Chapter II: The Family Parlor (4)

The “Knowledge Seekers,” of JAMESTOWN, R. I., form a new circle. Until this year they were a branch of the local circle in NEWPORT, but as six members were added they have formed a circle of their own.——“Pawcatuck” local circle, of the ’88 class, C. L. S. C., was organized September 23, 1884, in the village of CAROLINA, a small manufacturing place in southern Rhode Island. The circle has now twenty-four members and meets weekly. Considering the fact that there are only about 375 inhabitants in the place, in all, and that fully one half of this number are mill operatives, the size of the circle is remarkable. The members are all thoroughly interested in the work, and are taking hold of it in a very commendable manner.

From all directions throughout NEW YORK STATE good news of growing circles reaches us. Away up north, in JEFFERSON COUNTY, in the village of ADAMS, there has been organized “a real live C. L. S. C.” It is modeled on the broad Chautauquan platform, and has three churches represented in its officers. The program of their Bryant Memorial Day exercises was a model of happily chosen selections, and we learn from the columns of their local paper that it was as happily rendered.——A very profitable plan of assigning subjects is followed at KINGSTON, N. Y., in their circle of seven members. Each member is given, at the beginning of the year, a subject from the C. L. S. C. readings, to which he devotes his entire attention; thus our correspondent writes that during last year she furnished outlines and questions upon the subject of “Art,” and that this year her theme is “Kitchen Science and Art.” We like the plan.——In the pleasant town of MOUNT KISCO, not far from New York City, there is a circle which dates back to a public meeting in the interests of the C. L. S. C. held by one of the pastors of the town, in the fall of 1882. A thriving circle of the class of 1886 still exists there. Their plan of work is very comprehensive, including Chautauqua music, general discussions, essays and social observance of the special days.——The ITHACA, N. Y., C. L. S. C. has a membership of forty-six of the classes of ’85, ’86, ’87 and ’88. The meetings, held bi-monthly, are full of life and interest. They observe memorial days generally. One of their most active members has moved to CAZENOVIA, N. Y., Mrs. Rev. H. F. Spencer, vice president. She writes: “Our circle, here, is in embryo—think how prosy to come down to a circle of three or four.”——The NEWFIELD circle of fifteen members was organized last fall, and held their meetings every Friday evening. Their president, the Rev. W. H. Rogers, is a graduate of the class of ’82.——In an interesting letter from the president of a circle at BINGHAMTON, N. Y., we have found some very good hints. He says: “Here in Binghamton our circle numbers twenty. We call ourselves the ‘F. F. F.’ circle, from our motto: ‘Fortiter, fideliter, feliciter’—bravely, faithfully, successfully. Two things our programs all include: First, devotional exercises, remembering that ‘we study the _Word_’ as well as ‘the works of God.’ We use the Chautauqua hymns, all singing together and greatly enjoy it. Secondly, roll call. This is one of our most interesting exercises. We respond by quotations from one or more authors, specially designated for the evening, and keep a record of every quotation given. In this way we are compiling what promises to be a very interesting book of choice quotations. Our members are very much in earnest, and every meeting finds them all present.”——The history of one of the circles at OLEAN, N. Y., has been sent us by its secretary: “The ‘Whitney’ circle (Baptist) was so named in honor of the venerable Dr. Whitney, one of the fathers of the First Baptist Church. This circle was organized in the fall of 1883, with a membership of thirty. This fall we have reorganized, with a membership that bids fair to double that of last year. Each member, in alphabetical order, takes part in the exercises, and are nearly all active workers. Our meetings open with the ‘Chautauqua Songs,’ followed by the roll call, each member answering with an apt quotation from the readings. Our program then consists of a drill on subjects gone over in the readings for the past two weeks. Two essays, on subjects in harmony with the readings, are read each evening. We also have interesting scientific experiments conducted by Dr. S. J. Mudge, a scientist of this city. We have introduced a novel feature called the ‘Tug of War,’ in which sides are chosen in spelling-down style, and questions asked on a book which has been completed. Guesses at the Greek alphabet and Greek words are also features of our programs. We also observe some of the memorial days. Last summer our superintendent, the Rev. MacClymont, secured Chancellor Vincent to lecture for us. We invited the M. E. circle, and had a splendid lecture. Taken altogether, we may say our circle is in a prosperous and flourishing condition.”

