The mirror., 1921-08-18
EXPLAINS ABOUT CHAUTAUGUA

With the approach of Fall, and Septem-
Der about to be the most conspicuous month
on the calendar, questions in reference to
Chautauqua are becoming quite numerous.
A few explanatory words may not be
amiss, especially to new arrivals within
the confines of "The Silent City of Con-
stantly Changing Population"
The Chautauqua Circle, of this institu-
ton, was founded many years ago, at the
old prison, being one of the first depar-
lures from the strict adherence of punish
ment rather than reformation. 1t enabled
the studiously inclined to obtain a wider
range of literature and reference books,
to develop compositional ability by the
preparation of papers, and oratorical
powers by debates and discussions on edu-
cational and current subjects. Only two
topics were barred-i. e., politics and re-
ligion. Such were the original aims, they
remain the same today.
In the early years some sinister criti-
cisms were heard for allowing prisoners
advantages for self-improvement. This
gradually abated when the records proved
that the majority of the States wards
were amenable to reform and that altrustic
methods could be employed with advan-
tage to both the prisoner and the commun-
lty to which he was eventually returned.
Before you scof, fellow inmate, think it
over, read bit about penology as for
merly administered; comparison may sub
due the vehemence of your hasty ridicule).
The Pierian Chautauqua Circle has
made good showing for, according to
the Prison records, over "a per cent of the
members released have made good and
avoided further complications with society
and the laws of the land. This statement
does not mean that an inmate must or
should be Chautauqua member in order
to rehabilitate himself; it but indicates
one of the ways by which beneficial re-
suits have been obtained. Some of the
other means are, the night school, perusal
OF the recorded words of people who have
made life study of the many themes one
knows not of unless they read, and cor
respondence school courses on special sub
jects. They all tend towards the same OBJ
jective, ducation-probably the thing of
most value it is possible to carry away
from here. Undoubtedly more hours are
available for reading and study, while
here, than could be deducted from the
hustle and detractions of the busy outside.
The way the compulsory idle hours are
used nets the difference between mental
progression or retrogression.
The appelation, "Pierian," by which
the prison circle is distinguished from
other circles is word, derived from
Greek mythology of a spring, tabled to
give lofty inspirations. The motto of the
Circle is, "Drink deep, or taste not the
Pierian Spring"
Meetings are held every other Sunday
afternoon during the season which starts
the middle of September and runs until
the middle of May. The usual assem-.
blages are held in the school room, special
or quarterly meetings in the auditorium,
at which musical numbers are provided.
A president, vice-president and secre-
tary are elected by ballot and Cushing's
Manual of Parliamentary Practice used as
authority in governing the membership.
New members are elected by the vote of
the members in good standing, subject to
the Deputy Warden's Endorsement.
In return for the special privileges
given, the officials expect the members of
the Circle to adhere to the Chautauqua
constitution and the institutions regula-
tons, to retain their grade standings and
show an interest in keeping the organiza-
tion in good repute. Considerable latitude
is allowed as to the conducting of the
meetings, in fact the success of each sea-