Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1893-04-28

ough university training; but, ON the other
hand, it is generally conceded that this sys-
tenn affords ambitious people incchnpara-
BILE opportunities for mental development
which were perhaps denied them in their
youth. Mr.. Lewis Miller of Akron, O.,
and Rev. (now Bishop John H. Vincent of
New York, having long desired to raise the
standard of attainment and efficiency in
Sunday school teachers, evolved the idea
of the first assembly, which convened in
August, 1874. The plan met with wonder
full success from the outset, for in place OF
the more or less superficial work of brief
institutes the study of sacred history and
pedagogical principles was made continu-
GUS and progressive. Gradually the sys-
tenn has broadened so as to include instruc-
tion in almost all branches of knowledge
In the early days of this flourishing insti-
tuition the duration of the annual convoca.
tion was only two weeks. Now the sessions
are held throughout the months of July
and August each year. On the shores of
magnificent Lake Chautauqua consider
able town bearing the same name has
grown up, whose rustic architecture, unique
municipal government and ideals of life
present an interesting study to the educator
and the sociologist.
The Chautauqua assembly is incorpo-
rated under The laws of the state OF New
York. Twenty-four trustees constitute the
board of management. The president and
chancellor perform their somewhat arduous
duties without compensation. Certain Of
ficers, however, upon whom devolve active
or clerical service receive salaries such as
usually are paid in other institutions of
similar size Chautauqua is u peculiarly
suitable site to have been selected in the
first place for the object in view owing to
its accessibility from all points of the coun-
try, being midway between New York and
Chicago.
Most of the dwellings in the town are
either cozy cottages or more pretentlous
villas, and they are ranged in orderly effect
along the lakeside, about the parks or scat
tered through the several groves which
lend to Chautauqua such classic atmos-
phere. It is no place for the worldly pleas
ure hunter, although there is nothing to be
desired respecting its secular, civic or adj
ministrative character. Public buildings,
notable historical museum, q commodious
gymnasium, assembly halls, clubhouses,
lecture rooms, ETC., are provided In con-
venient parts of the town for the benefit OF
the thousands of visitors. The College of
Liberal Arts contains an excellent though
not notably extensive reference library.
The water supply and sewer system are
excellent. The superintendent of the
grounds is the practical sovereign of the
municipality. His word is law, but he
thinks twice generally before he speaks in
order that he may be quite certain that he
is Just. A sufficient police force stands in
readiness to enforce the regulations, there
seldom being any criminals to deal with
though now and then u black sheep is dis
covered. A thoroughly organized fire de
partment remains in service throughout
the year. Electric arc lights and gasoline
lamps brightly illuminate the town at
night.
The public in general perhaps misunder
stands the nature of "home rule" rs prac
ticed ut Chautauqua, which is character
istically religious place, though nonscc
tartan. The different denominations rep
resented there every summer make mp q
large happy family "mectingon II common
level of mutual respect and csteem." There
are no open chickering's, ut least Oh doc
trinal points, and to be an exempliflcatio'
of Christian charity seems to be the aspir;l,
tiOn of every one.
There are three practical ways, believe
! Of gaining access to this academic COM
munitv. One is Inv wnv of the steamer