The KEYSTONE STATE is in no way behind New England and its EMPIRE neighbor this month in reports. From CONNELSVILLE, on the banks of the Youghiogheny, comes a hearty greeting to all C. L. S. C. classmates. It is from the sturdy “Spartans,” of the class of ’88. The circle, organized on Opening Day, numbered at its start twenty-four members. The “Athenian” circle of ’86 and the “Pansy” circle of ’87 proposed a consolidation of forces; so large was the circle that a public meeting place was necessary. The best talent of the city is in the circle, and to belong to its rank is a good recommendation wherever the circle is known.——At MOUNT PLEASANT, PA., a circle was formed in October consisting of fifty-one members, all but four of which belong to the class of ’88. They promise us a full report when fairly started in their work.——A friend at VERONA, PA., writes: “Our name is the ‘Verona Resolutes,’ our age two months, our number fifteen. We owe our existence to the fact that three of our new members attended Chautauqua Lake Assembly, and one Mountain Lake Park Assembly, where they caught the C. L. S. C. fever, and upon returning home spread the disease until fifteen are found upon the fever list. We are enjoying it, though, and hope our recovery will be slow, if _recovery_ means loss of interest.”——WEST PHILADELPHIA has a new circle—the “Parsonage” circle. They number six and promise to try to increase their list. No doubt their efforts will succeed, the present circle being due to the efforts of three members who last year read alone.——The _Elizabeth Herald_, of ELIZABETH, PA., contained recently the following pleasant notice of the circle in that town: “CHAUTAUQUA CIRCLE.—This flourishing institution is pursuing a course of study and research and enjoying an exchange of ideas, which is a veritable reveling in intellectual and social pleasures, unknown to many of the community whose congenial tastes and capabilities would, if properly directed and cultured, lead them to a sharing of these delights, so far above the frivolities too common to young life. For instance, at the regular meeting of this week, in addition to the regular quiz and discussion of the set topics, the Milton Memorial Day was observed with services of an appropriate nature. The evening was a most pleasant one throughout, and after the regular program was concluded the members, loth to leave, remained, singing and talking in pleasant, informal fashion, for some time.”——We are pleased to notice here, a kindly compliment to the president of the flourishing circle of thirty at WASHINGTON, Professor Lyon, of Washington and Jefferson College. Our friend says of him: “In our studies in chemistry, etc., we have the benefit of his knowledge and skill, and obliging disposition, for he always carries from the college to our rooms the apparatus needed for explanation and experiment.” This circle held a “sociable” on the evening of December 11th, each member inviting a friend. It was an enjoyable affair and may be the means of adding members.——In kind remembrance of Mary Vincent, the mother of Chancellor Vincent, the members of the C. L. S. C. at PETERSBURG, PA. have named their circle the “Mary Vincent” circle—a peculiarly fitting tribute, Mrs. Vincent having been well known and deeply honored by many Chautauquans in that vicinity.

The CINCINNATI, OHIO, members of the S. H. G. held their yearly reception to the new class, in the pleasant parlor of the First Presbyterian Church, in October. The “Irrepressibles” were right royally received. The president of the society, Mr. J. G. O’Connell, welcomed the class into the society. The following were the toasts, to which hearty responses were given: “The Class of ’82;” “Class of ’83;” “Class of ’84;” “The Founder of the C. L. S. C.—Chancellor J. H. Vincent;” “Chautauqua, the Mecca of the C. L. S. C.;” “Cincinnati Circles;” “Chautauqua Music.” The musical part of the program was unusually fine. The collation was a part of the program in which every one present took part. The following are the officers for the ensuing year: President, Mr. J. G. O’Connell, ’82: vice presidents: Class of ’82, Mrs. M. J. Pyle; class of ’83, Mrs. I. W. Joyce; class of ’84, Miss Sarah Trotter; recording secretary, Miss Julia Kolbe; corresponding secretary, Mr. M. S. Turrill; treasurer, Miss Selina Wood. The society separated brimful of enthusiasm for the success of the C. L. S. C. Bryant’s Day was celebrated by the Cincinnati circles at the Third Presbyterian Church. Mr. S. Logan presided. Among the excellent things on the program were an essay on W. C. Bryant, by Mr. J. A. Johnson, a piano solo by Miss Belle Burnham, and a recitation, “Waiting by the Gate,” by Miss Nellie Allan. A union vesper service was held by the circles at Grace M. P. Church, on the Special Sunday, November 9th. The service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Spohr, of Grace Church, and Dr. Ridgeway, of Mount Auburn, gave a very fine address upon “Praise.” This being the “Greek” year in the C. L. S. C. course, the various circles have added to their names that letter of the Greek alphabet which will indicate their rank in order of organization.——The local circle of MOUNT PLEASANT, OHIO, came into existence in October of 1883. The circle has the usual officers, and meets twice a month at the homes of the members. The enrollment is nineteen, with a large average attendance. They have local talent enlisted, and the meetings are instructive and interesting. The work of 1883 and 1884 was thoroughly accomplished.

One new circle enters the list this month from FRIENDSWOOD, IND. It is formed of twelve members—enthusiastic and brave they must be, for they report themselves as living in the country several miles apart. Not only are they overcoming the difficulty of regular meetings under these circumstances, they are contemplating enlisting others in their work.——Another zealous INDIANA circle is at CORYDON. It is a year old, and believes itself to have done better work than any other circle in the country, an assertion that their method warrants, for they have adopted the novel plan of a C. L. S. C. school, where one member is appointed to hear the lesson and every other comes prepared to recite. Our Corydon friends gave a delightful Milton reception to over thirty guests.——The C. L. S. C. local circle of FORT WAYNE began its fifth year’s work on Garfield Day—officers were elected, and seventeen new members added. The subjects under consideration are conducted in a conversational manner. One evening was devoted to chemistry, with highly interesting and successful experiments given by the leader, who is professor of science at the M. E. College. They have held one “Sunday Evening Vesper Service,” which proved such an inspiration that they purpose having more. “At the age of five years,” they write, “we are truly ‘Irrepressible,’ ‘Invincible,’ and as firm and steady as old Plymouth Rock itself.” Altogether “we are a live and enthusiastic circle, possessed with the true ‘Chautauqua Idea.’”

