The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1891-05-03

this way better able to take care OF them
selves in the battle of life, and they have be-
come better men and women and better citi-
zens. They have been brought into touch
with the great intellectual currents of the
age and their lives have been broadened as
their minds have became trained, enlight-
ened, and strengthened.
Washington for many obvious reasons offers
peculiar advantages for great Chautauqaa
University. Not only is 1t the centre OF the
political activity of the country, but it is fast
becoming the art, educational, and intellec-
tual centre as well. Here more and more
every year gather the best people Of the coun-
try, If not for permanent residence, at least
for prolonged sojourns. Returning to their
homes, they carry with them and disseminate
in every part of the land the ideas they have
imbibed in Washington. Thus it will be seen
that the National Capital is admirably fitted
as field for such great Chautauquan uni
versity as that which number of our public
spirited citizens have founded amid the
beautiful scenery of Glen Echo
Perhaps the idea underlying the whole
Chautauqua movement can be most clearly
and readily conveyed in the words of its noble
originator, the Rev. DIR. j. II. Vineeut,s who
began his great work nearly twenty-five years
ago. "It was" DR.. Vincent said, ''to involve
a course of reading, and strictly covering the
principal subjects of the college curriculum,
but emitting of necessity its drill In languages
and mathematics, giving to the English reader
an outlook over the field of learning and some
acquaintance with the masterpieces of
literature, ancient and modern, en-
ployng hand-books and compendiums for
the mastery of outlines and appointing
more extensive work to be read--a course
which the individual could pursue alone, If
necessary, yet adapted for associated study.
1t was sufficiently simple to invite the masses
and to lead them on without discouragement
from its difficulties or its extent, yet so
thorough as not to be deemed superficial by
the more learned. Above all, it was to bring
the six secular days of the week into harmony
of purpose with the Sabbath, not only by
recognizing the Bible as department of its
study, but more especially by having the
entire course penetrated with the spirit OF ro-
nance and faith. :"
1t was not until the year 1874 that Bishop
Vincent's ideas bore tangible fruit. In the
summer of that year was held the first Chau-
tauqua assembly at Chautauqua Lake, New
York. Then began that splendid develop
ment Of Bishop Vincent's ideas, which has
since done such widespread good, and which
is now 10 receive a IreBn Impetus at Cne Olen
Echo Chautauqua.
The course of studies pursued at Chautau-
qua, and which in the main will be adhered TO
at Glen Echo, embraces the general subjects
of history, science, literature and Bible study.
with a few branches which might be included
under home and character. Greece, Rome,
England, and America are the four leading
subjects in history, with an occasional histo-
rical study. These sciences of astronomy,
geology, physiology, biology, natural philos
ophy, and political economy are treated in
science primers and plain, practical philo-
sophical works. The field Of general literature
is surveyed by means Of selections from the
greatest authors, translated from Homer, Vir
Oil, Demosthenes, and Cicero, selected plays oi
Shakespeare, poems of Milton, Macauiey't
essays, and extracts from the writings of the
most important periods OF English history, a!
well as manuals prepared especially for th'
course. The studies are 80 arranged that al
the classes have an interest in the local circle
The local circle is not necessity but an ad
vantage. The opportunities for Interchange
of thought, the reading and discussion o
papers prepared by competent authors, TIT
stimulation to read, where one alone nigh
become discouraged and cease to pursue thl
course, are some OF the many ways in Whicl
il Is helpful. In some cities, as st. Paul
Minneapolis, and Pittsburg, central circle II
formed of all the local circles, for purposes
of union, conducting courses of lectures
concerts, ETC., especially adapted TO Tho
course.