautauqua

is CHAUTAUQUA—peculiar, instructive, broad, far-reaching—a place and

an idea, a school and a society, a life and a power, representing all

that is high in human aims, all that is delightful in human fellowship,

all that is ennobling in broadest culture, all that is sanctifying in

intelligent and reverent worship. A few words would do all this, for

hosts of people who need and long for the very ministry our noble cause

fulfills. Speak the words, then, dear fellow students, and distribute

widely the circulars which spread this information.

2. Having sown the seed watch the growth. Urge the friend to whom you

broach the subject to join the Circle. Take his or her name and address;

a postal card later on may be a reminder. Insist upon prompt action

in sending for blank form of application. Elicit questions. Remove

difficulties. Answer objections. Be earnest and urgent, and from the

seed by the wayside may come up quite a harvest of good. You can not be

too urgent or emphatic. The cause and the institution justify your zeal,

and those whom you win to the experiment will soon give it unequivocal

indorsement, and will add a vote of thanks, for your suggestion and

importunacy. Personal interest in people always pays. In a good work this

interest yields the best results. And this is a good work. The young man

you follow up with circulars and solicitations and offers of help will

finally yield through your very earnestness in his behalf. And the more

you help, the more zeal in the cause of the C. L. S. C. you will develop

in him. The discouraged woman to whom the world of letters seems as

inaccessible as the royal palace at Windsor, will believe your testimony

because of the faith and fervor you show, and having had the door opened

to her will enter in, and at every step will give thanks for what she

finds, and for the thoughtful, sympathetic soul that pointed her to

Temple of Knowledge.

3. Use the local press in the interest of the Circle. The columns of

any paper in the land will be open to occasional items concerning the

Chautauqua movement and its courses of reading. Editors who want news

will be glad to receive your communications. Editors who believe in

popular education will take a personal interest in the matter. They will

cheerfully write editorials on some phases of the subject. They will

report meetings of your local circle. They will publish choice literary

extracts in the line of the current required reading. Suppose the subject

for the month is Greek history and literature. Find some gem from the

critics, some exquisite translation of a passage from Homer, Plato or

Æschylus, some word-picture from the historians or from modern travelers;

copy carefully, send to the editor, and ask its publication, and you

will be surprised to find how glad editors will be to enrich their pages

through your skill, taste and services. Every such item of news or

passage from literature, if connected with Chautauqua or the C. L. S. C.

will advertise the Circle and increase its membership.

4. Use the public schools. Secure the coöperation of teachers, especially

high school principals and superintendents. Do not try to induce pupils

to join the Circle. They have enough to do already, at school and at

home. But watch the high school graduates, and those young people

dropping out of the various grades, “giving up school,” as so many

thousands do. Talk to them about what the C. L. S. C. will do for them.

Tell them all about the “college outlook,” the “diploma,” the “seals,”

the “societies,” and “degrees.” Urge them to enter this “Home College.”

Press upon them the advantages. And if the arguments you present be so

strong as to determine them not to give up school, but to keep on and

enter college, you can afford to excuse them from entering the C. L. S.

C. for this is the highest end of our Circle: To awaken an interest in

college education, and to induce young people to secure it. Do not be

disheartened if now and then a public school superintendent or teacher

looks disapprovingly or with a faint touch of scorn on the C. L. S. C. It

will be because he does not understand it. No scholar of a high order,

who knows what we aim at and are doing, can disapprove the movement. He

may object to this book or that. About what book are there no differences

of opinion? He may find fault with the relative proportions of literature

and science in our course. All curriculums are subjected to such

criticisms. He may smile at our desires for promoting the _esprit de

corps_. College societies, college athletics, college exhibitions have

been often severely denounced as puerile, dissipating, and all that.

And one has read college songs that have not been wholly weighted with

wisdom or composed in conformity with highest rhetorical standards. No

wise teacher can afford to sneer at the C. L. S. C. The most eminent

educators of the country are in sympathy with it. Give your public school

teachers a knowledge of the system and they will coöperate with you in

the promotion of its interests.

5. Get the college men of your place enlisted. They are bound to help it.

The C. L. S. C. is among all the educational movements of the age the

best friend of the college system. It is a John-the-Baptist, going in

advance and preparing the way in a wilderness-age of mercenary ambition,

and among masses of people apathetic concerning especially the higher

education. It goes into a household and captures parents while the

children are yet young or unborn. It gives intellectual hope, confidence

and ambition to those full grown men and women who supposed having left

school their education had been finished. It gives them a new world to

live in, a world of good books, a world of high art, a world of refined

society. And into this world the children are born, and in this world

they are trained, and because of this larger, nobler world they go to

college. What put those better books and better pictures into the home?

The C. L. S. C. What inspired the literary ambition in these mature

people? The C. L. S. C. What filled the house with college atmosphere

and college longings? The C. L. S. C. What led the mother to say and

sing over and over again to the smiling infant in her arms, “My darling

is going to college one of these days?” The C. L. S. C. If any people

on the continent should honor and further the C. L. S. C. it is the

college people, and as they learn its work they see its worth and give it

sympathy and help. Our most enthusiastic friends are college presidents

and professors.

Therefore make a point of enlisting college people in the enterprise.

They will be glad to join. It will do them good after these years of

neglect to read up Greek-in-English with Dr. Wilkinson, or to have

Professor Appleton and Dr. Edwards tell them in their clear way what

additions have been made to the science of chemistry since it was studied

in the old college laboratory. There is not a subject or a book in the C.

L. S. C. course that it would not pay any college graduate to read over

again. And the really wise ones among them will do it. We have thousands

of college graduates on the record lists of the Circle.

Where these men and women may not care to join for their own sakes

they may be induced to give _prestige_ to the movement for the sake

of others. This is a power they have. They may well be proud of it;

and if by putting themselves side by side with less favored people as

fellow-students, they can help without seeming to do it, they may add

to the influence and profit of the Circle. Stir up and use the college

people.

6. And now for the ministers! No class has greater influence in matters

pertaining to education. To hear some wiseacres talk one would suppose

that churches and ministers were afraid of education. The fact is that

both popular and higher education owes more to the church than to any

other organization on earth, and college presidents and professors have

for the most part been clergymen or active laymen ready for Christian

service. The most efficient factor in the educational movements of the

world is Christianity.

The ministers are able to do more for the C. L. S. C. than any other

class. They have influence over the homes, and especially over the youth

of their congregations. If they do not it is their own fault; and I have

sometimes felt that the Chautauqua plan was a providential appliance

adapted to the age, by which pastors may secure a firmer hold upon the

young people, and keep them in more perfect sympathy with the social and

spiritual ideas which it is the business of the church to set forth.

