A member from Canada writes: “As one of the class of ’84—the ‘Irrepressibles’—and having caught the inspiration at Chautauqua, I can hardly write or say anything strong enough to express my admiration of the movement. I wish the officers could do something for Palestine. When visiting it a year ago I induced my dragoman, Herbert C. Clark, of Joppa, to subscribe then and there for The Chautauquan, as we were sitting on the ruins of the old wall of Mount Zion, above the valley of Hinnom. Mr. Clark writes me that he enjoys it exceedingly. I was much of the time for ten days with Dr. Selah Merril, the U. S. Consul, and his lady, who worthily represents the women of America. There are many fine people speaking the English language in Jerusalem and other points, who are cut off from many of the advantages of our Christian civilization. Nothing prospers under the administration of the stupid Turk, and literature especially is discouraged. I believe the C. L. S. C. is just what these good people need.”
LOCAL CIRCLES.
Vermont (West Brattleboro).—For the past three years, there have been at West Brattleboro, Vt., informal gatherings of from eight to twelve members of the C. L. S. C., who called themselves a “circle.” But until this year there has been no formal organization. At the meetings subjects were taken up in the way decided upon at the previous meeting. These meetings were found to be of much profit and interest to ourselves. As we learned to know and appreciate the “Chautauqua Idea,” we began to see growth could not be expected without organization. Accordingly a meeting was called for the evening of September 20, to which all were invited, whether they proposed to join or not. At this meeting the aims and methods of the C. L. S. C. were fully discussed, and an organization was effected under the name of the “Vincent Circle,” with a president and secretary. There was also a committee for program chosen, to serve for two months. It was decided to hold meetings once in two weeks, at houses of the members. We are happy to say that we start upon our new year with a membership of thirty-nine, eighteen of whom are regular members, representing classes ’84, ’86 and ’87. Nor is this all the gain. Another circle has been organized, under the name of “Pansy.” This circle is composed wholly of new members, who thought they could work to better advantage separately. It has twenty-two members. No doubt the secretary will report to you, as the circle is very wide-awake, and means to profit by the experience of the ’84s. It has been thought best to devote the time at the meetings during October and November to Grecian history, as that is the principal subject for study during those two months. The following was the program for the first meeting, October 4. The second meeting was similar in character:
1. Responsive Reading from “Assembly Hymnal.”
2. C. L. S. C. Song No. 6, from “Assembly Hymnal.”
3. Report of Secretary.
4. Introduction of the subject of “Grecian History,” by Prof. H. H. Shaw.