features of the program are supplied by entertainers, musical troupes, bands, artists, and dramatic companies. It is a fact of deeper significance than many recognize that political leaders find here the greatest forum for their messages. Many of these orators receive more than fees for their speeches; they come near the heart of the people, they reach their constituencies and disseminate their views more widely than through any other agency. Some political reformers have won not only prominence, but power through these chain Chautauquas. It may be remembered that while the Hon. William Jennings Bryan was Secretary of State he received some criticism and even ridicule for "hitting the Chautauqua trail" and "going off with the yodelers." On that subject the _Baltimore Sun_ said in an editorial: If it could be demonstrated, we would be willing to wager that the average Chautauqua student has a far better knowledge of public questions than the average of those who sneer. And whether he likes it or not, no public official of to-day can afford to disregard the Chautauqua movement. Mr. Bryan himself gave this testimony in the _Review of Reviews_: The Chautauqua affords one of the best opportunities now presented a public speaker for the discussion of questions of interest to the people. The audience is a select one, always composed of the thoughtful element in the community, and as they pay admission, they stay to hear. I believe that a considerable part of the progress that is now being made along the line of moral and political reform is traceable to the influence of the Chautauqua. A writer in _The Outlook_ (September 18, 1918) says: I have studied the Chautauqua speakers. They command the admiration of the honest critic. They deal with serious subjects as experts. They carry men, women and children on to the conclusion of the longest lecture by knowing when to lighten at the proper moment with a story or a lilt of humor, or sometimes a local reference. Said a village woman in my hearing of a fellow-speaker on the problems of patriotism, "I thought at first he would be hard to follow, but I surely hated when he had to stop." The thermometer was reported to be 105° in the tent. The speaker held the rapt attention of the people for an hour and a half in a philosophical presentation of the causes of the war and our responsibilities in consequence. It was like reading a solid book and condensing it with marked success into one hearing. It was typical, and twenty millions are reported to be listening to such addresses in Chautauqua tents the country over.