devoted to keeping high ideals before the circle. He adds: "I believe that we who are shut in from the outside world appreciate to a greater extent the benefit and help to be derived from the C. L. S. C. course of study than any other circle. Speaking personally, I can truthfully say that it has wonderfully helped me in many ways, and I know this is true of others as well.' KAHOKA, MISSOURI. After a vacation of five weeks, the Edelweiss Chautauqua Circle met at the home of Mrs. W. P. Hickok chair. At roll-call each member responded with a quoon Monday night. President C. S. Hickok occupied the tation from Madame Guyon. The letters of the Greek alphabet and character studies of some prominent French men and women and other mental work employed the time. Among other interesting and profitable features of the program was the following: Forty photographs of prominent people were pasted on as We have found the question and answer method among the members, who were required to recognize many cards, and each numbered, these were distributed perhaps the most satisfactory. Our president appoints them, and to the one giving the greatest number of a committee of two to prepare programs and assign correct answers was awarded a prize consisting of a work for two months. They use the suggested programs beautiful calendar of 1901. The president was the to some extent, and appoint leaders to conduct differ- fortunate winner, being able to recognize thirty-four ent branches. We always have responses at roll-call bearing upon the week's work, and free informal discus- gave the contestants a pleasant opportunity to count out of the forty. A social hour with light refreshments sion, though nothing worthy of the name debate. We their battles o'er. use papers somewhat, but brief reports more frequently. We have a small but excellent public library and a free reading-room. Our circle meets at the reading-room on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 o'clock, and we are very prompt; members rarely being absent. I belonged to the Class of 1887. This is the first time since then that we have had a Chautauqua circle in our town or county. People are taking interest in us, and we expect to have a good many recruits next year. We did not commence till November, but have just made up the work with some effort, for we are busy people. Next year we shall be anxious to start October 1. STEPHENSON, MICHIGAN. The Stephenson C. L. S. C. was organized October 4, 1900, with fourteen enthusiastic members. The rank and file of the circle is composed of busy housekeepers, with a sprinkling of teachers from the school. Our little village of seven hundred inhabitants affords a library, so our reference books are not necessarily confined to our own private libraries. We have not the advantages of lectures, etc., but without these pleasant and profitable accessories we still feel that we are doing good work with the material at hand, and probably in the absence of these and kindred privileges we doubly appreciate the advantage of this splendid course of study. At our meetings, held bi-weekly, the mode has been a complete review and a general discussion of the lesson. The results evince genuine work done by one and all. "The Rivalry of Nations" has proved a surprise and delight. In it was anticipated a dry and uninteresting study, but the reverse has proved the case, and although with one accord it is pronounced "hard, we are begin ning to experience a real and intelligent interest in national and international affairs. The social advantages of Stephenson being rather limited, we also esteem that feature of the circle exceedingly pleasant. At the close of the lesson refreshments are served, and an hour is spent in social intercourse. All agree that the work of the C. L. S. C. has proved of untold benefit, and express the intention of completing the four years' course. A MEMBER. EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO. portions to different members or follow the questions In our study of the lesson, the leader assigns special given for the lesson. It is the privilege of the leader leaders are appointed for each meeting, each taking a to conduct the lesson according to her own plan. Three given subject. At roll-call we respond with current events, quotations, bits of history, ideas from some portion of the lesson, travel or whatever subject the standing committee decide upon. The history and oriental travels are all followed up by maps which some of the members carry to the place of meeting. After the leader has had charge for about fifteen minutes the subject is open for general discussion, which is often most interesting. We make use of everything we can find explanatory of our reading. We have a good public library and another one in course of construction, donated by Andrew Carnegie. A MEMBER. AUBURN, RHODE ISLAND. 