A letter received from a lady well known to readers of THE CHAUTAUQUAN, Mrs. E. J. Bugbee, says of a circle lately started at EVANSTON, ILL.: “I am happy to report from this glorious Athens of the West a flourishing circle of the C. L. S. C., organized on the first Monday evening in November, and numbering now between forty and fifty members. We have started out with an enthusiasm which we hope will not abate, and indeed we do not expect it to do so under our present fortunate leadership. We have for president Mr. Weeden A. Sawyer, of this place. He presides with dignity and ease, and carries forward the business of the circle with promptness and dispatch. We are also happy in our instructor, the Rev. F. Clatworthy, pastor of the Baptist church of Evanston, who shows wonderful adaptation for this work, and is heartily in sympathy with the Chautauqua Idea, and endeavors closely to follow out the plan for local circles.”——At HINSDALE, ILL., a circle was organized in the fall of 1882. The circle was conducted in a very informal manner, having but one officer—secretary—“each member taking her turn as leader, and our exercises were merely the discussions of the past week’s reading. In the fall of 1883 we again organized, this time admitting gentlemen, electing a president and secretary, and taking to ourselves a name, ‘The Alpha Chautauqua Circle.’ Our membership increased to eighteen. Meeting every Monday evening, our exercises were the same as during the preceding year. We celebrated three of the memorial days, which proved not only pleasant and interesting, but very instructive. This last fall our Chautauquans were so enthusiastic that the first meeting was called for September 4th. We reorganized with only nine members; since then have admitted two more. If it can be possible, our work this year seems more interesting than ever. We continue to meet weekly, and have now decided to take one text-book, or one month’s reading in THE CHAUTAUQUAN at a time, finishing one subject before taking up another; thinking thereby to obtain a better understanding of the same. Shall also use the questions and answers in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, said lessons to be conducted the same as a spelling match. The members respond to the roll call with appropriate quotations, thus far from Greek authors. We have been too busy to observe the memorial days this year, otherwise than by quotations from the author in question. Two of our circle are members of the ‘Pansy’ class. One of our number graduated last year, who is now an honorary member of the local circle, acting as critic; and we shall have one graduate this year.”

A genuine proof of good work is this bit of experience from TECUMSEH, MICH.: “At the beginning of this year,” the president writes, “we members of ’86 reviewed thoroughly our Greek history for the benefit of those of our circle belonging to the classes of ’87 and ’88. We were highly gratified with the proficiency of the class of ’86. How well we remember two years ago the despondency of many of the members at the hard Greek words, and now they pronounce them with ease and fluency. Any one would have been convinced of the benefits of the C. L. S. C. who could have listened to those reviews of Greek history.”——The Bryant memorial was very pleasantly observed by the local circle of ESCANABA, MICH. Mrs. W. H. Tibbals, ’86, invited the members to dinner at 6 o’clock. Nine of the members were present. After the repast, at which each member present received as a souvenir a pallet painted by the hostess, the literary feast was enjoyed. Select reading, “Early Life of the Author;” selection, “The Rivulet;” selection, “The Autumn Woods;” essay, Bryant and his Contemporaries; selection, “The Planting of the Apple Tree;” selection, “The Crowded Street;” essay, Bryant, the Poet; analytical study of the “West Wind;” questions prepared by the president.

Sad news and a beautiful tribute to the C. L. S. C. come to us from WAUPAN, WIS., whence the secretary writes: “Our C. L. S. C. opens this year with added enthusiasm in its membership, and an increasing number. The Bryant Memorial Day was observed in a fitting manner by sentiments, readings, discussion, and a biographical sketch, all bearing upon the great poet. The selections and topics were in accord with our feelings, as we had just met with our first loss since organizing five years ago, in the death of one of our youngest and brightest members, Mrs. Jennie Weed Hinkley. As we review the life of our beloved sister, we can see a symmetry and beauty of character that needed no further lights and shades. Our studies make us better mothers and housekeepers, better able to take our places in the prayer meeting, better able to guide our children, and to understand the work they do in the school room.”——The “Pansy” class of SPARTA, WIS., also sends its greetings to all the members of the People’s College. A friend telling the story of the circle says: “Our little Spartan class passed through the first year of its existence without a break in the circle, and profiting by the favorable circumstances, observed among others, Shakspere Memorial Day with more than the ordinary preparation, closing with a basket picnic, served at the house of one of the members. This year, however, sickness has overtaken two of the members, and one still remains an invalid; nevertheless, our progress has been steady. We have observed Bryant’s and Milton’s Days by interesting exercises.”

The C. L. S. C. is coming well to the front this year in ST. PAUL, MINN. The year was begun by a lecture from Dr. Vincent on Monday evening, October 6th, on the “Chautauqua Idea.” This aroused the enthusiasm of the old Chautauquans and brought in a large addition of new members. On Thursday evening, October 23d, the “Pioneer” circle was reorganized with nineteen members, which have since become twenty-five. On Monday evening, November 3d (Bryant Day), the “Canadian American” circle was formed, with ten members. There have been at least four other circles formed, with a membership of about eighty. On the evening of November 27th, Thanksgiving night, the “Pioneer” circle held its regular meeting in the parlors of the First M. E. Church. All the other circles in the city were represented, about eighty persons being present. Among the other visitors they were delighted to welcome Prof. J. L. Corning, of Ocean Grove, N. J., a name well known to all Chautauquans. His address on the C. L. S. C. at Ocean Grove and the Chautauqua University was both instructive and enjoyable. The program was in celebration of both Bryant and Thanksgiving Days, and included essays on Bryant’s life and works and the origin of Thanksgiving day, with selections from Bryant’s works and Thanksgiving day poems. Altogether the evening was a very pleasant one. They are making arrangements for forming a central circle somewhat after the plan of the Toronto central circle and the Troy circle.

