The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-20
THE FLORIDA oHAuTAUoUA.
An 0ffshoet of Chautauqua in the Land OF
FloWers-The Education Idea in the South.


--
Correspondence of the INDIAN polis Journal.
De FUNIAK SPRINGs Fla, March 15-The
fourth annual session of 1.-The Florida Chautau-
qua" closed last night. after full month of en-
tertainment and recreation. This young Chau-
tauqua is rapidly becoming literary center
and health resort The work of this assembly
in lectures. sermons Bible-readines, concerts
and illuminations has NOT been inferior to the
sessions of the original Chautauqua of New
York. And to think of enjoying all this IN the
| midst of your winter, with budding trees and
blooming flowers
Each day from three to five irst-class lectures
were given without change of the programme
arranged months ago, except in the case OF Sam
P. Jones. who detained day account
of sick daughter. Interest was added to
some of the best lectures by the stereoDticon
views. Prof J. B. DeMotte, of DePauw Uni
vsrsi5y, gave a series of scientific lectures that
were not only enjoyable on account of views and
electric and phllos optical apparatus. but we're
made SO clear that even children were inspired
with . desire for knowledge. 1t seems remark
able that this season of the year many of
the frst-class lecturers could be brought hsre.
For this completeness of arrangement and
promptness in action, Rev. A I'll. Gillet. DID,,
superintendent, deserves great credit. He was
ably supported py Col. N. d. Chipley, of Pensa-
cola, the president. and q Q. Banfll, of De-
Funiak, the secretary. and an efficient executive
committee To give the readers of the Journal
an idea of the feast presented TO these jewellers
in the land of flowers, / need only
mention the names of number of
those who appeared upon the PLATFORM Rev.
a. b. Gillet. D. D.. Rev; j; III. Buckley. DID,,
Rev John Williamson, D. D.. w. G. Anderson,
III D., Rev. w. L. Davidson, Rev. John Latter
~. D. D., Hon. Leon H Vincent, Rev. e. FL.
Young. D. D., Rev. Jesse L. Hurihut. D. D..
Peter II. Won Fipkelstin, Capt Nj. 3. Pitcher,
Rev. c. H, Strickland, D. D., Rev. T. Z. Eaton,
D. D.. Prof W: D. McCllntock, Prof Frederick
G. Smith D. D.. Rev. J. W. Hamilton. d. D,
Bishop Mallalieu. Prof j. B. DeMotte. Pm D.,
Wallace Bruce Rev. j. w Jones. D. D.. Rev.
E. Warren Clark Rev. Sam P. JONES' Rev. A.
G. Hayeood, D. D.. Hon. A. j. Russell. Hon. c.
N. Jones, Prof. F. Pasco. Governor Perry.
Prot e. P. Glenn Prof. H. Graham Mrs. H. K.
Whnope PROT f. Merz Prof E. Gers
NJ Iss L. Tucker Prof. Kern. Prof H. N. Felkel,
Prof:sJ e. McDaniels Prof. NJ. &. Allen, Miss
EsteHe Merriman.
TINS was rare and rich literary feast from
which one could only choose at frst-class
hotehwhen tie 'biil of fare" comprises all the
market affords. Besides all the above. the
finest of music was constantly made an accom-
paniment that was enllveniug. The famous
Rogers Cornet Band. of Goshen. Ind, Is a COM
pletss orchestra in itself Sam Jones says it's
the best band he has heard in thirty States.
the Chicago Lady Trio was delight and
attraction at all times. There was also chorus
class of fifty members, led by Prof. w. B.
Strong. Mrs. Strong also frequeotly sang
operate gems. At night the spacious grounds
were illuminated by camp fires. torches and
Chinese lanterns. and at least twice a week
there we're fireworks. The spring or lakelet is
beautiful body of water, perfectly round and
clear, just mile in circumference. and sixty
four feet deep The water is soft. At night,
with a circle of camp-fires reflected il makes
p beautiful picture. A boat, specially arranged,
trimmed with Chinese lanterns and flashing
with Roman candies and lighted balloons ascend
ing, and with the band playing, forms
rare entertainment. According to
the Chautauquan idea. there is here
Fpr fhc mir of faa aher1
NAL department.; also schools Of music, art, elo-
cution, physicalculture type writing and stenog-
rsphy, kindergarten. and microscopy, each
der the care of competent teacher. ana many
/ persons found these departments very helpful.
/, A, town or city Is rapidly growing up here
Gov Perry said, in his admirable address: This
place is already literary center of mean
PROPORTIONS and of wonderful attractive and diff
fusive power"
Mccormick University is located here, doing
.hrst-class work in the academic department
The prospect is good for commodious buildings
in the near future 1t is under the care of Prof
Mcdaniel, graduate of De PAW University.
This Florida State Normal School has been To-
Gated here. 1t is rapidly growing in members
and 10 favor with the people Prof. Fekel is its
principal.
The last four days of the assembly were given
to The State teachers congress Addresses
were made by Governor Perry Hon A. j. Rus
sell. State Superintendent of Public Instruction;
DR.. A. g. Haygood, Hon. O. N Jones and others.
These were eloquent speeches, full of common
sense advice. urging the teachers to train the
for properly filing positions in the new order of
things on the farm, and in the workshop, as
merhanics. The hearty applause gave evidence
that the teachers and people awake to
the FecessitIes of the times. Many Northern
citizen will return to his home only bene-
fitted by this healthy atmosphere, but with q
much higher appreciation of the Southern peo-
pie Those who come here are heartily well
coined by old citizens. They are glad to have
the wonderful resources OF the land developed.
During the sessions of this assembly every one
seemed imp ressed with the friendliness of all
the people ! have talked with persons from
every Southern State, and all seem to agree
that 1t is wisdom to live in the prese Mt and i'm
prove the future.
But must tell our readers where De Funiak
is. It is eighty miles east of Pensacola ami
eighteen miles from the gulf of Mexico the
Louisville & Nashville, or Monon route to Jack
sonville. It is said to be the highest point of
land in the State. The laid is slightly rolling,
we'll watereds yet high and dry. The pine forest
and the sea breeze, with many peculiar advan-
tageS, makes this of the healthiest spots on
the American continent. Rheumatism aud
many other difficulties to vanish with the
wind. Marvellous stories could be told of the
restoration of who here. The town
rapidly. It is the countv-seat of Watson county.
A brick courthouse is being built The Jail is
done but there will not be much need of it as
there is no saloon here. Local option is a cue
cess here. Five years ago this small vii
lage. Four years ago the railroad let the light
in. Now there from 1000 to 800 actual
settlers here. The surrounding country is
rapidly being put under cultivation Fruit
growing will be the great industry here In
another article will describe the growth
prospects of Western Florida. r. d. BLACK.