66 The Vincent Circle are evidently thoroughly imbued with the idea of hard work, and this makes it possible for them to meet with undaunted front those parts of the course which for a time seem like pline" but in the end perhaps result in the discipeaceable fruits of renewed mental activity. The secretary incidentally mentions that original poems occasionally form a feature of the roll-call. Many other forms of literary activity seem also to occupy their energies. The study of famous pictures is to be noted as a frequent diversion, and it is a pleasure to realize that our circles are making such good use of the splendid opportunities which are now within reach of most of us for a closer acquaintance with the treasures of the past. The Auburn Vincent Circle was formed three years MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK. The Edelweiss Circle of Mt. Vernon, New ago with nine members. Our enthusiastic president York, is one of two circles which have kept flourished and made good progress. was not afraid of hard work, consequently the circle C. L. S. C. work well at the front in Mt. very slowly in numbers. This year we have fifteen We have gained Vernon for many years. The following members, all ladies. We have derived much pleasure report of what might be called a typical from some of the reading, and some we have taken as comes to us through The Auburn Vincents special occasion Socialism" discipline. belongs to the latter class. the press: are very busy people, but our meetings are held regularly and are very instructive. 66 Our program usually includes a synopsis of the lesson, discussions, breezy papers, much miscellaneous information, and a good time always. We have had occasional public meetings which were interesting and well appreciated. Some of the circle have tasted the delights of Framingham, and are yearning for Chautauqua, as they hope to graduate in 1901. A MEMBER. PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA. The Carlyle C. L. S. C. has the good fortune to be situated in a town where they can have a Carnegie library to draw from, and we have the word of the secretary that the privilege is improved and the use of supplementary references a frequent feature of the circle meetings. Of course it is not always possible for busy people to use what is known as the "library method" in the study of history, and many of our readers have to supplement the one required book with their thinking powers only. But sidelights from other sources help to give breadth to our views, and it might be a good plan for circles to have library committees of less busy members who shall bring to the circle such supplementary material as may be helpful, and so bring the library to the people who cannot go there for themselves. The Carlyle Chautauquans report that they choose their own subjects for debate. It would be interesting if we could know what these are, as they are the expression of the circle's individuality, and that is what we are trying to get through these "pen pictures." By their plan of debate each debater has an opportunity to give two speeches, and then after the judges have given their decision, the pent-up ideas of the rest of the circle are expressed very freely. GREENWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA. An excellent custom observed by the Dixie Circle is that of keeping all quotations brought in during the year. These, with author and source noted, are handed to the secretary for preservation, and at the end of the year the best ones are selected and pasted into a scrap-book. Presumably the circle have contests on these quotations once in a while, and in this way many famous sentiments of the great writers become a part of their everyday experience. There The Dixie Circle had a social meeting on the evening of December 31, to watch the new century in. were nineteen members and seven visitors present, and a brief program was carried out. Each one wrote a resolution, hope, or wish to be fulfilled in the new year or century, but signed no name. The papers were collected in a small basket as the different ones came in, and, as part of the program were read aloud, and, judging from the laughter and remarks heard on all sides, were much enjoyed by those present. They were 66 of every kind, possible and impossible, grave, gay, or witty. The secretary read Bishop Vincent's messages from the January Round Table, and his calendar for 1901. Then our president recited an original poem, A Greeting to the New Year." The circle was delighted, and requested a copy to be preserved with its other papers. Light refreshments were then served, and recitations, music, and games were enjoyed until almost twelve o'clock, when all adjourned to the Episcopal church, by invitation of its pastor, and took part in the religious watch services. I am much encouraged by the present Chautauqua outlook for our community, for it is the brightest yet. Our circle hopes to have several members, one ready to pass through the Golden Gate, at Chautauqua the coming summer. FANNIE PEMBERTON, Secretary. SELMA, ALABAMA. 