What intellectual dissipation and what moral weakening follow the loose

reading habits of the age! How can a minister of Christ bring people

to an appreciation of stability, purity, thoughtfulness, by sermons on

one day of the week while all the other days are filled (what time is

left from business) with sensational and demoralizing stories, unreal in

their pictures of life and fearfully false in the ethical and theological

principles they embody? How can a minister train his people to solidity

and self-sacrifice and spirituality, whose highest ideas of “society” are

expressed in the sensuous and dangerous pleasures in which a frivolous

world delights, and which by its consciousless requirements are made

“fashionable?” Priestly prohibition is worthless. Bitter denunciation

is worse. Appeals to higher tastes are useless—while the higher taste

is lacking. There is only one way out of the difficulty. It is by “the

expulsive power of a new affection.” To learn to loathe the low, one

must learn to love the high and holy. To banish bad books we must create

a delight in good books. To make worldly society seem the sensuous

and senseless thing it often is, we must create a taste for refined,

elevating and rational society. To put dignity and stability into a life

we must feed it on truth, and cause it to delight in serving others. The

C. L. S. C. is the pastor’s helper in all these lines. It puts good books

into the hands of youth and age. It opens broad fields for exploration.

It discovers and develops personal aptitude. It gives high ambitions. It

makes conversation with rational and cultivated people more agreeable

than frivolous amusements which have neither ideas nor useful inspiration

in them. It quickens conscience. It gives dignity to life. It makes

usefulness more desirable than self-gratification. It supplements Sunday

aspiration by week-day effort, and increases the power—intellectual,

social and spiritual—of every life and of every home into which it comes.

All this our ministers should feel. If they knew they would feel. Then

cause them to know. By talk and by circulars stir them up.

When new tastes are developed among their young people, tastes

sanctified by prayer and fostered by lectures and lessons, and books and

conversation, the ministers seeing the good work will appreciate the

agency, and thank you for calling their attention to the C. L. S. C.

These are some of the radical ways of helping the C. L. S. C.

OUTLINE OF REQUIRED READINGS.

DECEMBER, 1884.

_First Week_ (ending December 8).—1. “Preparatory Greek Course in

English,” from page 172 to 192.

2. “History of Cyrus,” from page 1 to 144.

3. “What English Is,” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for December 7, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

* * * * *

_Second Week_ (ending December 15).—1. “Preparatory Greek Course in

English,” from page 192 to 210.

2. “History of Cyrus,” from page 144 to 289.

3. “Readings in Kitchen Science and Art,” and “Glimpses of Ancient Greek

Life,” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for December 14, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

* * * * *

_Third Week_ (ending December 22).—1. “Preparatory Greek Course in

English,” from page 211 to 232.

2. “History of Alexander,” from page 1 to 168.

3. “Readings in Chemistry” and “Temperance Teachings of Science” in THE

CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for December 21, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

* * * * *

_Fourth Week_ (ending December 31).—1. “Preparatory Greek Course in

English,” from page 233 to 278.

2. “History of Alexander,” from page 169 to 278.

3. “Greek Mythology,” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for December 28, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

PROGRAMS FOR LOCAL CIRCLE WORK.

MILTON’S DAY—DECEMBER 9.

“Truth is as impossible to be soiled by any outward touch as the

sunbeam.”

Music.

Roll-call—Responses by quotations from Milton.

1. Essay—A Brief Sketch of the Life of Milton.

2. Recitation—Sonnet on his own Blindness.

3. Review of Milton’s Works.

[A brief outline of his principal works in both prose and poetry,

including “Areopagitica,” “L’Allegro,” “Il Penseroso,” “Comus,”

“Lycidas,” “Paradise Lost,” “Paradise Regained,” “Samson Agonistes,”

given by different members of the circle, each member taking up only

one production, and giving explanation and derivation of the name if

necessary. In this way the whole class could acquire a good general idea

of the field covered by Milton’s works. Each one might be provided with a

note-book and take down leading items as the others read.]

Music.

4. Essay—Milton’s “History as connected with the Commonwealth and the

Restoration.”

Selections from Taine on Milton’s “Adam and Eve.” See reference given.

[These selections will afford amusement, and add spice to the

entertainment.]

Additional subjects for essays: Milton’s Early Home, Milton’s Daughters,

Milton’s Wives, Milton on Divorce, Mary Milton, The Character of Milton,

Milton’s Times.

The following references will be found useful in gathering materials for

essays: “English Literature,” H. A. Taine, Vol. ii, page 240; the same,

Vol. iii, page 249; Prose Writings, Vol. vi, p. 257; “Lives of Poets of

Great Britain and Ireland,” by Dr. Sam Johnson, p. 1; “Modern British

Essayists,” “Macaulay’s Miscellanies;” the same, “Milton and Cowley,” p.

116; Addison’s Works, Vol. i, p. 143, a poetical criticism; Addison’s

Works, Vol. i, p. 39, Milton’s style imitated; Addison’s Works, Vol. vi,

p. 168, admirable notice; “Life and Poetical Works of Milton,” published

by Gregg, Philadelphia, Vol. ii; “English Literature,” by G. L. Craik,

LL.D., Scribner, New York; “Chambers’s English Literature,” Vol. i, p.

396; _Christian Examiner_, Vol. iii, p. 29; _American Church Repository_,

Vol. ii, p. 153; _Contemporary Review_, Vol. xxii, p. 427; _Littel’s

Living Age_, Vol. cli, p. 323; _Unitarian Review_, Vol. xiv, p. 12;

_Western Review_, Vol. v, p. 107; _Potter’s American Monthly_, Vol. xiii,

p. 45; _National Review_, Vol. ix, p. 150; _Congregational Magazine_,

Vol. xvi, p. 193; “Land We Love,” Vol. ii, p. 445; “Land We Love,” Vol.

iii, p. 38; _American Quarterly Observer_, Vol. i, p. 115; _American

Quarterly Review_, Vol. v, p. 301; _United States Literary Gazette_,

Vol. iv, p. 278; _Colburn’s New Monthly Magazine_, Vol. cliii, p. 27;

_Analytical Magazine_, Vol. xiv, p. 224; _Penny Magazine_, Vol. x, p. 97.

SECOND WEEK IN DECEMBER.

Music.

1. Quiz on the Readings of the Week.

2. Recitation.

3. Essay—The Character of Cyrus.

Music.

4. Reading.

5. Essay—What English Is.

6. Fifteen minute talk on Topics of the Times.

Social Converse.

THIRD WEEK IN DECEMBER.

1. Roll-call—Quotations from Readings of the Month.

2. Essay—Demosthenes.

3. Reading—Selections from the Philippics.

Intermission.

4. Essay—The Effects of Intemperance.

5. Reading—Greek Home Life.

6. Experiments in Chemistry.

MONTHLY PUBLIC MEETING.

