The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-11-28
THE CHAUTAUQUA SYSTEM.
Tho Workings Explained by tho Book of
Instructions.

Tho Workings Explained by the Book of
Instructions.
We have received the book of instructions
which was prepared last summer for the
benefit of the readers of the Chautauqua
system, says the New York Sun. The pur-
pose of this system. rs now so generally I'M
derstood, is to provide methodical course
of home reading and study for the multi
tudes Of people anxious for self improve
ment, but who do not know where to 90 for
the knowledge they crave. Its further OBJ
iect is to stimulate this desire by means of |
association and composition.
The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific
Circle, as it is called, contains hundreds OF
thousands Of readers scattered all over the
globe. The most of them are s1bdividcd
into small local circles which now exist in a
large part of the towns and villages of the
United States. and which are to be found in
Europe, Asia and Africa also. Besides the
main Chautauqua assembly, too, there are
ffty-one branch assemblies in thirty-one
States Of the Union, one in Canada, two in
England cat Oxford and BlackpooD, and one
at Cape Colony in South Africa. OF late,
also, an association for the same general
purposes has been established in England
as an independent enterprise, and 1t Is nav
ing much prosperity.
This volume OF Instructions lays down
specific courses Of study and selects the par
ticular authors and books to be read, some
what after the manner of the schemes pre-
eeuted by the colleges. But the Rev. DIR.
Vincent the chancellor of the Chautauqua
pans to explain that the purpose is not at
all to provide "a cheap substitute for
college education. 1t is simply to promote
habits of study among men and women.
boys and girls. who need its guiding hand
to Introduce them TO profitable literature.
The subsidiary local circles are usually
held in a church Of the neighborhood, for
the whole Chautauqua enterprise is AMI
mated by a religious spirit. The saving OF
the soul is its first and great object. Intel
lectual cultivation is subordinate only, and
means to that solemn end. "In all our
studies,'' says DIR. Vincent in his predatory
appeal to the readers, ''let us always keep
open the window between our deepest
ings of the local circles are to be opened
with prayer. Doubt as to the orthodox
faith has no place IN the system. Unques-
tioninR belief is assumed. Hence Chau-
tauaua is an important conservative relig
ious influence. The enthusiasm which
KEEPS it alive comes from zsal for the
propagation of religious faith and eager
desire to make the learning OF man serve
the glory of God.
TIE order of study recommended for the
wear 1890 81 begins with English history
and English literature. and carries them
through every month in the year. These
are the chief subjects of study, and with
them are associated practical directions for
speaking and writing English. and also
studies in geology and astronomy, always
popular subjects. Special reading for Sun
day is suggested. and English religious his
tory. from the Protestant point of view, OF
course, occupies . large place in the pro-
Qramme. Examination papers with ques
tions as to the facts and subjects gone over
are sent ont. the expectation being that the
Students will give the answers from memory
alone. that thus their grading may truly ex.
press their actual acquirement.
At the meetings of the local circles, also
the subjects of reading are discussed, Ques
tions are put and answered, difficulties
solved, essays read and the general proceed
ure Of . debating society followed. Provis
ion 10 also made for an interval in which
Chautauqua games are played, 90 that tn,
meetings may have more varied attrao
tions. Besides the general course OF read
ing. special courses in history, literaturs
and science are laid out. Finally, the fee
charged are tridinQ.
No ono Who knows how eager 10 the de
mand for such assistance can doubt tina
the ChAutauQua system il hailed ~ grea
boon BY multitudss Who think that create
knowledge Of books will Sand them up high
OF in the social scale. Even if they are dis
appointed in their hopes Of such practioa
edvantaGsa, perhaps fhsy viii ind oompan
n43ea u hAAits of study which viii tan