Three new circles are reported this month from IOWA. At WAPELLO a circle of five members; at PARKERSBURG one of nine members; and at ELVIRA, one of ten. Each reports the work as a delightful revelation, and expresses the hope that they may be able to largely increase their numbers.——In the fall of 1883 a circle was organized in MISSOURI VALLEY, IOWA. It consisted of some fifteen members, some of whom, for want of time, failed to do the reading. During the past year a number of the members left the town, one of whom—President Sabine—graduated in the class of 1884. Though the class is scattered, several are doing the reading.

We are always particularly glad to hear from the BLUE GRASS STATE, perhaps because our friends there have not sent us frequent reports. This month a friend writes of the circle at HARDENSBURG: “The C. L. S. C. of this place is prosecuting its work with unabating energy and zeal. We organized early in September, with eighteen members, that we might be entirely ready for Opening Day. However, there was so much severe illness in our town, and especially among some of the friends of our circle, that it was late in the Circle year before we did anything more toward having a meeting. When at last through the Father’s providence we were permitted to meet again, we found that nearly every member had ‘read up’ to date. We meet on Tuesday evening of each week and carry out the program as furnished for each week in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. We keep each memorial day.”

Another Southern state to report is LOUISIANA. From LAKE PROVIDENCE this letter comes: “We have twenty-two members between fifteen and twenty-one years old. We meet once a week; at roll call each answers by reciting, ‘We study the Word and works of God,’ ‘Let us keep our Heavenly Father in the midst,’ ‘Never be discouraged.’ We assign lessons from the C. L. S. C. course for each week as given by THE CHAUTAUQUAN. In our class the member who is most attentive, whose conduct is best, who learns the lessons recited most thoroughly, is made president of the class. The places of vice president, secretary, etc., are filled in this way. The lessons which have been memorized by particular members, are learned at their recital by the other members who were not appointed to learn these lessons. In this way the work is done thoroughly, and for hours the interest and enthusiasm do not cool; however, we change from one study to another to prevent any from becoming monotonous. Nineteen members of our circle are college students, but for the most of them this will be their last year at school; so we are trying to fill them with the Chautauqua spirit of learning, morality, truth and Christian worth, that it may linger with them and develop them through all the future into strong and true, noble and pure womanhood and manhood. Having established this circle among the young, we are now working to originate one among the grown. We talk of it a great deal in our social life; have induced eight to become members of the C. L. S. C., and hope to largely increase the numbers.”

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI, sends the following interesting history: “In October, 1883, a wave of Chautauqua enthusiasm reached our beautiful city of the Ozarks. Through the influence of two or three energetic ladies, it resulted in the organization of the ‘Queen City’ circle of the C. L. S. C. The circle began with a membership of fifteen ladies, representing eight religious denominations. Regular meetings were held once a week, all the memorial days kept, and the year’s work finished in June. In October, 1884, our circle was reorganized with the same officers. Our members returned full of enthusiasm and ready for work. On Opening Day we endeavored to lay before our new members and visitors—having opened our doors to all interested—the object, the magnitude and the blessing of the ‘Chautauqua Idea.’ Those interested, and others to whom the ‘Idea’ was entirely new caught the enthusiasm, and many applications for membership were presented from both gentlemen and ladies. As the ‘Queen City’ circle is a woman’s circle exclusively, holding its meetings in the afternoon, it was thought best to organize another circle, to which both ladies and gentlemen could be admitted. On Bryant’s Day the new circle was formed, with a membership of thirty-one. Their meetings will be held on Tuesday evening of each week. It is the intention of the two circles to work together as closely as possible. The ‘Queen City’ circle meets once a week in a pleasant parlor, which we owe to the courtesy of one of our members. We study the readings for the week thoroughly. Topics are assigned by our instruction committee a week in advance for special study, greater research and more thought being thus brought to bear upon the lesson. Criticism upon pronunciation, inaccuracies of speech, etc., is unsparingly given to all. We are trying to make thorough study of our text-book on ‘Parliamentary Practice,’ and endeavor to observe all the rules of a deliberative body. Our work is both profitable and delightful, and I think it safe to say that our circle can never languish. Already the ’87s are living in joyful anticipation of the day when they will be permitted to pass beneath the Arches at Chautauqua.”——A word also comes from KANSAS CITY. There are six circles there, the oldest of which is the “Kansas City” circle, whose interest was so great that the weekly meetings were kept up during last summer, without any vacation. October 1st, they reorganized, with a membership of twenty-five. Two graduates are reading with this circle this year.