Music—Chautauqua Song.

Roll-call—With Responses from Milton.

Introduction of New Members.

1. Quiz on the Month’s Readings.

2. Essay—The Story of Ulysses.

3. Recitation—From the Iliad.

Music.

4. Essay—Our Native Tongue.

5. Recitation—From Il Penseroso.

6. Chemical Experiments.

7. Discussion—How can we improve our Circle and extend the C. L. S. C.?

HOW TO ORGANIZE A LOCAL CIRCLE.

BY REV. J. L. HURLBUT, D.D.

1. The first step is for somebody to get thoroughly saturated with the

Chautauqua Idea, either at “the Mecca of us all,” or some other Assembly,

or by coming into contact with a live Chautauquan. Find out what the

C. L. S. C. is, what it aims to do, and what it has already done in

lifting up and inspiring people. Chautauqua Hand-book No. 2 will tell you

something about its history and methods, and the C. L. S. C. number of

the _Assembly Herald_ will shed more light in the address of Dr. Vincent

which it contains. But if you can get hold of the button hole of an

intelligent leader of a local circle, in half an hour you can learn more

of the working of the organization, than in a half-day of reading about

it.

2. The next step is to awaken the interest of others in the subject. Talk

about it in social conversation, especially with the busy people, who

feel their need of just what the C. L. S. C. offers, an inspiration to

and a helping hand in reading and thought. Send to the general office for

a number of copies of the circular on “Popular Education,” and distribute

them where they will be appreciated and read. Let the Sunday-school

teacher talk to his Bible class, the Superintendent to his school, the

pastor to his congregation. Write an article for the village paper about

the good work of the circle among the people. Secure the coöperation of

the intelligent people in the community, the doctor, the lawyer, the

editor, the principal and teachers of the public school, and let the town

be awakened on the subject of the People’s College. If these educated

leaders fail to take interest, do not be discouraged, but go on and get

up the circle among the few who will be aroused. We know of a place where

the first circle consisted of six members; and now there are two hundred

readers of the course in that city.

3. Bring together those interested in the subject to hold a meeting for

the organization of a local circle. Do not limit the constituency to any

one social grade. It will do good to both the banker and the plumber’s

apprentice, the society lady and the dressmaker, to meet on the common

platform of an interest in one subject of thought. If the circle be

started under the auspices of a church, make room for members from other

churches, for it does Christians good to look each other in the face and

study together. The best place for the meeting is the big parlors of some

warm-hearted householder who is in sympathy with the enterprise, and the

closer the crowd the better the feeling is apt to be. Have on hand some

Chautauqua Songs, and learn a few of the best. Shake hands all around,

and try to make people acquainted.

4. At the meeting show a set of the books for the year’s reading, and

set forth the plan of the C. L. S. C. Then distribute the copies of the

application blanks, and proclaim a recess, during which time the names of

members will be received by a Secretary _pro tem._ [Obtain the blanks in

advance of the meeting from the general office at Plainfield, N. J.] Two

conditions of membership, in my judgment, should be named. First, that

every member of the local circle should also be a member of the general

C. L. S. C. “Associate members” have been the bane of many circles, for

they are without responsibility; follow the course only so far as they

feel an inclination, and are not true Chautauquans. You are uniting a

company of people for a definite purpose of study, and no others should

be admitted to membership. The second condition of membership should

be, that each one joining shall take part as assigned in the meetings.

If there is an implied distinction between members speaking and silent,

between workers and listeners (who are apt to be critics), your circle

will fail to accomplish its highest mission, to develop the dormant

abilities of its members. The principles of the local circle should be

“every student a member, and every member a worker,” and it will be far

easier to establish these as conditions at the outset than to work up to

them afterward.

5. The second meeting should consist of members only, and those who

come for the purpose of becoming members. At this meeting it may be

desirable to prepare a simple set of rules, though it is not necessary,

and an elaborate constitution and by-laws have crushed to death many

societies. The better way is to make rules as you need them, and to

change them as circumstances may require. Let the leader or organizer

bring to this meeting fifteen or twenty written or printed questions on

the readings for the coming week or fortnight, and distribute them among

the members, in alphabetical order of names, to be answered at the next

meeting. A better plan, if practicable, is to print the program for the

next meeting, with names of participants, by means of some duplicating

process like the papyrograph or hektograph, and give a copy to each

member. Assign your fifteen topics among the first fifteen names, so that

all will be on an equality, but assign them with some regard to fitness,

so that the most difficult question will not fall to the most untrained

student.

6. The only officers needed are a president, vice-president, secretary

and treasurer; and as everybody knows what their duties are it is not

necessary to define them in a written constitution. Two committees may

be chosen, each of which might consist of a single person. [Spurgeon

says that the best committee consists of three, of whom one is sick

and another out of town.] One committee to prepare the program of the

meetings, another to provide music, either vocal or instrumental, to vary

the exercises.

7. The mention of a treasurer suggests that there may be small expenses

to the circle, for secretary’s book, postage, printing, etc. This may be

obtained through voluntary contribution, through assessment, or through

fines on absent members. In some circles it is obtained by making some

person, generally the local bookseller, the agent to procure the books

and receive subscriptions for the CHAUTAUQUAN. The members pay the agent

the full price, of which he gives a certain percentage to the treasurer,

thus supplying a fund upon which drafts may be made for necessary

expenses.

These are our hints concerning organization. The local circle is now

launched, and we give it the Chautauqua salute, wishing it a successful

voyage.

THE LOCAL CIRCLE.

BY LEWIS C. PEAKE.

You say “There is no circle in my neighborhood.” It may be so, but if

you want one you may have it. If you desire to form one in a church

(and if every church had a circle connected with it, its power would be

immeasurably increased), get, if possible, the coöperation of the pastor.

If you fail to secure his active assistance, as you very likely may, he

will be pretty sure to give you his moral support and good will, without

which little can be done in connection with any church. If, however, he

can see his way clear to active participation, so much the better for

the circle, as well as for himself. He has made another bond between

pastor and people. If the proposed circle be in connection with a Y. M.

C. A., get hold of the general secretary in the same manner and for the

same reason. Wherever it may be, get, if you can, by private effort, one

or two persons (as many more as possible) interested in the movement.

Then, as near the first of October as possible, call a meeting of all

interested in mental and moral culture, old as well as young, explain

the object and aim of the C. L. S. C.; have blank forms of application

for membership, and get as many as possible committed to it there and

then. As a rule there need never be a failure. A large membership is not

essential to success; indeed, much of the most satisfactory work is done

in small circles of from four to a dozen members. Many a family circle

has been blessed by being formed into a C. L. and S. circle.

