The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-08-11
ATLAKE CHAUTAUOA
THE IMPRESSIONS OF AN oBsrNv-
 ANT ALABAMA VISITOR.
The Peculiar Atfrnctiyeness of the Pince and Its Instftutions-
 Mnny Aiabamfans
 There. r
Lake chautauaua. N. r..


 August 8. 1901
 The old way of waiting around West field several hours for the narrow gauge road to carry passengers to Point Chautauqua. whence steamers took them across the Lake Chautauuua was picturesque if not expeditions. sThis way is stln avail able to those not laboring under Amer icanitis--hurry-wo
 But we. still moving with the mo- mentum of our long. rapid run from Alabama. took the trolley which, speed ing through charming rival communi- the ones that had already aroused our envy, landed us at Chautaaqua in an hour.
 If 1t is true that first impressions are corners to take this trolley, for 1t stops at Chautauqua's back-doo and reveals the high fence which encircles the whole i.s Assembly ,S groundas nrasa This This. fense: which ticket is necessary for ingress or egress, gives one unfortunate im- pression of stockade; but those fa- mfliar with the vigorous freedom of thought and action offered within do not suffer this sense Of restriction.
 Some people whose sense of individ- uality. not to say importance, is cul- tivated to the point of imitation never overcome their annoyance at the re- strictions placed on resident of Chau- tauqua. Such persons had better hast en elsewhere. for Chautauqun Is essen tialiy' democratic and aims for the greatest good to the greatest number of visitors. The Chautauqua tradition which taboos card playing and social dancing and which prohibits the impor- tations of alcoholic beverages, discloses the influence which dominated the early life of the Assembly and represents the overwhelming sentiment of the major ity here today; It IS oeaieyed anH d,vsrasSe .neSe to the type of society which Chautau- qua seeks to set up for a few summer weeks The fact that many who ap- press eratffcation that they are not permitted at Chautauaua is signin- cant.
 The presence of 1000 students in the summer schools and other thousands busy with daily tasks, are living in thin-walled cottages in close proximity to each other, makes the custom or si- lence after dinner t1o p, m.l ratlonal a munity. These chimes, by the way, are a great attraction, pealing sweetiy from the tower of the Pier out over the wa- ter and back among the nils rising gently behind the grounds. Staid ma- irons and little children. as well as couples of coed. students. promenade the lakeside every night to hear tneir sweet good7night; 1s one h, DE gsmerx 0eI of William Cullen Bryants interest m the Chautauqua movement.
 Another objection sometimes made to psrs is fs Bst tSs thinks. and many broad minded people agree with them. that this is another early tradition which n2sssnt nnef repa sefPain | from recreations. such as boating. driving. playing tennis etc. s no no ] hardship for population free t for 1 amusement all during the week; the Exclusion of few visitors living in the i Vicinity is far different from barring 1 out urban thousands. were such near at a banantifui nad uSist. peaceful day of rest. | and of inspiration to higher tnings' l This policy IS advocated Tor Chautatu- | qua sconditions only. and not TOT tne tne l other populations in very different sur
 Having saweit at length upon these I restrictions, it would be only. fair 70 show Chautauuua's many privileges to l the student and pleasure seeker put l they are 50 numerous as 10 demand , ,s separate chat. It IS sate s1 s1ch Som- M 1 pact limits Is there to be found so much | that is good and jnteresting and more I in physical. musical and literasy a,is an1s, z And now what part do AtAoarniann take in this vast summer clearing l honse of Ideas7'' They must exert l Sorne influence. surely, for neariy hsma- several have appeared on the nrogran. notably Mrs Lucien Finch or Birmingham. and Bishop Nlncenf "as ooTn ns is hn generafiy known. chautauqua Institution was founded in 1sIS py Lewis Miller and John H. Vincent, tns latter of whom is still diving and as chancelloE still directing its hdTn Ssnerh1 in TTmscsioosa. Afs., but his parents nov cd away while he was not GTitst GSnrt,culariy yTlsniE The idea that ne is nos s.sns nrevai. ent' b ,A when I was introdueed to him several years ago as being from Aiabana, he immediately and volun- tariIy mentioned 1t. He spoke eager of Aiabama's probable benefit from the cement from the vast deposits along our magnificent river. etc, showing ,13s an intelligent and sympathetic interest which rather disproved his supposed indifference or antipathy to his native State. o are from 12,000 to 15,00O people here now Naturally the majority of these are from the nearby and thiekly popu-