66 An The Selma Chautauquans with characteristic energy have varied their regular programs with certain special exercises. Iliad and an Odyssey meeting were held early in the year, and the leader writes that they have given especial attention to the search question work. Those on the Pinch of Attic Salt' have been the cause of great enthusiasm." On February 22 a Washington celebration was held, the invitations for this meeting being decorated with a small portrait of Washington attached to the national colors. Upon the reverse side of the card was a rhythmic invitation to try our wits and ready power upon American riddles." A Montgomery paper gives the following particulars: After the regular lesson, each lady was given a list of ten original conundrums in rhyme, the answers to which were either noted American facts or national characters. The solution, if correctly given, formed an acrostic spelling the name " Washington." Decorations were in beautiful keeping; a six-pointed star outlined on the white table cover, in blue, and a dish of red japonicas in the middle made the refreshment table very artistic and beautiful. The whole afternoon it the most complete club meeting of the season, was a pronounced success, and the participants called indeed quite as good as a party, cards said, as she took her reluctant leave. EUPORA, MISSISSIPPI. one devotee to The New Century Circle of Eupora has circles, but it has a very devoted memberno near neighbors in the way of clubs or ship who seem to be making the most of their resources. The town has no public library, but as these Chautauquans are connected with an educational institution they have some facilities in the way of private collections. The president reports that the majority of the circle are recent comers and have not yet become sufficiently identified with the community to take hold of a public library problem. Both oral and written reports form an important feature of the work. TOPICS of the HOUR [Note. In the daily deluge of books and articles the average reader is hopelessly overwhelmed. Complete lists of references to current magazines and recent volumes are of value only to specialists. The busy person who wishes to be reasonably conversant with the leading questions of the day has no time for wide reading, and is too likely to be discouraged by an exhaustive “bibliography." THE CHAUTAUQUAN will seek to serve its subscribers by calling attention each month to a list of representative books, and typical articles which deal with the different phases of some one topic of current interest. The Current Events Programs are prepared for the use of clubs, college and other literary societies, women's clubs and organizations desiring direction for current events courses.] VII. PAUPERISM.* INTRODUCTORY.—It is well to bear in mind the difference between pauperism and poverty, pauperism being the extreme of poverty which requires relief. The peculiar burden which it imposes on society, though without doubt its most obvious, is not its worst aspect. Pauperism may indeed be mere helplessness, but more often its causes are moral and its influences injurious. Some organized method of relief is absolutely necessary, and yet experience has proven the increasing difficulty of dealing with the problem. England has her poor-law system and America the alms-house as fundamental institutions for relief. Do not fail to consult Lalor's" Cyclopedia of Political Science" and Bliss's "Encyclopedia of Social Reform ": they form the best possible preliminary reading in the consideration of the general question. If the files are in your library, you will find fresh matter, though sometimes of rather a polemic nature, in the " Reports of the Boston Industrial Aid Society" (annual), Charities Review (monthly), Lend-A-Hand (monthly), "Proceedings of the National Conference of Charities and Corrections" (annual), International Record of Charities (monthly), and the annual reports of the Boards of State Charities, especially of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. Aschrott, P. F. "The English Poor Law System." (Knight & Co., London, 1888.) Good account of the development of English poor law system, and its present conditions. Atkinson, E. "Progress from Poverty." (Forum, Vol. VI., p. 19.) Concludes that steam and electricity, in the United States, have relieved fear of pauperism becoming a public burden. Behrends, A. J. F. "Socialism and Christianity." (Baker & Taylor, New York, 1886.) Suggestive Boies, H. M. "Prisoners and Paupers." (Putnam, Booth, Chas. "Pauperism and the Endowment for Old Age." (Macmillan, New York, 1892.) Chapter on causes is a careful analysis. An argument for old age endowment. Booth, General. "In Darkest England." (Macmillan, London, 1890.) Awful pictures of conditions of submerged tenth, also the solution as conceived by the Salvation Army. Bosanquet, Mrs. B. 'Rich and Poor." (Macmillan, New York, 1899.) Not a technical presentation, but rich in suggestions for work among Party Government in England, France, and the United States" appeared in October. Trusts appeared in November. Village Improvement Association and Kindred Topics" appeared in December. Divorce appeared in January. 'Race Problems in the United States" appeared in February. "Foreign Missions" appeared in March. 