A pleasant account of work done in the interest of the C. L. S. C. has reached our table from HIAWATHA, KANSAS. A graduate of the class of ’84 it comes from: “I have talked C. L. S. C. to my friends until I have declared that it will soon be necessary for me to get a new tongue. I went to our editor to-day and asked his assistance in spreading the work. He has kindly consented to print whatever we wish. There are many things in THE CHAUTAUQUAN that would enlighten the people concerning the C. L. S. C.—what it is, and what it is doing—but the very ones who most need this information do not take THE CHAUTAUQUAN. By the assistance of our editor we can bring this knowledge to the people. I tell my friends that I can not help being enthusiastic on this subject, because I am an ‘Irrepressible.’ A ‘Pioneer’ and an ‘Invincible’ moved to our town this fall. Beside these we have a few ‘Progressives,’ ‘Pansies,’ and ‘Plymouth Rocks.’ We meet in one of the offices in the court house for our regular meetings—it being a more central point for all—but I invited the circle to my home for a late meeting. I wished to show them the growth of the Persian empire and Alexander’s dominions as pictured on Adams’s ‘Synchronological Chart.’ I bought one this summer at Chautauqua. Since my return I made an easel for the chart of hard pine, open-mortised four cross-pieces, on two of which I fastened the chart, and chamfered the edges. The boards were ‘in the rough’ when I took them, but I smoothed them, sand-papered and oiled them, then blackened the chamfered edges and varnished the easel. Several carpenters have examined my work and all say my joining is perfect and the work well done, and yet I never handled tools until I went to Chautauqua last summer and took instructions.”——A new circle has been organized at HARTFORD, KANSAS. It consists of seventeen members, representing a variety of professions and employments. The work has proven pleasant and profitable to them thus far.

Right glad we are to hear from NEBRASKA. A breezy letter comes from the circle at YORK, in which the writer tells us: “We have twenty-four members. We feel quite encouraged when we remember that we began last year with only four. Nearly every meeting adds a new name to our roll. Our members are all enthusiastic and in earnest, preferring to let anything else go rather than miss one ‘C. L. S. C.’ I really think nothing less than a ‘Nebraska blizzard’ or cyclone would keep some of our members away. We pursued the Chautauqua plan of questions and answers last year very successfully, and are proceeding in the same way this year, although our programs vary according to the option of the leader. Each member leads in the order his name stands on the secretary’s roll. In this way the timid ones of our circle are brought out. We usually have written questions on the readings in THE CHAUTAUQUAN; they are either handed to the secretary to be read, or exchanged. We are fortunate in having a professor of our college as a member, and just now he is making the study of chemistry very interesting and pleasant. We certainly do appreciate our C. L. S. C.”

WYOMING TERRITORY is the western limit of our circle travels for February. At CHEYENNE, the “J. L. Taylor” circle organized in 1883 has reorganized with a membership of twelve. The secretary writes: “While we are all young people, having many daily duties and cares, our interest in Chautauqua steadily increases, as we feel it broadens our outlook over the world, and draws us nearer and nearer to our ideal of a higher life. We hope to be able to report much good work done in the future—as we feel that we can not stop with only moderate endeavors.”

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.

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The badges for ’85, phœnix-like, have risen from their ashes and can now be furnished promptly.

* * * * *

President Underwood would be glad if circles composed of members of the Class of ’85 would inform him of their existence and send name of president and secretary, that he may visit them when possible.

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A Canadian classmate writes: “I am prosecuting my studies in connection with the C. L. S. C. all alone in a remote corner of our country, and find my greatest pleasure in holding communion with the good and great of the present and past ages. I am well pleased with the motto for our class and hope to be among those who verify its appropriateness by passing through the Gates next summer at Chautauqua.”

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One member of ’85 writes: “Having just read the December column of ’85 in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, have concluded to show my enthusiasm by sending for our colors.” We can all say amen to this: “Please place my name on the roll of the Invincibles, and may God for dear Jesus’ sake help us all to ‘Press on, reaching after those things which are before.’”

* * * * *

Another says: “Although I was nearly fifty years of age when I commenced study in this way, yet am greatly interested and love it more and more. I hope to ‘press on, reaching after those things which are before,’ until I can stand in the immediate presence of Him whom my soul loveth.”

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From Kentucky comes this testimony: “I am hoping to be able, literally, to ‘pass through the Gates’ next August and receive from Chancellor Vincent my diploma. I was at Chautauqua in ’83, and will not be content till I go again. My interest and enthusiasm increase as the four years draw to a close. During this time I have pursued my studies alone, having failed entirely to form even a ‘straight line’ in my neighborhood, five miles from Versailles. Although I would doubtless have enjoyed being connected with a circle, I know that studying the course, even alone, has very greatly benefited me. One of these benefits, and by no means the least, has been the increasing and strengthening of my taste for solid reading.”

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NEW YORK.—“I have often wished that I could express my gratitude for, and appreciation of, my C. L. S. C. studies and associations, but when I attempt it my list of adjectives seems all too meager and inadequate. Since taking up the course, life and all that pertains to it assume a different aspect. I have gained an outlook which gives life a charm and attractiveness of which I had never dreamed. I had passed my forty-fifth year when I comprehended the C. L. S. C. plan sufficiently to see that it was for such illiterate people as I. The benefits I have received are past computation.”

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Our Class Memorial to our loved alma mater must not be forgotten. We want to prepare for a memorial, a present worthy our _name_ and _aim_. Fifty-five (55) names have up to this time been sent to the treasurer, with contributions to the class fund (some sending more than the amount requested). That is but a small beginning of the hundreds to hear from.

CLASS OF ’86.

“_We study for light, to bless with light._”

CLASS ORGANIZATION.

_President_—The Rev. B. P. Snow, Biddeford, Maine.

_Vice Presidents_—The Rev. J. C. Whitley, Salisbury, Maryland;
Mr. L. F. Houghton, Peoria, Illinois; Mr. Walter Y. Morgan,
Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Delia Browne, Louisville, Kentucky; Miss
Florence Finch, Palestine, Texas.

_Secretary_—The Rev. W. L. Austin, New Albany, Ind.