A good deal of the success of a circle depends upon the person chosen

as leader, conductor, president, or whatever name may be given to the

chief executive officer; hence the importance of the question, who

should occupy this position? The president should be the best person in

the circle, be he man or woman; one of admitted preëminence among the

members; one who is sufficiently interested to undertake and persevere in

the study for its own sake, either to benefit himself or to enable him

to help others, and not simply to patronize the Circle. The C. L. S. C.

neither asks nor accepts patronage from any. The president should be a

man of good general information and common sense. One who knows how to

express himself in good plain Saxon, and when to stop. One who is regular

and punctual in his attendance. A good conversationalist. One who will

diligently pursue the course of reading, so that he may be in a position

to _lead_ the circle. If, in addition to these qualifications, he be a

college trained man or a teacher, his power will be greatly enhanced.

Get, if you can, one who through attendance at Chautauqua, has become

thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the movement. Failing in this, do

your best to induce him to go there next season.

Next to the office of president, that of secretary is the most important

in the circle. So much of the working of the circle depends upon this

officer, that it is not easy to attach too much importance to the

selection of a suitable person for the position. The president and

secretary usually constitute the cabinet of the circle, hence the need

of a perfect understanding between them. To this end frequent and easy

communication is desirable. The secretary should be one capable, not only

of keeping a fair and accurate record of the membership and business of

the circle, but of suggesting methods for increasing the membership,

adding to the comfort and convenience of those attending the circle

meetings, etc.; a wide awake person with a great deal of thought for

others.

In conducting your local circle, do not seek to use any stereotyped

plan. That which has proved the best for some circles may not be so well

adapted to yours. Study your surrounding circumstances, the habits and

employments of the members, etc. One of the most satisfactory meetings

I have known was held during the study of Roman History. The general

subject was divided into two parts—B. C. and A. D. Each of these was

again divided into Internal and External history, the former treating

of the intellectual growth, laws, literature, etc., and the latter,

of the wars, conquests and extension of the empire. The subjects were

apportioned to four members who each occupied ten minutes, and a general

discussion ensued. Where the circle is located in the vicinity of an

educational institution, advantage may frequently be taken of the

learning and teaching ability of some of the professors, many of whom

would gladly render assistance in the matter, by delivering a lecture

or teaching a lesson upon certain subjects under consideration. To this

willingness on the part of eminent specialists to communicate freely from

their store of knowledge, I gladly bear testimony. Get the members to

prepare brief papers or criticisms upon certain phases of the subjects

under consideration. These might be anonymous, if by that means some

timid ones might be drawn out. Begin and close promptly on time. Sing the

Chautauqua songs and persevere until all can and do sing them.

A good deal of interest might be awakened in the C. L. S. C. by steady

effort. Furnish the local press with interesting items, accounts of

circle meetings, an occasional paper prepared and read before the circle,

etc. Editors are not dull; they will soon come to see that so far from

patronizing you, they are really your debtors, and will give all the

aid you reasonably ask of them. An occasional article in the religious

weeklies will do good service, and such articles, brief and well written,

will almost always command insertion. By all means cultivate the

press. Circulate the Popular Education circulars which, with forms of

application, can be obtained in any quantities necessary from the head

office. Send and give them to your friends. Talk about the circle. Be

interested in it, and show that you are. Invite your friends occasionally

to the circle meetings. The observance of the Memorial Days affords fine

opportunities for introducing the work of the circle to persons who have

not given much attention to it. Best of all is to induce your friends

to spend a week or two at Chautauqua in August, where the animus of the

movement may be seen and studied as it can be nowhere else. This plan

seldom fails.

LOCAL CIRCLES.

C. L. S. C. MOTTOES.

“_We Study the Word and the Works of God._”—“_Let us keep our Heavenly

Father in the Midst._”—“_Never be Discouraged._”

C. L. S. C. MEMORIAL DAYS.

1. OPENING DAY—October 1.

2. BRYANT DAY—November 3.

3. SPECIAL SUNDAY—November, second Sunday.

4. MILTON DAY—December 9.

5. COLLEGE DAY—January, last Thursday.

6. SPECIAL SUNDAY—February, second Sunday.

7. LONGFELLOW DAY—February 27.

8. SHAKSPERE DAY—April 23.

9. ADDISON DAY—May 1.

10. SPECIAL SUNDAY—May, second Sunday.

11. SPECIAL SUNDAY—July, second Sunday.

12. INAUGURATION DAY—August, first Saturday after first Tuesday;

anniversary of C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua.

13. ST. PAUL’S DAY—August, second Saturday after first Tuesday;

anniversary of the dedication of St. Paul’s Grove at Chautauqua.

14. COMMENCEMENT DAY—August, third Tuesday.

15. GARFIELD DAY—September 19.

* * * * *

The local circle keeps warm and vigorous through the year the spirit

of the summer assemblies. Indeed, to the local circles we believe we

are indebted for much of the enthusiasm of the summer meetings. Their

students garner rich harvests of thought and feeling in the long months

of study, and the assemblies are but the meeting places to compare work,

rest weary brains, gather fresh zeal and plan new undertakings. They are

becoming necessary elements in the work. Students are feeling we must

have an assembly. If we can not go to Chautauqua, we must have a local

meeting. This feeling is leading to a great multiplication of centers.

One of the latest plans we have learned of from the Toronto _Globe_,

which says in a recent issue: “For some months past a few gentlemen have

been quietly working to secure the control of the beautiful Oak Grove on

the banks of the Niagara River, above the town, and near the famous old

Fort George, as an assembly ground to be affiliated with the Chautauqua

Literary and Scientific Circle, and also for general Sunday-school and

temperance work. A deputation waited on Chancellor Vincent recently, and

secured his hearty consent to coöperate, as far as possible, and aid the

work in the direction indicated.”

A new and delightful summer center for our work is promised by the

active interest which the members of the local circle of OCEAN GROVE,

N. J., are taking in extending their bounds. The circle is fortunate in

having among its members Rev. J. L. Corning, director of the Department

of History and Literature of Art in the Chautauqua University. Mr.

Corning recently favored the circle with a most interesting article on

the “Geography of Greece,” showing how the peculiar configuration of the

country had helped in forming its military and political supremacy, and

had aided in developing the national individuality. The outlook of the

circle Mr. Corning gives in a recent letter to the _Ocean Grove Record_,

in which he says: “The Ocean Grove local circle of the C. L. S. C. in

its new organization is yet in its infancy, being only a few weeks old.

