Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 182, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 August 1918 — CHAUTAUQUA CLOSED SUNDAY [ARTICLE]

CHAUTAUQUA CLOSED SUNDAY

ADA WARD ONE OF THE GREATEST THAT HAS APPEARED IN THIS* CITY. The Lincoln Chautauqua, which closed its six days session in this city Sunday night, was one of the highest class chautauquas ever given in this city. During these days there came to our city some of the very best talent in this country and from other countries. As advised and instructed by the government much of the matter presented was of a patriotic nature. Many of the addresses were as patriotic as the special addresses that have been delivered in this city in the patriotic meetings that have been held here. The addresses Of Ada Ward, of London, were without question, the best- patriotic addresses that have been delivered in this city sinctce the war. She has a wonderful message for the" War Mothers of the county. Her stories of her experience of entertaining the Iboys at the front and in the trenches were thrilling and her unrestible appeal for every one to get into the war with all that they have and all they are will have an effect upon this community that will indeed be far reaching. Her setmon Sunday morning on “The Soldiers’ Religion” was an effort that compared very favorable with a Hillis or a Gunsaulos. It emphasied very forcefully the greatest element in all religion, service. The musical numbers were the very best in their several lines. Thtf Lincoln Ladies’ Orchestra which appeared Sunday afternoon and evening was'equal to the very best orchestras which one often travels a considerable distance to hear and for which the admission is more than the entire price of a chautauqua ticket. Almost every person who appeared upon the platform gave patriotic expression endorsing the war. Most of them made effective appeals for the war activities, the purchasing of Liberty bonds, Thrift stamps land certificates, they urged that all give liberally to the Red , Cross, The Young Mens’ and Young Womens’ Christian Associations, the Knights of Columbus, the Salvation Army and other great organizations. The chautauquas of the country are doing a great work and our splendid week of entertainment, instruction and patriotic enthusiam will do much for this community and compares favorably with our schools, our churches, our Red Cross chapter, our Waj* Mothers organization, our county council of defense and all other movements that have as the purpose of their endeavors the making of this a better community. The President and many others high in authority have urged the chautauquas to continue. Many state councils have endorsed them and this week the Indiana state council of defense meets at Hazelton to consider the endorsement of chautauqua work in Indiana. The program here deserved, what it'did not get in the measure of which it was wholly worthy, the full endorsement and co-operation of the people of this community. . Many who have been very active in other community activities were passive and a few were very antagonistic whjch made it very difficult for the' local committee' and to them must fall the blame for the deficit which amounts to considerable.

The guaranteerors feel that in putting up this money to make good a deficit that would have been a surplus, except for the mistaken idea of the chautauqua and its great work, that they have made a contribution to the war that will be as effective and as far reaching as that done by any of war activities we have had the privilege of assisting. If we„ are to have a chautauqua next year it will be necessary for a large number of our citizens to cooperate with the local committee. To fail to have this great school of instruction, enthusiam and entertain-, anent to visit us next year and the suc-\ ceeding years can be nothing less than a calamity. Those of us wly> are not able to go to the large cities to hear the most eloquent orators, the sweetest singers, those with the highest skill in the production of clasical instrumental music and all that is uplifting and ennobling must have our souls stunted and must miss much of the sweetness and joy of life.

Walter C.' Swengle, of Neoga, Hl., the superintendent who served through the,entire chautauqua, was a gentleman in every respect and while here he made a great number of clase personal friends. He presided with modest dignity and was always thoroughly courteous. It is a matter of very great regret that the extra expense and labor to which the association was put on account of getting the tent ready for the Monday’s patriotic meeting, was not in any way spoken of by those in charge of these meetings. Tf 113 might have been an oversight but members of the committee had suggested to those in charge that possibly the association was entitled to a brief word of thanks. H. O. Johnson went to Monticello today.