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The officers of ’86 send greeting to their classmates and co-workers.

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The new class badge will soon be ready to send out. The color of the badge remains the same, but the class emblem and motto will be added.

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From Colorado—Durango—comes this encouraging bit of class news: “We have eleven members in our class and are pursuing our studies this winter with unabated interest. Belonging to the class of ’86, we mean to be true to the name ‘Progressives.’ We hold our meetings every Monday evening, and follow the program laid out in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. There seems to be a growing interest in the Chautauqua work, and we hope to have another class organized in our little town before many months. The members of the present class are busy workers, teachers, mothers and housekeepers, but they have continued the course with increasing interest to this the third year, and purpose finishing the full course.”

CLASS OF 1887.—“THE PANSIES.”

“_Neglect not the gift that is in thee._”

OFFICERS.

_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
procured.

_Executive Committee_—The officers of the class.

Class paper may be procured from Mr. Henry Hart, Atlanta, Ga.

The Canadian Pansies are doing good work in the promotion of the Chautauqua Idea.

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The leaves swung lazily and slow,
The wind hummed low its reverie,
Chautauqua bells with loving chime
Pealed forth their sweetest melody.

Their quaint, weird music rolling on,
Mingling with heaven’s azure ray,
Enwrapped the earth with bright, new joy;
It was our “Pansies’” natal day.

Remembrance fond brings back the hour
When on our breast the pansy blue
We placed, with earnest, fervent prayer
That to its trust we might be true.

Again, again, and yet again,
Our widening circle grew apace;
And pansies bloomed on every side;
North, South and West each claimed a place.

And now a year with hurried tread,
Has paced its tiny cycle round,
Girdled with moments richly spent
In wanderings on classic ground.

Methinks we scarce could well have crowned
The year agone with richer gems
Than these bright visions of the past,
Tho’ culled from monarch’s diadems.

A goodly company our band—
Twice seven thousand now we claim;
And purpose with a royal love
Thro’ every land to spread its fame.

Tinted is the horizon’s rim
With wisdom’s deep, ethereal blue,
Yet all may reach its shining goal,
If firm their trust and true.

E’en though the path may rugged be,
And lengthening shadows bar the way,
Onward we’ll press with firmer zeal,
Knowing success shall crown the day.

* * * * *

The New England Branch of the Pansy class held its reunion November 28th in the People’s Church in Boston. The first hour, from one to two p. m., was spent in social enjoyment. Prof. Sherwin then introduced himself in one of his characteristic speeches and concluded by presenting the New England president, the Rev. F. M. Gardner. He was unknown to many of the members, as he was elected on the last day of the Framingham Assembly, when many of the class had gone home. The president made an appropriate and pleasing address. The secretary, Miss Corey, then read her report. The pupils of the Boston Conservatory of Music, under the direction of Prof. Sherwin, gave a delightful musical entertainment. At the close of the musical program the Rev. J. W. Hamilton, pastor of the church, addressed the class in a very happy and interesting manner. A class poem was read by Miss Nell Robinson, of Lowell, Mass., which finds its place in this Pansy column this month. After some business the meeting was closed by singing a Chautauqua song. Nearly one hundred and fifty were present at this meeting. During the session the secretary called attention to the samples of class paper which had been sent on from Atlanta by direction of the committee appointed at Chautauqua last summer. The samples met the approval of those present.

CLASS OF 1888.—“THE PLYMOUTH ROCKS.”

“_Let us be seen by our deeds._”

CLASS ORGANIZATION.

_President_—The Rev. A. E. Dunning.

_Vice Presidents_—Prof. W. N. Ellis, 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 to the Rev. C. C. McLean, Jacksonville, Florida.

* * * * *

The Class of ’88 will undoubtedly increase its numerical strength at the Florida Chautauqua, to be held at Lake De Funiak, February 10th to March 9th, 1885.

* * * * *

Miss Ella Pearsall, the secretary, writes that in October a C. L. S. C. was organized in Matteawau, New York, taking as its motto, “Labor and Progress.”

* * * * *

One from New Haven, Conn., writes objecting to our name, “Plymouth Rock.”

* * * * *

Mrs. C. H. Pike, of New Haven, Conn., informs us that at one of their meetings, they made successful experiments in chemistry, before a delighted audience. Speaks well for our ’88s.

* * * * *

The Rev. H. L. Brickett, of Linnfield Center, Mass., class ’88, was appointed as a committee of one to confer with the granite companies of New England in regard to a base of granite for the proposed new Hall of Philosophy at Chautauqua, and has been successful in having donated one from the best granite, to be highly polished, bearing our name, monogram, motto, and year of our class. It is valued at $100. We extend to him, in the name of the “Plymouth Rocks,” the ’88s, more than thanks.

* * * * *

The Rev. Dr. Dunning, of Boston, has consented to deliver the address at our first annual “spread” in August next.

* * * * *

Stationery and badges for ’88 may be secured of Henry Hart, Atlanta, Ga.

* * * * *

Good for ’88. In the eight or ten circles found in St. Paul, Minn., about four fifths of the members are of the class of ’88.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON “COLLEGE GREEK COURSE IN ENGLISH,” “CHEMISTRY,” AND “HOW TO HELP THE POOR.”

BY A. M. MARTIN,

General Secretary C. L. S. C.

I.—TWENTY-FIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON “COLLEGE GREEK COURSE IN ENGLISH”—FROM PAGE 83 TO PAGE 187.

