Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1893-06-09

ough university training; but, on the other
hand, it is generally conceded that this sys-
TEN affords ambitious people incompara-
BILE opportunities for mental development
which were perhaps denied them in their
youth. Mr.. Lewis Miller of Akron, o.,
and Rev. (now Bishop John II. 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-
TEN has broadened so as to include instruc-
ton in almost all branches of knowledge
In the early days of this fiourishing insti-
tuition the duration of the annual convoca-
ton 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 a 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 ChautLuqua 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 a 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 pretentious
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 a classic atmos-
phere. 1t 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,
a notable historical museum, a 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 a 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' as prac-
ticed at Chautauqua, which is n character
istically religious place, though nonsec-
tartan. The different denominations rep
resented there every summer make up a
large happy family meeting on common
level of mutual respect and esteem" There
are no open chickering's, at least on doc
trinal points, and to be an eXempliflcation
of Christian charity seems to be the aspira-
ton of every one.
There are three practical ways, believe,
of gaining access to this academic COM
munity. One is by way of the steamer
pier, another by the railway station and
still another by the road gate In either
case the visitor must purchase n card of adj
mission to the town, no matter from what
direction he comes. The city fathers dc
not allow any one to sneak into their midst
= without purchased credentials" The free
dom of the city is extended only to a privi'
Q legged few, including the noted preachers
md lecturers who come from afar to stimu