66 Drage, Geo. "Problem of the Aged Poor." (A. & C. Black, London, 1895.) Government inquiry into aged poor question. Four means of avoiding old age pauperism, and several for alleviating conditions when unavoidable. Ely, R. T. "Pauperism in the United States." (North American Review, Vol. CLII., p. 395.) Wise charity work in cities proves that remedy is possible. Emminghaus, A. "Poor Relief in Different Parts of Europe." (Stanford, London, 1873.) A store of information drawn from experiences of various countries. Good for argument against the usually proposed remedies. Farnam, H. W. "Economic Aspect of the Liquor Problem." (Houghton, Mifflin & Co., New York, 1899.) Discusses ably one of the great causes of pauperism, with valuable tables. 66 Fawcett, H. 'Pauperism, Its Causes and Remedies." (Macmillan, New York, 1871.) Analysis from standpoint of an economist; first rate, but rather intangible for ordinary reader. Fields, Mrs. J. F. "How to Help the Poor." (Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston, 1883.) Little of theory, but shows how great improvement was made in one district. Fowle, T. W. "The Poor Law." (Macmillan, New York, 1881.) Comprehensive and satisfactory review of English poor law experience, with full statement of principles. George, Henry. "Progress and Poverty." (Manhattan Single Tax League.) The famous Single Tax Bible. Gladden, W. "The Problem of Poverty." (Century, Vol. XLV., p. 245.) Uses "poverty' " and "pauperism" as synonyms. Unwise charity is one great cause of pauperism. Godard, J. G. "Poverty, Its Genesis and Exodus.” (Sonnenschein, London, 1892.) Insufficient produc tion and waste are great causes of "poverty" which he identifies with pauperism." Clear argument. Hobson, J. A. "Problems of Poverty." (Methuen & Co., London, 1895.) Presents industrial status of low-skilled labor. Loch-Bosanquet-Dwyer. "General Booth's Scheme." (Sonnenschein, London, 1891.) Discussion of Booth's scheme by three authorities in England. Excellent for argument, because statements are specific and criticisms careful. Lowell, J. S. "Public Relief and Private Charity." (Putnam, New York, 1884.) Public relief usually defeats its very purposes; outlines principles for private charity wherein lies only hope. Good for question of remedies. Mackay, Thos. "The State and Charity." (Macmillan, New York, 1898.) Outlines what is possible in coöperation between legal and voluntary agencies for relief. Mackay, Thos. "History of English Poor Laws." (King & Co., London, 1899.) Statement of theory of poor laws and elaborate history of their operation. Peabody, F. G. "Colonization as a Remedy for City Poverty." (Forum, Vol. XVII., p. 52.) Rather a remote and visionary plan, but interesting. Royce, S. "Deterioration and Race Education." (E. O. Jenkins, New York, 1878.) Pp. 49-67. Views pauperism as a sign of race deterioration. Twining, Louisa. “Work-houses and Pauperism." (Methuen, London, 1898.) Personal experiences of fifty years' connection with the workings of poor laws: Warner, A. G. "American Charities." (Crowell, New York, 1895.) One of the most enlightening books, especially with reference to the American alms-house and philanthropic financiering. Welch, R. "Horace Greeley's Cure for Poverty." (Forum, Vol. VIII., p. 586.) Advice to go West and grow up with country" is largely chimerical for the poor man of today. CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAMS. Charity and Correction," in Henderson's "Social Spirit in America," C. L. S. C. book 1897-8. 2. Oration: Poor Law Fallacies. 3. Paper: (1) Morality and Pauperism. (2) Pauperism as a disease. 4. Debate: Resolved, That restriction of immigration is the most practicable remedy for evils of pauperism. Second Week 1. Reading: Chapter " On Population," Malthus. 2. Oration: Charity vs. Justice for the Pauper. Third Week 64 1. Reading: Chapter on Causes of Pauperism" in Charles Booth's "Pauperism and Endowment of Old Age" (listed above). 3. Paper: (1) Is poverty a crime? (2) The administration of charities. 4. Debate: Resolved, That state control and ownership of public utilities is the most feasible solution of problems of pauperism. In the preface to his "Life and Literature of the Ancient Hebrews" Dr. Abbott states the double purpose of the book to be an explanation for the general reader of the spirit, method, and present conclusions of the modern school of Biblical interpretation, and to prove that the New Criticism enhances admiration and affection for the Bible and adds to its value as an inspiration to Christian faith. He discusses the books of the Old Testament, and synthesizes from them à history of the law and the lyrics, the theology and the politics, the traditions and the prophecies of the ancient Hebrews. He finds the Old Testament to be the selected literature of an elect people and the record of Israel's fourfold message to all the world. It seems that a reading of Dr. Abbott's book must inevitably promote a wider interest in the Old Testament and a deeper study of the entire Bible as a means for the cultivation of religious faith. [The Life and Literature of the By Lyman Abbott, D. D. $2.00. York: Houghton, Mifflin & Co.] A. E. H. Ancient