1. Q. Who is foremost among Greek philosophers? A. Socrates.

2. Q. Who is foremost of Greek philosophical writers? A. Plato.

3. Q. What four works have been the fruit, direct or indirect, of Plato’s “Republic?” A. Cicero’s “De Republica,” St. Augustine’s “City of God,” Sir Thomas More’s “Utopia,” and Bacon’s “New Atlantis.”

4. Q. In any just representation of Plato, who could not but be a very conspicuous figure? A. Socrates.

5. Q. In the first extract given from Plato’s “Republic,” what does the speaker, Glaucon, undertake to set forth for Socrates to overthrow? A. A notion which he avers to be current and accepted among men, that injustice is better policy than justice.

6. Q. From the discussion of the nature of justice and injustice, to what does Plato make a very unexpected passage? A. To that form of discussion which has given its name to the “Republic”—the ideal state.

7. Q. Who has recently made a scholarly and adequate translation of Plato’s entire works into English? A. Mr. Jowett.

8. Q. How is the so-styled “Platonic love” defined in the “Republic?” A. “A friend should use no other familiarity to his love than a father would use to his son, and this only for a virtuous end, and he must first have the other’s consent.”

9. Q. What was the “Socratic dæmon” to which Plato alludes in his “Republic?” A. A benign and beneficent influence—a kind of divinity within him that governed the conduct of Socrates.

10. Q. How is the Timæus of Plato described? A. As of all the writings of Plato the most obscure and most repulsive to modern readers, while the most influential of all over the ancient and mediæval world.

11. Q. What are some of the other best known works of Plato? A. “The Laws,” the “Symposium,” the “Phædrus,” the “Gorgias,” and the “Parmenides.”

12. Q. What is the name of the dialogue in which Plato tells of the end of Socrates? A. The “Phædo.”

13. Q. What was the sentence of antiquity in regard to Plato? A. That Zeus, if he had spoken Greek, would have spoken it like Plato.

14. Q. Who was a distinguished pupil of Plato? A. Aristotle, and in influence on human thought he equaled and rivaled his master.

15. Q. How does our author state the difference between ancient tragedy and modern, in a single antithetical sentence? A. Modern tragedy presents real life idealized; ancient tragedy presents an ideal life realized.

16. Q. What did Greek tragedy have for its chief purpose? A. To teach.

17. Q. How were Greek tragedies represented? A. By daylight, in the open air, before assemblages that numbered their tens of thousands of spectators.

18. Q. What is said of the dress of the actors? A. The actors wore masks on their faces and buskins on their feet. Beside this they wore a kind of wig designed to make them look taller, and dressed with padding to make them look larger.

19. Q. Who were the three masters of Greek tragedy? A. Æschylus, Sophocles and Euripides.

20. Q. When and where was Æschylus born? A. In 525 B. C., in an Attic village near Athens.

21. Q. In the present volume, from what tragedy of Æschylus are selections presented? A. “Prometheus Bound.”

22. Q. Who was Prometheus? A. A mythical being of superhuman rank, who stole fire from heaven and brought it to men. For this offense against Zeus he was condemned to be chained alive to a rocky cliff in the Caucasus.

23. Q. What other great tragic poet was contemporary with Æschylus? A. Sophocles.

24. Q. From what masterpiece of Sophocles are the selections of the present volume made? A. “Œdipus Tyrannus, or Œdipus the King.”

25. Q. How is this tragedy considered by, perhaps, the majority of qualified critics? A. To be not only the best work of Sophocles, but the “bright, consummate flower” of all Greek tragedy.

II.—TWENTY-FIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON “CHEMISTRY”—FROM BEGINNING OF BOOK TO PAGE 84.

26. Q. Of what does chemistry treat? A. All kinds of material substances.

27. Q. What is said of the number of the various kinds of matter already existing on our earth? A. The number is so great that the various kinds have never been so much as counted, much less described, in any list or volume.

28. Q. Of what are all things known to chemists made up? A. A few simple substances, either existing alone or in richly various combinations.

29. Q. What are called chemical elements, and what compounds? A. The simplest substances when alone are called the chemical elements, or elementary substances; the things resulting when different elements are united are called compounds.

30. Q. What does the two-fold character of chemical study involve? A. First, the examination of elementary substances and their compounds. Second, a consideration of the many general and special laws and forces which determine the various possible combinations.

31. Q. How many elementary substances are there now generally recognized as such? A. Sixty-six.

32. Q. About how many of the elements possess names that are familiar to ordinary readers? A. About one sixth of them.

33. Q. Of what two elementary substances is it probable that three fourths of our globe is composed? A. Of oxygen one half, and of silicon one fourth.

34. Q. What general name is given to most of the elements? A. Metals.

35. Q. What symbol and what weight has each element? A. An atomic symbol and an atomic weight.

36. Q. How is an atom of each elementary substance designated? A. By a symbol, usually the initial letter of the native or Latin name of the substance.

37. Q. What are three properties an elementary substance accepted as a metal should possess? A. It must possess the property of existing in a solid condition; it should possess the metallic luster; and it should possess the power and tendency to readily form a chemical union with oxygen.

38. Q. What are called binary and what ternary compounds? A. Compounds having only two kinds of elements are called binaries. Compounds having three kinds of elements are called ternaries.

39. Q. What four binary compounds are given as examples? A. Hydric chloride, sulphur di-oxide, sulphur tri-oxide, and plumbic oxide.

