, 1921-12-30
DON'T DESTROY cHAurAuouA.

Public sentiment throughout the country Is becom-
ing arc yed because Of what seems unjust discrim-
nation Of the railroads against the Chautauqua as
~sociations which has led these organizations to enter
a formal protest with the Interstate Commerce Com
mission. Unless relief from the burden is granted the
ability of these organizations to continue its service
at prevailing rates is imperiled, and the Chautauqua
refuses to consider the only alternative, a lowering of
its standards.
test before the commission failed to give details as
to what the protest is based upon beyond the charge
that it is not receiving the same consideration as are
theatrical troupes. The facts are these:
Railroad tariff schedules class Chautauqua with
theatrical companies in fixing rates. These schedules
provide that when a company consists OF twenty-five
or more members and carries its baggage with it, this
baggage is transported free of charge, even though as
in the case of the many companies playing %one-night
stands this means the handling of the baggage daily.
When smaller companies are concerned, a charge of
SO cents n mile is made for transporting the baggage.
While on a typical circuit, for example, not fewer
than sixty-three persons are engaged in each towns
Chautauqua week in addition to executives and work
ers, the system is such that they are separated into
groups, thus giving a wide diversity of entertainment
and permitting a daily change of bill. But because
there are not. as a rule, as many as twenty-five in any
one group, the railroads take advantage of a tech
nicalfty and charge full rates for transportation of
baggage.
not fair, Chautauqua accepts it without protest. Its
grievance is against a system whereby in addition to
the charge for transporting the baggage, 1t Is COM
PEELED to buy ten passenger tickets, or five more than
are necessary for those who travel with and care for
the baggage. These extra five tickets are of no use,
and at the present high cost of transportation, plus
war tax of 8 per cent, their cost amounts to a large
sum in the course Of a season. It seems to be a dis
criminatory burden that Chautauqua justly regards as
an imposition.
The people Of the United, States now enjoy a series
of entertainments such rs were impossible before this
system was scientifically worked out and an elaborate
organization perfected. Chautauqua has come to be
one of the most important events in American life, as
is shown by the fact that last year there were more
than thirty-fve million aggregate attenders at Chau-
tauqua entertainments. These were given on ninety
three circuits; more than 300 persons were employ
ed, including Oil prominent lecturers and 5000 sing
ers, instrumentalists, readers and other entertainers.
Places were reached in remote sections that never be-
fore heard a good, clean entertainment.
The educational value of Chautauqua is so great,
and its mission is so important, that the foremost men
and women throughout the country are among its &C.
tive supporters. It calls upon the citizens of this sec
ton to join their fellows everywhere in protesting to
local railroads against this treatment, that this great
institution may continue on its beneficial way un-
hampered.