But it has already proved its calling to a noble mission as auxiliary

to every appliance of religious and moral influence which in some

sense is peculiar to this place. A most fortunate circumstance for its

prosperity is found in the active sympathy of the resident officers of

the Camp-meeting Association. Those honored men already divine the good

work which the new agency contemplates, and have enlisted in it their

cordial coöperation. Especially favored is our youthful organization in

having my most valued friend, Dr. Stokes, for its presiding officer. He

will bring to this auxiliary mission the same high qualities of mind and

heart which have marked his successful administration as a guiding spirit

in the noble religious works of the association. The duty and privilege

of securing personal membership in the Ocean Grove local circle of the

C. L. S. C. can not be too strongly commended to the winter residents

both of this and our neighboring town. To the young, especially, who

need intelligent guidance, systematic habits and periodical inspiration

in intellectual culture, this local organization will bring inestimable

benefit. The Ocean Grove local circle of the C. L. S. C. is an

organization with large possibilities before it. Its constituency need

not necessarily be limited to the permanent residents of this highly

favored locality, but may include as well, an unlimited auxiliary force

from the thousands who gather on this hallowed spot during the summer.

Upon the growth and work of this subsidiary organization will, in a great

degree, depend the recognition which the great mother organization will

have in the annual summer gatherings which have given Ocean Grove an

enviable name all over our land.”

In connection with these projected assemblies we have the pleasure of

giving our readers an account of a local assembly which held its first

session last summer. When we reported in October the local summer

assembly at Lake Grove, Auburn, Me., we were not aware that another

similar assembly had been held within the boundaries of the same state.

It is but recently that we have received the program of the Maine

Chautauqua Assembly, the first session of which was held from July 23d to

August 2d, at MARTHA’S GROVE, FRYEBURG, ME. The idea of a Maine Assembly

originated with Mrs. Martha Nutter, a noble hearted woman of Cape

Elizabeth, who wished to see the spread of the Chautauqua plan of study

in Maine, and to have a permanent organization of the C. L. S. C. meeting

once a year for a few days, something after the plan of the larger

assemblies. At first it seemed that the movement would not be successful,

but through the earnest efforts of Mrs. Nutter, assisted by Rev. John

Collins, also of Cape Elizabeth, and Mrs. Stickney, of Brownfield,

promises of lectures, readings, essays and music were obtained, programs

were printed and sent out among the people. When the time appointed for

the meeting arrived, July 28th, there was a goodly number of enthusiastic

Chautauquans gathered at Martha’s Grove. The entire program was

successfully carried out, and the meetings lasted throughout the week.

During the meetings a regular organization was formed under the name of

“The Maine Chautauqua Union,” officers were elected and a vote was passed

to meet at the same time and place another year. No lovelier spot could

be selected for such a gathering than Martha’s Grove. There is a large

growth of elm trees, which furnish a delightful shade, while beneath is a

carpet of green, where a speaker’s stand and seats are erected, and here

are held nearly all the meetings. This grove borders on the Saco River,

and just across its banks is obtained a lovely view of Mount Kearsarge,

while other peaks of the White Mountain Range are seen in the distance.

A pleasant drive of two miles, past flourishing farms and through the

lovely village of Fryeburg, and the station on the P. & O. R. R. is

reached.

Quite as unique and delightful, though less ambitious, was a gathering

which assembled weekly during the past summer at the PROFILE HOUSE, far

up among the FRANCONIA MOUNTAINS of NEW HAMPSHIRE. It was formed early in

August, by six of the waitresses of the hotel. They held their meetings

sometimes in the quiet forests, sometimes in their rooms, and spent the

two lovely months of August and September reviewing the readings of the

year. It must have been a beautiful, inspiring hour, to the members of

the little circle, when they would lay aside their duties, and under the

trees of those lovely mountains turn their thoughts to their books.

Even Chautauqua itself keeps the germ of its power aglow through all the

fall, winter and spring, by a local circle. From this center of centers

a friend writes us of the life and work that has taken the place of

the summer’s study and enthusiasm. The pleasant letter gives a picture

which our friends will enjoy, we believe, as well as we did. “You

have seen a New England cellar banked up for winter? Then imagine the

Amphitheater securely shut in by a five-foot tight board fence all round

about. Something very precious must be stored there! Mayhap the seeds

that shall next summer blossom into eloquence. Imagine all the Athenian

watch-fire pillars, huddled into a corner of the Hall of Philosophy, like

a shame-faced group of oriental women. Think of the Point, the docks,

as absolutely silent; the lake without a sail, or even a row boat, save

that of some solitary fisherman, drifting. Think of gathering nuts by

the quart among the rustling leaves of the old Auditorium; of seeing

the cottages stripped of their hand-painted decorations, ‘Boarding and

Rooms.’ Two daily excitements still remain: the meatman’s bell each

morning rings, and the stage brings the one bag of mail at noon. The

crowds seemed loth to leave this year, but the lingerers left in a body,

and silence seemed suddenly to fall upon the place. There is settled

down for the winter a genial, social company of live people, and it

is evident that soon there will not be evenings enough in the week in

which to accomplish all the delightful things the weeks will bring to

enjoy. Indeed, this seems to me in several senses, a remarkable, a

model, community. All social life centers in the little chapel. Here an

enthusiastic C. L. S. C. meets each Tuesday evening, and each Sabbath at

the vesper hour, the bell, whose echoes reach so far, calls an earnest

company to the dear old hall.”

Turning to our eastern circles, the first report of the month comes from

the “Ashuelot” local circle of SWANZEY, N. H., which is still prospering,

and has begun on its second year of work. “It is composed of thirteen

regular members of the class of 1887, with eleven local members. Nearly

all are diligent students and active workers. The Rev. Benjamin Merrill,

one of the presidents of the New England class of ’87, is an enthusiastic

Chautauquan and member of our local circle. Our meetings are opened with

prayer, and often closed with a Chautauqua song. At the opening each

member repeats a quotation, and waits for the class to name the author if

they are able to do so. At each meeting a portion of the required reading

is assigned to each member of the class, as a special lesson for the next

succeeding meeting. Both the regular and the local members are expected

to prepare condensed reviews of the topics thus allotted to them, which

are usually recited from memory. In order to give time for questions and

remarks, each of these reports is limited to five minutes. The subjects

considered often call out animated discussions, which are conducted in a

friendly, conversational manner. A critic is appointed by the president

at each meeting, to notice errors in language, and report at the close.

The meetings increase in interest, are instructive and entertaining,

and the work done is thorough. We have been favored with some excellent

essays and poems by members of the circle.”

October 1st is the anniversary day of the C. L. S. C. of FRANKLIN, MASS.,

and this year their second anniversary was observed in a manner highly

creditable to the circle, as it was also enjoyable to their friends. The

exercises were listened to by an audience of nearly six hundred people,

fully one hundred and fifty of them being Chautauqua students. By a

generous outlay of money the circle secured the services of talented

musicians from Boston and vicinity. They were also fortunate in securing

the Rev. J. L. Withrow, D.D., the eloquent preacher of Park Street

Church, Boston, to deliver their Commencement address. The topic selected

by this eminent speaker was “The Intellectual Signs of the Times.” It

was a vigorous, instructive, and exceedingly entertaining address.