40. Q. Under what two heads are the principal ternaries grouped? A. Acids and salts.

41. Q. What are the two principal ternary acids used by chemists? A. Nitric acid and sulphuric acid.

42. Q. What is meant by the term atom? A. It is that portion of any kind of matter that is to human beings indivisible in fact.

43. Q. With what invisible, occult power is each atom and each molecule endowed? A. A power called chemical affinity.

44. Q. What are three of the peculiarities of chemical affinity? A. Each kind of atom has its peculiar chemical affinities. Each atom has a certain equivalence or atom-fixing power. Chemical changes produce striking results.

45. Q. What is the most common way of producing hydrogen? A. By bringing together sulphuric acid and zinc.

46. Q. What are some of the properties of hydrogen as a gas? A. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and, bulk for bulk, it is the lightest substance known in nature.

47. Q. What is the most interesting chemical property of hydrogen? A. Its power to unite with oxygen.

48. Q. What is said of the uses to which hydrogen may be put? A. As an elementary gas it finds but few applications in the arts.

49. Q. For what standards is hydrogen used by chemists? A. As the standard of equivalence or atom-fixing power; the standard of atomic weight, and the standard of density for gases.

50. Q. What did the remarkable lightness of hydrogen early suggest? A. The fitness of that gas for the inflation of balloons.

III.—TWENTY-FIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON “HOW TO HELP THE POOR.”

51. Q. What is the aim of the book, “How to Help the Poor?” A. To give a few suggestions to visitors among the poor, and to lead all such visitors to attend the conferences which are now held weekly in almost every district of our large cities.

52. Q. What is one of the most direct commands in the Christian Scripture? A. “Give to him that asketh.”

53. Q. Why need there be no beggars in our American cities? A. Labor is wanted everywhere, especially educated labor; nowhere is the supply of the latter equal to the demand.

54. Q. What do the people crying continually “give to us” really need? A. A chance to learn how to work, and sufficient protection in the meantime from the evils of idleness, drunkenness and vice.

55. Q. What is “out-door relief?” A. It is the giving of money (or its equivalent) which is raised by taxing the people, if the applicants come under certain rules and laws.

56. Q. To what conclusion does Mr. Seth Low, of Brooklyn, N. Y., come in regard to “out-door relief?” A. That out-door relief, in the United States as elsewhere, tends inevitably and surely to increase pauperism.

57. Q. Of what three parts is the conference of a district composed? A. First, the district committee; second, the representatives of societies and officers; third, the visitors.

58. Q. How does one writer state that the disciplining of our immense poor population must be effected? A. By individual influence; and this power can change it from a mob of paupers and semi-paupers into a body of self-dependent workers.

59. Q. What does not, and what does visiting the poor mean? A. Visiting the poor does not mean entering the room of a person hitherto unknown to make a call. It means that we are invited to visit a miserable abode for the purpose, first, of discovering the cause of that misery.

60. Q. What does Dr. Tuckerman say of every child who is a beggar? A. Every child who is a beggar, almost without exception, will become a vagrant and probably a thief.

61. Q. What is the only just reason for taking children from their natural homes? A. To lift them out of moral poverty. Material poverty, alone, is not sufficient cause.

62. Q. What do the statistics of the Labor Bureau show in regard to homeless young women in Boston? A. That there are twenty thousand homeless young women in Boston whose wages average only four dollars per week.

63. Q. What is the first suggestion made for the better care of the aged? A. By patient study of each individual, and by ingenious experiment of one plan after another, some fit occupation can often be found which shall bring both happiness and profit.

64. Q. When does not private charity do its full part? A. While any other than almshouse cases are allowed to fall into the care of the city authorities.

65. Q. What does experience, as the opportunities for observation widen, induce the writer to believe? A. That every human being can do something if he has a chance, and is intended to fill some gap in the universal plan.

66. Q. What does Edward Denison say of the crime of begging? A. It does not consist in the mere solicitation of alms. The gist of the offense is the intention of preying upon society; and of this intent the asking alms is only evidence—not proof.

67. Q. What is the root of a very large proportion of the suffering of the poor in the cities of America? A. Drunkenness.

68. Q. What is one of the first duties of a visitor in entering a tenement house? A. To use his senses.

69. Q. What knowledge means physical salvation, and thus a better prospect for understanding the spiritual? A. How to make even the smallest home clean and attractive, and to get the largest return from every dollar earned.

70. Q. What is one of the earliest and most important topics which should engage the attention of the visitor? A. That of helping people to save.

71. Q. What drives people into solitude? A. Trouble of any kind, and especially any misfortune which has a tendency to lower a person in the social scale.

72. Q. What is said of many of the poor who most deeply need visitors? A. They are lonely persons, and the fact of finding a friend at last is encouragement to them and the beginning of better times.

73. Q. What is almost the only true help of the worldly sort which it is possible to give the poor? A. To teach them how to use even the small share of goods and talents intrusted to them.

74. Q. What truth has been made clear in regard to the expenditure of money and goods alone? A. That it does not alleviate poverty.

75. Q. What has experience taught differently from the assertions that certain evils can not be helped, and that we may as well let things alone? A. That evils can be helped, and to let things alone is to lend ourselves to wrong.

THE CHAUTAUQUA UNIVERSITY.

CAN LANGUAGE BE TAUGHT BY CORRESPONDENCE?

BY PROF. R. S. HOLMES, A.M.