South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-07-21
CHAUTAUQUA IS
REFORM FACTOR
w. G. G. BenWay Says Lectures
Are Great Influence in
Politics.

Chautauquas WELD more political
influence than any other similar or
ganization. such Is the belief OF W.
c. G.. Benway. superintendent OF the
local chautauqua
They bring about political re-
forms" said Mr.. Benway in an inter-
view this morning.
Our speakers are men whose names
stand for something In the res m or
politics They are men whose word
goes a long way. 1t makes no differ
ence whether they are republicans
democrats, or socialists, or anything
else. The message they bring. the re-
form they urge, is made without parti-
sanship. Many Of our platform lee
turers stand for prohibition or for the
elimination of rebates for example.
They state their convictions, bringing
I'm the moral side OF these great is
sues free from partisan political feel
ing.
Why do / think chautauquas WELD
more influence than any other similar
organization Because the chautau-
qua reaches a better class of people.
and more of them. Ii ministers to
the most representative citizens in the
community. The speakers are broad
and fair. and their fairness appeals
10 the rank and file of chautauque pa
irons.
The chautauqua too is the first eX-
ample where amusement is provided
by experts. Entertainments OF a SIM
liar nature have often been given i'm
Your city, but there has been no en-
tertainment given for which someone
or some organization stands sponsor.
This is what the chautauqua does. 1t
brings n class of entertainment that is
guaranteed 20 be wholesome and the
best that can be secured. In bringing
"a chautauQua to a city. the patrons
have an opportunity TO select the sort
of a program. a QuestiOner is sent
out by the bureau asking the mum Der
OF lectures. music features, dramatic
entertainers. etc, that the people want
and this questioner when filled out
and returned guides the Redpath au-
thOrities in selecting the program that
is to appear in your city"
Mr.. Benway prior TO his engaging
in chautauqua work was pastor of
the Baptist church in Momence, Ill.
where ne conducted institutional work
in connection with his church. The
church proper had rest rooms and a
gymnasium in connection.
4 happened TO go into chautauqua
work because 1 was a guarantor for
the sale of tickets at the first chau-
tauqua that we ever had in Momence>
4sfter the chautauqua appeared, the
Redpath authorities asked me how I
would like 90 go with them as a SUI
perintendent in charge of one Of their
seven-day circuits. / explained that
was pretty well tied up with work for
my church, but that I might be able
To get away for "a time during the
summer Later / signed a contract
to go with them. This was last sum-
mer. / resigned as pastor of the
church. but my resignation was not
accepted. Instead | was granted q
leave Of absence for four months
When | returned I told my charges
that this would positively have TO be
the last year. / found that I couldn't
do my church work and chautauuua
work at the same time"
Mr.. Benway Is signed up with Rad
cline bureau Cf Washington. d. c..
where ne Wiz have charge OF lyceum
work during the winter
Sunday night he will speak at a
large union meeting Of all the church
es 10 be held in Niles. The services
viii be conducted in the chautauqua
tent there.