The Franklin Circle has secured its publication in full, in the local

paper of that town. A very interesting original poem, prepared for the

occasion, was read by the author, the Rev. Wm. M. Thayer, of Franklin,

the topic being “What is Thought?” The chapel was very beautifully

decorated with the national colors, with deep-hued autumn leaves, and

bouquets of choice flowers, arranged about the platform. The occasion

was full of inspiration to the members and their friends, and opened in

a very interesting manner the new year of the C. L. S. C. course. About

twenty-five new members have enrolled themselves upon the books of this

circle, as members of the class of ’88.

After the Assembly at South Framingham, an evening was spent in the

church at WEST CHELMSFORD, MASS., on the Chautauqua Idea, the result of

which was a local circle consisting of twelve members, nine of whom are

regular members of C. L. S. C., of the class of ’88. All are enthusiastic

over the studies. The circle meets twice a month, following somewhat the

order of exercises suggested in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

We learn from the _Palladium_, of NEW HAVEN, CONN., that the first fall

meeting of the “Woolsey” circle, composed of members of the “Pansy

Class,” was held on the evening of October 15th. The members witnessed

some very interesting experiments in chemistry by James D. Whitmore, of

the high school. Mr. Whitmore expressed his hearty sympathy in the C. L.

S. C. organization, and any similar movements calculated to elevate young

or old in searching for knowledge. In a very pleasing way he made all who

were present feel perfectly unrestrained, frequently requesting them to

gather close around him and the table, that they might the more perfectly

witness the results of his experiment. The “Woolsey” circle has now

entered upon the second year of its course of reading, and has increased

its membership from twenty-eight to forty-two.

A second local circle was organized in PAWTUCKET, R. I., on September

29th. It has taken the name of the “Pleasant View Local Circle,” and

counts sixteen regular members, beside several “locals.” A report of

methods, plans, and special work, we trust, will soon come from these

new friends. They may be sure that they have a hearty welcome from all

members of the C. L. S. C.

This fall, after three years of hard work in the C. L. S. C., the little

circle of ladies at ONEIDA, N. Y., entered upon their senior year. During

the past term of their reading they have held weekly meetings at the

homes of the members, rarely in all this time missing an evening. These

gatherings have been informal and home-like, but withal very thorough.

Their plan has been to read aloud, criticising carefully every point in

the reading—an excellent plan, and one which does much to make good the

sentiment which they write us that they heartily believe in: “Trifles

make perfection, but perfection is no trifle.” Lively discussions often

arise over some point of their reading, and do much toward strengthening

their interest. They report that during their course they have observed

nearly all of the Memorial days—an excellent plan, and one which always

compensates in the ideas and inspiration which it gives, for the extra

work it may cause.

There is a circle at WELLSVILLE, N. Y., that has the rare honor of having

been in successful operation since 1878. They have graduated members in

the classes of ’82 and ’83, and now number nineteen members, representing

each of the four classes. A friend writes of their last annual reunion:

“The last of August we held our annual reunion, which has been usually

held at the home of some member, but this year, as last, was made a

surprise; we succeeded so perfectly in this as to have our coming only

made known by our hearty singing of

“‘Hail the day with joy and singing,

Swell the chorus, full and ringing,

Love to Alma Mater bringing—

All hail! C. L. S. C.’”

“Our repast was bountiful, and the decorations were worthy the loving

hands that arranged them. We sat long at the table, and gave the time

more to song and toast than to food. These reunions are so enjoyable that

I think their fame is causing many in our town to feel that it would

be very pleasant to be numbered with us. One of the ’82 graduates is

pursuing his third year at Wesleyan University, and his presence at these

reunions adds to our pleasure.”

From JOHNSTOWN, N. Y., the secretary writes us that on October 1st the

circle was reorganized, and the officers for the year elected.

For two years the “Clinton” circle of NEWARK, N. J., has been quietly

but seriously working. On the 14th of October it began its third year’s

work. Of the plans which have governed them each year we have a brief

outline: “We endeavor to amuse and profit ourselves by embracing as

great a variety of general lines in our programs as possible; for

example: Our first president, a C. L. S. C. graduate, made our meetings

especially attractive by illustrating the lessons in geology with maps,

engravings, fossils, ores, etc., and bringing ‘the heavens near by’ with

blackboard and crayon. Our second year president fostered and developed

the question-box idea, and encouraged the preparation of original papers.

This year we hope to make famous with special exercises _in memoriam_,

lectures, glees, quotations, and question matches.” At the meeting of

the circle on October 30th, among other happily chosen exercises was a

talk on “Europe” by a cultured traveler from their circle, who has lately

returned from a trip abroad.

The chemistry in this year’s course is going to prove a most delightful

part of the year’s reading, affording, as it does, such ample opportunity

for interesting experiments. One of the first circles to report their

work in this line is the “Parker Circle” of WASHINGTON, D. C., of which

the _Evening Critic_ of that city says: “‘Parker Circle,’ C. L. S. C.,

has taken up the work of the year with increased vigor, the meetings

being well attended and very interesting. A special meeting was held

last evening at the residence of the president, A. P. Steward, to give

opportunity to the members to witness some experiments in chemistry,

a portion of the required reading of this year’s course being upon

this interesting subject. The experiments were conducted by Mr. W. T.

Criswell, chemist. Hydrogen and oxygen gases were successfully generated,

hydrogen soap bubbles blown and then exploded by igniting them, recently

extinguished tapers relighted by oxygen, sodium and potassium burned

on water, arsenic and antimony tests made, etc., etc. Only one slight

explosion occurred, which caused much amusement, but no harm resulted

except to the test tube, which was blown to atoms.” The plan of the

“Parker” circle in securing a practical chemist to conduct their

experiments is wise. There is always more or less danger in operating

with gases, and we earnestly recommend circles who wish to see these

beautiful experiments to engage the services of some one skilled in

laboratory work.

A neighbor to the “Parker” circle is the “Pansy” circle of our national

capital. We have received from this circle a poem lately written in its

honor, from which we extract the following verses:

Beside the lake, in simple grace,

Alma Mater sits serene

And gathers in her kind embrace

The children she has never seen.

Through the broad continent they dwell,

Some, hungry minds, else unsupplied—

Some, who have drawn from learning’s well

But still would dip, unsatisfied.

Anear or far, we feel her hand;

Her guiding counsel shapes our “course,”

Her sympathy unites our band;

Hers the unseen cohesive force.

The “Circle’s” brightest Jewel, thou,

Fair Mother! To whate’er thou bidst

With prompt obedience we bow,

But “Keep our Father in the Midst.”

