Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1918-01-22
The chautauaua ID War Time.

BY reason OF its great service. 70 tno
nation last summer, the Chautauque
movement has leaped into position OF
national Importance never before equal
led In lie history. It has been suddenly
transformed from an institution OF pesce
time Importance into ono OF war time
necessity. The means employed by the
different Chautauqua systems last sum-
mer to make themselves OF value TO the
nation were many and varied. Patriotic
DAYS were featured % . part OF their
programs; the work of the Red Cross and
the Y. NJ. g. A. and the food administra-
ton was emphasized; the liberty loan
campaigns we're advertised and assisted
in every possible way; and special
speakers and lecturers were employed to
bring intelligent discussions OF the pur-
poses and needs of the war. Whatever
the means employed, so great was the
stimulation to patriotism and to the
support of the Red Cross, the Liberty
Loan, the Y. NJ. c. A., and the Food
Administration, that at convention OF
hautauqua talent and managers held
In Chicago at the close Of the Chautau-
qua season, the President OF the United
States and many of the governmental de-
partments and war agencies sent group
OF notable men to speak to the conven-
ton and to express their appreciation OF
the great work accomplished.
President Wilson sent as bis personal
representative, George Cfeel, chairman
of the Committee on Public 1nforma-
ton. Mr.. Creel addressed the conven.
ton in regard to the needs OF the war,
and In the course OF his address he
said:
81 voice the conviction of the Presi.
dent of the United States when ex.
press the hope that your work will keep
pace In growth with the war prepare
lions of the nation, for it Is almost as in
tegral part of the national defense as
men and munitions"
Henry P. DAWSON. executive head of
the Red Cross War Council, made his
first trip away from Washington, travel.
ing In his special car to address this Chi
cago convention, and with him was Ivy
Lee, his first assistant. Upon his re-
turn to Washington. Mr.. Dawson sent
back this message:
SIT is impossible for me to convey to
you my appreciation of Your co-opera-
ton with me and my associates in the
great work OF the Red Cross In this
great crisis. You certainly should en-.
Joy the satisfaction of contributing to a
degree which few If any can contribute.
and at q time when 1t Is of vital impor.
lance to our people and the country.
Ny day with you In Chicago will be men,
morable, not because of what I did, but
rather because of my observation of the
spirit which Ia conferred in and control
led by your wonderful organization.
You have very great responsibility
and are certainly acquitting yourselves
In q way which should give you satlsfac.
ton all your lives. Mr.. Lee joins me In
greatest appreciation and In congratnls.
ton upon all that you and your asso-
cistes are doing"
(Signed) Henry P. Dawson.
The Secretary of the Treasury sent
William Jennings Bryan as bis special
representative, The Food Administers
ton sent DR.. Van Hise of the University
OF Wisconsin. The Y. NJ. G. A. was rep
resented, and Canada came to the con.
vention in the person of Mr.J MscDon.
aid, editor OF the Toronto Globe.
In short, practically every great agency
dedicated to the winning of the war and
the alienation of It's suffering sent it's
representatives to Chicago to tell the
Chsutauquas that they are most vital
factor in the winning OF the war. The
Chautauqua movement is beginning q
great national service. It is more I'm.
portsnt now than ever before, and 1t will
become increasingly important "a the
war continues.