The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1914-10-15

The second series of papers dealt
with the allied subject of govern
ment. and was opened at an early
meeting. aud, like the first. contin-
ued throughout the season. In this
series were treated the governments
of Canada, Great Britain, Luxem-
burr, and the United States. All
papers were carefully prepared with
much study and first. hand knowl-
edge iu each case. with view to
enlarging the scope of vision of the
members where this vital topic Is
concerned.
The third series of papers dealt
with the related subjects of peace
and war. and brought out much val
liable Information on coast defences,
naval equipment, the military possi-
Lllities of the Panama canal on the
one hand; and some able and logical
reasoning. backed by information
aud statistics, on the economic as
we'll as the humanitarian advanta-
ges of peace.
The fourth series, which lead up
to and eliminated in two debates,
dealt with the subject paramount in
the minds of the American people
during the past winter and spring;
namely, The Mexican situation and
our national responsibilities under
the circumstances. In the first of
the two debates, set debate on the
question. Would Intervention by
the U. S. in the Affairs of the Mex
lean People be Justified?'a thought
full, carefully weighed argument in
favor of Intervention was out weigh
ed by a vivid, and forcihly deliver
ed defence of the present national
administrations policy of watch
ful waiting" and of the right of the
Mexican people to settle their in
ternal affairs without coercion from
without. In view of the present
situation in Mexico. the Circle may
cong ratulate itself on the decision
rendered on this debate, at a time
when Intervention seemed to be In-
evitable.
The second debate took the form
Of a general discussion of Mexico
aud the Mexican situation in all its
aspects. Every member was invit-
ed to voice his opinions and conclu-
sions. and the discussion proved to
be extremely interesting and in
formative.
Among the more notable of the
interrniltant papers, which we have
not the time to review fully here.
were scholarly exposition of the
Monroe Doctrine. it's origin, history
and scope. illustrated by citation of
the various applications of the Doc
trine in the past, with descriptions
of the conditions which brought
about Its use. and the effect pro-
duced thereby;-A semi scientific
paper dealing with the economic
position of women in the present
day, citing advantages and disad-
vantages of the various occupations
in which women participate, and
summing up with broad view of
the final social effects of diversified
employment of women;- "A paper
on the history of music, ably hand
led by a gentleman thoroughly con-
versant with his subject;-A techni-
cal paper on the rise of electricity
in the industrial tield;-and a frank
exposition of modern American
Drama.
TO round out the years program
two Quarterly meetings were held.
at which we were permitted to en-
joy the presence of many of the
Circles friends, and tor which spec
lal programs were prepared under
the direction of the president
Through the kindness of several
members of the Circle. who are also
members of the prison orchestra, we
have been enabled to enjoy at near
ly every meeting enspiriting music
al numbers and Oh several occasions
the presence of the entire orchestra.
Taken as a whole. the Circle is
justly proud of the program of work
which it has 50 successfully carried
to conclusion during the past
year, and the business of the Circle
has kept pace with the progress Of
it's study work, thanks to the ener-
getic efforts of it's officers and the
wholehearted support of each indi-
vidual member. Early in the sea-
son the question of obtaining some
much needed modern hooks was
brought up. and the president was
empowered to take the matter be-
g. ba