Here, on the Circle’s southern edge,

Responsive to thy guiding nod,

We, faithful to our earnest pledge

“Study the Word and Works of God.”

We may not rise to eminence and fame,

We may not win, but may deserve success;

Beneath the shadow of an humble name,

We may live on our little world to bless.

As our bright pansy from its lowly stem

Smiles almost human cheer to eyes that see,

We’ll brighten each our little niche for them

To whom it matters what our life should be.

We’ll learn where hoarded gems of clearest ray

Lie hidden close in pure and noble books

And lead still other feet in learning’s way,

To gather wealth in these rich-dowered nooks.

Not for ourselves alone we con our task;

Chautauqua owns no selfish miser churl;

Where her fair lake’s sun-lighted waters bask,

True knowledge is no guarded, hidden pearl.

We only hide the drudgery from view;

To social cheer transform the study’s gloom;

In mutual converse pierce the sunlight thro’

And cover sternest themes with Pansy bloom.

Then rally round Chautauqua’s banner bright!

And win to wisdom all who will be won!

Still looking upward for the one Sure Light,

True, loyal Pansies, turning to the Sun!

It is a great pleasure to hear from circles who have been steady

workers for some time, but have never sent us reports. Such a bit of

circle-history comes to us from ROOTSTOWN, OHIO. A friend writes: “We

organized a circle October, 1882, with a membership of twenty, and surely

a good report is due the circle for the two years’ work they have done.

The benefit received has been many fold, the discipline obtained by

having a certain course of reading to pursue has already been perceptibly

felt. A taste for the better class of reading has been cultivated, and

a feeling of sociability gained among the young people, brought about

by common interests. As we are ready to start in with our third year’s

reading, all our former members will not respond at roll-call. During

last year, we, as a class, were very much bereaved by the loss of our

former president, Mrs. H. O. Reed, who was untiring in her efforts to

organize the circle here, and who happily presided over our meeting for

the first year, always entertaining the class at her own home. She was

the first of our number to pass through the ‘Golden Gate’ at Chautauqua,

graduating August 1883. The following December, on Christmas day, her

spirit passed through the ‘Golden Gate’ to join the great ‘Circle’ of

the redeemed above. We have been so fortunate as to have three clergymen

belonging to our order, one, who graduated with the class of ’84. Our

regular meetings have been opened with singing, prayer, and scripture

reading. The specified memorial meetings have generally been observed.

The programs have been arranged by a committee, and have consisted of

roll-call, responded to by quotations from authors specified, followed by

articles prepared on topics connected with the subjects we were reading,

after which a poem was generally read. The last hour we have devoted to

miscellaneous topics and the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. During the

latter part of ’83 we had a Round-Table which we found very interesting.”

How many stories of wit and wisdom find their center at Chautauqua. One

of the most entertaining we have seen comes from a member of the DETROIT,

MICH., local circle, Mr. G. F. Beasley, a lawyer of that city, and bears

the title of “John Scroggin’s First Visit at Chautauqua.” It is a bright

and real description of the first visit of a farmer and his sturdy

boys and girls to Chautauqua, of their funny mistakes, their gradual

appreciation of the “Idea,” and finally their complete metamorphosis into

typical Chautauquans; for at last

Farmer Scroggins was delighted

When he saw, in one united,

Sport and culture for the millions such as he,

When he saw his children prying

Into things he rarely scanned;

When his house became a college

Where his children gathered knowledge,

And that books and apparatus were in very great demand.

Books were mingled with their pleasures,

Curious eyes were open wide;

Problems found a quick solution,

Telling words found elocution,

And they coaxed and coaxed and toasted him beside.

We should like to give all of the story, had we space, yet does not

nearly every member of the C. L. S. C. know a John Scroggin who, under

the influence of our magic _alma mater_, has seen “his house become a

college?” It is, we believe, a familiar story not only in Detroit, but in

Maine, California, and Texas.

There are two important circles in DETROIT. The “Pansy Circle,” of

which Mr. J. W. Green, a graduate of ’83, is president, numbers

twenty-seven members. They hold their meetings at the home of the

president, meeting weekly on Monday evening. The president and his wife

are very enthusiastic over the C. L. S. C., and are well adapted to

fill the important offices to which their club has elected them. From

the president of the “Central” C. L. S. C., of the same city, we have

received a most entertaining record of the past year’s work. “The circle

began the year of ’83 and ’84 with a membership of forty-eight. The

first regular meeting was held at the Conservatory of Music, September

19, when the officers were elected. We now have enrolled the names of

seventy paying members, twenty-six of whom are members of the general

Circle. The circle has held forty-one regular meetings, two of which were

spent in listening to very interesting lectures by Professor Winder.

The evening of January 24 was spent debating the “Free Trade” question.

February 21 Rev. Dr. Reilly lectured for the circle on “Christian

Evidences Historically Considered.” May 29 the circle debated the

“Indian Question.” During the year we have given four entertainments,

and one reception. The latter was given in honor of Dr. Vincent, on

September 24, at the residence of our president. The William Cullen

Bryant Memorial Day was celebrated November 2, 1883. It was a very

enjoyable entertainment, consisting of readings from Bryant, with music

interspersed, followed by an elegant collation. The second Milton evening

was spent very pleasantly at the home of our vice president. The C.

L. S. C. met to celebrate Longfellow’s birthday. The program comprised

readings, several tableaux and music, after which refreshments were

served. The Shakspere entertainment, given at the Conservatory of Music,

was one of the most pleasant of the series, many members were present,

the selections were finely rendered, and the music was unusually good.

The commencement exercises were held at Conservatory of Music, July 2. I

will let the reports which were in the papers give you the description:

‘The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle closed their season last

Wednesday evening at the Conservatory of Music. The attendance was

large and the program one of unusual excellence. The “Class History,”

by Mrs. Gillett, was a pleasant record of the doings of the society the

past year, and was bright and well written. An address by T. D. Hawley,

covering the existence of the circle, and a beautiful tribute to the

late Mrs. Clark, the first president, was one of the noticeable features

of the evening. A prophecy by Miss Todd was highly amusing and full of

local hits. The music was especially good, both vocal and instrumental.

A fantasie on the zither and violin by Mrs. Boyle and W. J. Kohlaas was

rapturously received.’”

There is a great deal due to the president of a circle. An energetic

president will make a live circle. We do not wonder that at PENDLETON,

IND., the membership has increased twenty-five per cent., and that

there was never such a manifestation of zeal and determination. Their

president, Dr. A. S. Huston, puts life and skill into whatever he does.

We hope to receive an extended report from Pendleton in the year.