Hebrews. Boston and New Optimism in matters that make for righteousness and lead unto salvation, when expressed by the teacher who is zealously seeking truth that he may share it with his fellowmen, imparts a creative impulse of courage and hope to those who listen. Dr. Gordon's volume, being in part the lectures delivered by him last year before the Lowell Institute, breathes the gladness of one who says from the heart, "I believe and therefore have I spoken.' The seven chapters pass from things assumed to things expected, offering meantime a consideration of what the author believes to be "the sovereign moods of the century." The argument of the book to support the claim of its title is the witness made by the nineteenth century to a new understanding of the divinity of humanity. The educational discipline of doubt, the consequent return to faith, and the new helps found in a deeper perusal of history are treated with the vigor of style and language which Dr. Gordon has taught us to expect from him. He finds God's promise in the depths of the social process as well as in the cloud and in the human heart, and his optimism is the expression of a conviction which, he says, has for him the force of truth. The dedication of the book reads, "To fellow-students of the times who are yet fellow-servants of the Eternal, this book is inscribed as a token of gratitude for inspiration received from an unseen host." A. E. H. [The New Epoch for Faith. By George A. Gordon, D. D. $1.50. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin & Co.] The story of the Prodigal Son, ret ld in whatever language, appeals to a certain sympathetic sub-consciousness in even the best examplars of human nature. Mrs. Foote gives a San Francisco setting with a New Zealand background-to her version of the Prodigal's repentance and return from the far country. Readers who have already learned with what clearness and grace of touch Mrs. Foote uses her narrative skill on scenes and incidents will with justice anticipate a pleas ure in meeting Mr. Clunies Roberts on the way back to his first estate. Incidentally it will do no harm to mention that a baby and the baby's young lady aunt make the path of return easier for him. A. E. H. [The Prodigal. By Mary Hallock Foote. $1.25. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin & Co.] "with his Professor Shaler's latest book, "The Individual," sets forth a naturalist's judgment of life and death, and his conclusions concerning the place of man in "the vast orderly procession of which we can discern neither the beginning nor the end." He notes the inseparable relation between organic individuality and the lower fellow-beings of all degrees which are his kinsmen,' inorganic realms, the relations of the person and traces in the organic series the progressive steps in "the perfection of death," seeking to find the scientific justification for death and thus reconcile it with the order to which human beings belong. The range of the book might be described by saying that it begins with the atom and ends with immortality. The style through the chapters that connect these extremes has the charm of candor and the effective eloquence of a sincere seeking after truth. The naturalist's conclusions concerning war, the care of children and of aged people, and the value of individual life are in line with Christian teachings on these subjects. The book is a most interesting and suggestive contribution to that branch of literature in which theology and science may be said to clasp hands. A. E. H. [The Individual. A Study of Life and Death. By Nathaniel Southgate Shaler. New York: D. Appleton & Co.] that the latest history of Methodism comes from St. It is not fanciful to discover a significance in the fact Louis, a central city of the United States and a point where the two largest branches of American Methodism touch elbows in active church work. In making this history, two representative pastors have been asso ciated- the Rev. Dr. James W. Lee of the M. E. Church South, and Rev. Dr. Naphtali Luccock of the Northern branch, both men of distinctly proven literary qualifications and possessed of broad views of the history and destiny of Methodism. Prof. James Main Dixon, of Washington University, is the third editor of the volume, which has already had wide reading in serial form in the American Illustrated Methodist Magazine. The spirit of this work is indicated in a single paragraph from the chapter on "The Methodist Outlook of Today": of society in which it grew up. "Methodism was wonderfully adapted for the state The work of the Reformers had been effective in stamping out the gross heresies of Romanism and founding right-thinking communities; and the task before Christian men was not so much doctrinal as practical depravity. The two centuries after the Reformation had been fruitful in inculcating among the common people a fairly adequate and just acquaintance with Holy Writ. What the times have required then and since is the vitalizing of truth; the rescue of men from practical heathenism; the bringing together of a nominal and a thorough-going |