Dr. J. T. Edwards, of Randolph, being introduced humorously referred to the royal furnishings of the banquet, the superabundance of which might make, as Dr. Holmes has wittily said, many families happy. Looking upon the delicious oysters he had been reminded of two speakers at a feast in Egg Harbor—one was classic and made references to Brutus and Cassius and other men unknown to the lowly oystermen—the other by one who swinging his arms and with loud voice exclaimed: “Fellow-citizens, the last time I had the pleasure of visiting your town, I came to the conclusion that the Egg Harbor oysters were superior to those of Saddle Rock.” [Laughter and applause.] This was saying the right thing in the right place, and at once took hold of the Egg Harbor oystermen. We can not always do it.
Becoming more serious, the speaker said he believed this to be the best age of the world, and Chautauqua a grand achievement resting on this beautiful lake, more like the beautiful Windermere than any he had elsewhere seen, made classic by the writings of Coleridge and Wilson, and others. I extend my congratulations also on this occasion, and feel myself to be present with these citizens of Jamestown.
Dr. J. H. Worman being introduced by ex-Governor Fenton, said: “In a large place in the city of Berlin, among the many paintings in the gallery of the king there is one that attracted my attention when I was a boy. It is a coronation scene of King William IV. He is in the act of taking from the people their promise of being faithful to him. And to-night as Dr. Vincent spoke to you of the promise that had come to him from this side, I was reminded of that picture, and I see now in place of the king coming to ask his subjects their faith, this leader of Chautauqua standing before me asking your fealty for the good work begun upon this lake; and, as was written under the picture in letters that are never to be effaced, crowned by many a jewel: ‘This yes is mine’—so I see written upon your hearts in undying language, the promise to Chautauqua and its honored leader, a Yes for the support of that enterprise, that it may never die so long as civilization has a home on this lake.” [Long continued applause.]
At a late hour the company separated for their homes and places of entertainment, all being impressed with the genuine friendship of the citizens of Jamestown for the Chautauqua Assembly.
CHAUTAUQUA TRUSTEES.
The annual meeting of the Trustees of the Chautauqua Assembly was held in the gentlemen’s parlors of the Sherman House, Jamestown, N. Y., January 9th and 10th, Lewis Miller, Esq., President of the Board, in the chair. There were present Vice President F. H. Root, of Buffalo, Dr. J. H. Vincent, Mr. Clem Studebaker, of Indiana, Dr. J. T. Edwards, Revs. J. Leslie, H. H. Moore, and a number of others. The old board of officers was reëlected with this exception: Mr. W. A. Duncan, of Syracuse, was elected trustee and secretary of the Assembly and superintendent of the grounds. Mr. Duncan is a leading Congregationalist of Syracuse, N. Y. He is a man of fine business tact, of indefatigable industry, of executive force, and a thorough Christian gentleman. Mr. Duncan has had large experience in the management of Chautauqua matters, having been Dr. Vincent’s right hand man for several years, and will enter upon his work under the most auspicious circumstances. Dr. Vincent outlined his work for the summer of 1884, but the details of his plans were not arranged so that he could inform the board who the lecturers would be on any given days in August next. The finances of the Assembly were found to be in a more satisfactory condition than some trustees had expected. Taken all in all the business of the Assembly is in a healthy condition, and the program for the coming season promises to be an unusually brilliant one. A number of new cottages will be erected when the spring opens, the facilities for reaching the grounds will be improved, and the hotel accommodations will be excellent and at prices to suit the purses of all visitors. The business transacted was of a routine character, but the results will be apparent the coming summer in the improved condition of the grounds and public buildings at Chautauqua.