No more systematic plan of work has come to our notice this year than

that which we have received from the Alpha circle of QUINCY, ILL. This

circle began its fall’s work by celebrating Garfield’s day; again on

opening day, October 1, they met, elected officers and received new

members. The circle, when reorganized, numbered about twenty-four

members. They seem to have all the necessary elements for success—a large

and live membership and an energetic president, of whom they write: “He

is nothing less than a living library.” Their meetings are held each

week. The weekly printed program cards contain the mottoes, the outline

of study for each week, and the exercises which are arranged for each

evening. We notice that they made the experiments in chemistry, and

they write us that they had splendid success with them. The exercises

are enlivened by music, and the Chautauqua songs stand prominent. The

plan recommended in THE CHAUTAUQUAN for October—a pronouncing match on

Greek names—was one of the features of a joint meeting of the Alpha and

Beta circles on the last week of October; they write that it was hugely

enjoyed. In order to help the participants in this “match” the back of

the programs contained a key compiled for the Quincy circles, on how to

pronounce classic names, giving rules for accent, syllabication, and

sounds of the letters.

A friend who caught her inspiration for the C. L. S. C. work at

Chautauqua itself, and who has induced several members to join the

ranks, writes us of a new circle of eighteen members at TONICA, ILL. An

excellent feature of this circle is that though three of its members are

to graduate in ’86, while the remainder are all new members, yet there

is a delightful spirit of unity in the work. All doing the same reading

irrespective of class distinctions, makes the local circle possible,

and promotes a fund of good feeling and coöperative study, otherwise

impossible. The circle at Tonica has only just started, and, of course,

as yet has no plan of work to report. No doubt, as is generally the case

with our Illinois friends, they will soon send us accounts of happy plans

and successful work.

The reports which MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA, send are frequent and always

encouraging. The president writes: “Our circle would like to let the rest

of the Chautauqua world know that we are still engaged in the good work.

The ‘Alden’ circle, which met last year as two divisions of the same

circle, this year adds twenty or more names to the class of ’88, and has

organized as two separate circles. The evening circle retains the name

of Alden. The new circle (formerly the afternoon division) has adopted

the name of ‘Vincent,’ and has twenty-eight names recorded. The old

members are glad vacation is over and the new ones take up the work with

enthusiasm. October 14 the two circles celebrated the beginning of a new

Chautauqua year by a grand banquet, which passed off very pleasantly.”

It is of great value to the C. L. S. C. to have the support of the local

press. In no other way can so much and so effective work be done. A

circle which lacks the will to extend its boundaries, and which selfishly

is content with “our set,” can not reap the full benefit of our work.

We need to take in others, to be always open to receive members, and to

employ the best means to make ourselves and our hospitality known. The

local paper is the best medium for this. Many of our friends have proven

this so, among them the Chautauquans of DE SOTO, MO., who send newspaper

announcements of two meetings recently held, giving their program and

entertainments, and cordially inviting others to join them. The effect

can not but be good. The program which they offer recommends itself to

every reader as meaning serious study and genuine culture, and the hearty

summons to come and join them proves a catholicity of spirit even more

desirable than culture.

In the neighboring state of KANSAS, at WILLIAMSBURG, the circle has

followed a similar plan. They publish in their local papers a review of

the extent of the C. L. S. C. work, describe its methods, and then call

attention to their own goodly company of forty members, who are all

anxious to receive cordially any one who may desire to undertake the

reading. The Williamsburg circle holds monthly public meetings and does

the work of the month through the medium of sub-circles, which meet more

frequently—a plan which in several large circles we have known to work

admirably.

The Invincibles who make up the Longfellow circle of NEW ORLEANS, LA.,

entered upon their four years’ work in October. A friend has kindly given

us an account of the work the members did during the summer months: “The

summer circle was very pleasant; the C. L. S. C. studies not extending

through the summer months, they were thrown on their own resources for a

program. They read regularly from Emerson and Ruskin, also extracts from

Hamerton’s, ‘Intellectual Life,’ Carlyle, and Dr. Holland, with a bit of

poetry now and then. You see they are not starving, but eating ‘strong

meat.’ In October the circle began the regular readings. Now, when you

remember that though our thermometer runs along in the nineties for weeks

at a time, and that though floods, epidemics and musquitoes interfere

with steady work, these people have gone bravely through three years,

and have done thorough work, you will not wonder that I am proud of my

children.”

WYOMING TERRITORY sends notice of a new organization of the C. L. S. C.

at EVANSTON, called the “Unita Local Circle.” The circle was started

October 7, and officers—two only, president and secretary—were elected.

The spirit of the circle they sum up in the following concise and

suggestive sentences: “Enthusiastic devotion to the ‘Chautauqua Idea.’

Plain informal meetings for mutual questionings, recitations to each

other, map studies, and practical application of new truths taught,

as per example, ‘Resolved, to try every method given for cooking the

potato.’”

THE C. L. S. C. CLASSES.

CLASS OF 1885.

“_Press on, reaching after those things which are before._”

OFFICERS.

_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 price of our _Class Badges_ is ten cents each.

* * * * *

The price of ’85 class paper is fifty cents per box, to be obtained of

Mr. Henry Hart, P. O. Box 176, Atlanta, Ga.

* * * * *

The office from which the class has been obtaining their badges has been

entirely burned out, and the design of our badge perished with the other

contents. We now expect to have a copy of the original design within

two weeks, and to be able to furnish more badges by December 1st. It is

gratifying to know that the demand for the Lavender has largely increased

this fall. This indicates a growing interest in the C. L. S. C. studies

this season.

* * * * *

In order that an estimate may be made of the members of ’85 who will

take their diplomas at Chautauqua next summer, it is desired that all

expecting to be there will forward their names to the secretary, Miss M.

M. Canfield, Treasurer’s Department, Third Auditor’s Office, Washington,

D. C.

* * * * *

This pleasant testimony to the pleasure of class associations at

Chautauqua many an ’85 will welcome. It is taken from a letter on

Chautauqua which Mr. Underwood has received: “A very pleasant feature of

Chautauqua is the pleasant associations, and especially is this the case

among the members of the C. L. S. C. A bond of mutual sympathy exists

between them. Reading the same books, with the same object in view, mind

and heart culture, it is no wonder that they are a congenial company.

There I felt a special pleasure. There are so many, many things to be

said in favor of Chautauqua that I feel I have very imperfectly expressed

them. The meeting of old friends and finding of new ones contributed

another of my pleasant impressions. The recreation afforded by its lovely

lake, its health and rest-giving facilities, its elevating influence in

every way, have won for it well-deserved fame. My Chautauqua visit will

afford me pleasant memories during the coming years, and if permitted, I

hope to repeat it next year, and one event I shall look forward to with

pleasure, will be the meeting again of our class of ’85.

“Very respectfully yours, ELLA HOLM.”

CLASS OF ’86.

“_We study for light, to bless with light._”