The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1900-06-28
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this circle that could be placed beside
the best thought of our times. In fact
all branches of learning has had at
sometime an able exponent in our cir
Gle, which has been an inestimable aid
towards its present successful standing
among the circles of the country, that
have less difficulties to contend with as
compared with this circle.
One of the most notable events with
in the history of the pierian Circle,
was the visit of Bishop ]. H. Vincent,
grand chancellor of the Chautauqua
movement. On the twenty-second of
July, 1890, he visited this institution
and gave an address upon the Chau-
tauqua work as followed out by it's
members all over the civilized world.
His words of cheer and kindness in
spired new life and hopes among the
members of our circle, as we'll as en-
couraged others to join in the effort to
"Look up and lift up" to "keep our
heavenly Father in our midst" and
"never be discouraged"
AS a mark of our appreciation the
members of the circle presented the
bishop with beautiful embroidered
sofa pillow and written address, which
has been viewed by many Chautau-
quans in the assembly of the C. L. S.
c., at Chautauqua Lake, New York.
Many others interested in the success
of our circle have visited us and given
encouragement to the good work. Our
circle also has received many letters
from Miss K. Kimball and Mrs. S. M.
Henry, two christian ladies' who have
shown deep interest in the success of
the Pierian Circle since it's organiza
tiOn.
During the ten years of our existence
as circle there has necessarily been
many changes among its membership.
Yet the interest is as strong today as it
ever was, and under the capable guild
ance of our present chairman and
secretary / hope to see it advance to
still higher standard among the &. L.
S. c. circles of this country.
AS to the increase of membership [
cannot speak with any surety of facts.
In 1890 the average was 30, out of a
population of 315. During the two
following years the circle had as high
as so members on the roll call. Today
the roll call shows membership of
only 36 from a population of 500. The
constitution adopted by the circle and
approved by Warden Randall, states
that "Any inmate of this institution
whose conduct and desires tend toward
moral and intellectual improvement,
is eligible to membership" Further
more it states: "The aim of this circle
Is to improve the moral and intellec-
tual faculties of those who experience
desire to improve their minds by ele-
waiting and instructive literature. and
by Systematically pursuing the course
OF reading arranged by the C. L. S. c..
each year to encourage individual dis
cussiOn of the various subjects under
consideration and thereby attain that
knowledge which is essential to all who
aspire to an honorable position in the
world, and which is in itself a rich
guarantee of future good citizenship"
Such was the plan under which the
circle became an organization. If it
has not been followed out, | feel conf
dent in saying it is not due to the in
mates, as the excellent discipline. under
our present warden and deputy demon
strates the high appreciation felt by
all, under humane man agement.
In closing this brief sketch of the
Pierian Circle l would mention some
of the special features of our program.
Special papers that deal with current
events of the day are always found in
structive and interesting. For a time
the circle had the question box as a
part of the program. Then debate was
adopted and finally mock congress,
which has become part of the pro-
gram, giving new interest to the circle
as it teaches parliamentary practice
and opens wider field for subjects.
1t also gives an opportunity to any of
the members to get their special hobby
off their mind In the form of bill or
resolution and have it considered by
the senate, which is highly represent
ative body, as lobbyists and trusts are
barred out
There may be some historical points
overlooked in this brief sketch of the
Pierian Circle. If so, l must be ex-
cnsed, as during the interval of '93 and
9o was not present. DEJALINA.