3 10 70 https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/738ef3688f4a60ceb03fd9ab82c3a861.jpg 0afc4a27ee2d47309a323315a7be8cd5 https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/a4473ad96a8db150f82479965bd2853c.jpg 95544c4d966ec460e5aa6dc693523872 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Box 28 Folder 1 Mary Sun, Head of School (Stearns) Records Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dr. Albert E. Stearns to Mr. Charles Sun, March 23, 1926 Subject The topic of the resource Letter from Dr. Albert E. Stearns to Mr. Charles Sun, March 23, 1926 Description An account of the resource Typed letter sent from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Charles Sun. Enclosed check. Advises against taking a job in a restaurant. Discusses flu outbreak at Andover and scarlet fever outbreak at Exeter. Communicated with Mary and states she appears happy, but believes says differently to Andover friends. States the insistence of Mary's Abbot friends for her to return has caused Stearns to meet with Dr. Sze in Washington. States he is following their father's wishes. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Phillips Academy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 23, 1926 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Relation A related resource Mr.Charles Sun 35 Woodside Ave. Amhrest, Mass. Dear Charlie: Your good letter has just reached me, and I am enclosing a check for $300. 00, as requested. It seems to me that you have been very careful with your money, and I am not aware that you have been overspending. I only wish that I could get Tommie to view things as you do. It would be a fine thing for him and would at the same time relieve my anxieties a lot. As to taking a job at the college restaurant next year, I really don’t approve of it and I doubt very much if your father would wish you to do it. Of course there is no real harm in it, and for some follow, especially if it is actually a necessity, work of this kind is an excellent character builder. My impression is that, If you take the job, it would mean the exclusion of some other fellow in greater need than you and it would also mean, of course, a definite lens of time from your college work. Any I should go slow before reaching a final decision. Yes, we had a sudden epidemic of influence tiers, lasting for about two weeks and of a very light and seemingly harmless quality. About sixty boys, all told, were affected, but the illness hardly ever lasted more than three or four days. Our friends at Exeter, unfortunately, have been having a much harder time. Scarlet fever has kept them busy. For goodness sake keep away from the dogs At Amherst if they ore in a bad way, as you intimate. Yes, I have heard from Mary lately and more often from her Andover friends who still persist in trying to keep the waters troubles. Only this moaning, before coming to the office, I talked with Mary’s principal, Mrs. Russell, who tells me that Mary is getting on well, working hard, and to all outside appearances at least, happy and contented. Mary writes me in the same vein, but unfortunately she writes those like her Abbot friends in a wholly different one. It is a bit hard to know just how she really does feel, though I am sure she is not suffering. Because of the persistent and unreasonable efforts of her Abbot friends to have her return to that school for the balance of the year, I find it necessary to make a special trip to Washington to talk the whole matter over fully and frankly with your ambassador, Mr.Sze. At Mr.Sze’s request Mary is to pass her Easter vacation at the Legation in Washington, and I am hopeful that by the end of that period, at least, we shall know where we stand. It has been a hard and perplexing situation, but I have sought most conscientiously to do only what I understood to be your father’s wish. I understand that your friend, Mr. Robinson, is coming to America this Spring. Both your father and he have written me to that effect I can imagine that he will be glad to see all you boys again. What are your plans for the Easter holidays? With all good wishes, believe me Faithfully yours. Charles Sun Dr. Alfred E. Stearns https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/256512eafd28f6c838936f24d9067a43.jpg eee10839881368657b9d61c927c209b1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Box 28 Folder 1 Mary Sun, Head of School (Stearns) Records Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dr. Albert E.Stearns to Miss Mary Sun, April 5, 1926 Subject The topic of the resource Letter from Dr. Albert E.Stearns to Miss Mary Sun, April 5, 1926 Description An account of the resource Typed letter sent from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Miss Mary Sun. States he wired the money to Dr. Sze. Questions why $60.00 is needed, even if Charlie runs short. Advises Mary to keep expenses low, after the change of schools and course. States focus should be on preparing for college and extra vacations would intefere with that. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Phillips Academy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 5, 1926 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Relation A related resource April 5, 1926 Miss Mary Sun The Chinese Legation Washington, V. C. Deer Mary: I have your letters of recent date and the accompanying letter of Mrs. Bridgman to Mr.Sze. This morning I wired Mr.Sze money in response to your request, though I can’t quite understand why the extra money is going to be needed in view of the earlier remittance sent you. Even though Charlie may run a little short, sixty dollars seems an absurdly large amount under the circumstances, and I am particularly concerned because of the excessive expense which your father has had to face already in connection with the change of school and plan of study. It is absolutely necessary for you to keep every expense just now down to the least possible limit, and the Washington trip must be included in this plan. I have wired both you and Mr. Sze explaining that extra visits just now should not be undertaken because of the big task we have on our hands to get you ready for college in the shortest reasonable time. Your scheduled vacation is more than generous, and I find from talking with Mrs. Russell that she is all ready to set you at work at once and before the actual term opens. I have told her, therefore, that I would arrange for you to go directly back after the Washington visit, for I am sure that a few days of extra work will help us in accomplishing the purpose outlined by your father. Just let me know in advance when you expect to reach Andover, and make it as seem as you can so that we can plan accordingly. The roads are good here now, and I can doubtless run you over myself to Merrimac and so save at least one little item of extra expense. Very sincerely yours, Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Mary Sun https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/f74e294f6ac0c28ca465e4deb3bae7e1.jpg 1d6eac798ccbfcf1f10f134c3f93f6fc https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/7d67812e08e21d170bf004420089cd60.jpg ad63d92c9802224a470ca3334dfe980f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Box 28 Folder 1 Mary Sun, Head of School (Stearns) Records Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to C.Y. Sun, December 18, 1926 Subject The topic of the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to C.Y. Sun, December 18, 1926 Description An account of the resource Typed letter sent from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to C.Y. Sun. Provides updates on the Sun children and Quincy Sheh. Includes current accounts. States he is worried about Tom and Mary. Believes Tom will have difficulty gaining admission to Wharton Business School next September. Explains Mary's current courses were based on her obtaining a diploma and returning to China. States in order to prepare her college would require a change in schools and/or additional coursework. Asks for clarification on Sun's intentions for Mary's education. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Phillips Academy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 18, 1926 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Relation A related resource December 15, 1925 C.Y.Sun 44 Cambridge Road Tientsin, China My dear Mr.Sun: I am herewith a statement of the accounts of your children and Quicey She up to the first of the current December. You will not that Arthur is keeping well within the limits; Quicey She likewise; and Charles to an excellent degree, even though the first expenses in college are apt to be a bit exacting. Mary’s account runs a good deal ahead of what it used to be when she lived at the house, but that is natural since regular boarding school charges in these days are high, even in those schools like Abbot Academy which do not claim to be among the most expensive. Thomas, I think, is doing better, but it is stills somewhat difficult for him to accept the pinch of real restraint in his expenditures. As to the work of the various members of the group, I am frank to say that all of them at present seem to be working with excellent spirit. Probably the best record to date has been made by Quincy She at Bowdoin College. My only fear is that he may overwork, and I have cautioned him strongly on this point. I have also asked the new physical director at Bowdoin, an old Andover boy and a warm personal friend of mine, to take special interest in Quincy’s case and give him much good counsel and help as he can. Charles is making an excellent start at Amherst, though he is disposed to feel a bit discouraged about some of his work. That, I think, is only natural for a freshman facing the new surroundings of college life, and especially when that freshman happens to be a foreigner. Charles has proved in every way to so faithful and dependable that I am not at all worried about his future. The two cases that trouble me most just now are those of Thomas and Mary. I am writing this morning to the University of Pennsylvania to see if some credit for admission cannot be allowed Tommy the basis of his Chinese studies in the past. Otherwise I am afraid he will find a bit difficult to gain admission to the Wharton Business School, as he hopes to do next September. A business course seems just now to be probably the best thing for Tom to aim at and that which is most likely fit in with his individual abilities and needs. Mary furnishes the real problem just now. Following what I understood to be your personal wishes, Mary has been taking the general course at Abbot Academy, with the chief aim that of securing a degree and on the supposition that this would round out her education in America. During recent months I have been hearing muffled comments from Arthur and Mary, and I think, too, from her other brothers, to the effect that you had now decided that Mary was to go to college. Mary had hoped to study nursing or something of this kind a little later, though she had always intimated that she expected to teach when she got back to China. The college proposition, if it actually represents your views, throws the present machinery all out of joint, for the course which Mary is now taking does not admit to our American colleges and if colleges is to be the next goal, there must be an immediate and complete readjustment and very probably another year of preparation. Before attempting anything o radical as thing, I am very anxious to have your personal and definite authorization. Please write me fully and frankly just what you desire me to do under the circumstances, for I don’t feel justified in undertaking anything quite so radical without full authority from you. If I can discover from Arthur or Mary before receiving a reply to this letter sufficient evidence to assure me that this is really your last and definite purpose, I shall be tempted to make an immediate readjustment which can go into effect at the opening of the next term, some two weeks hence. This would involve a change of school and courses, a pretty radical step but seemingly necessary under the circumstances. I hope to see Arthur within the next few days and shall ask him to please at my disposal all the information he has received from you that bears upon the problem in this new and somewhat unexpected phase. I hope to have all the boys out here for a day or two of the Christmas holidays, in any case, and only wish that my house arrangements were such at present that I could take care of them for the entire holiday season. This, unfortunately, is impossible, though Mary, who returned from school yesterday, will make her headquarters with me until the new term begins early next month. Hoping to hear from you soon and with my heartiest greetings for the new year on which you will soon be entering, believe me with warm personal regards Very sincerely yours Charles Sun Dr. Alfred E. Stearns https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/dbf1e1c00aeade7bbd4b83983395a808.jpg 82df57bde034d7a8791f31f8d71e3646 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Box 28 Folder 1 Mary Sun, Head of School (Stearns) Records Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Charles Sun, January 25, 1926 Subject The topic of the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Charles Sun, January 25, 1926 Description An account of the resource Typed letter sent from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Charles Sun. Apologizes for not being able to visit his dorm. States it was nice to see Charles during the service. Recommends Charles introduce himself to President Olds. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Phillips Academy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 25, 1926 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Relation A related resource January 25, 1926 Mr. Charles Sun 35 Woodslide Avenue Amherst, Massachusetts Dear Charlie: It was a great disappointment to me, too, as I wrote you, not be able to carry out my proposition of looking in on you at your room down on Woodside Avenue. Frankly, I was pretty well used up after that morning’s service, having gone through the two services at Aggie and at the college in quick succession and with a temporary metal plat on my jaw to make it possible for me to speak at all. I had slept little the night before, and at the urgent suggestion of Mr. and Mrs. Wolds went up to my room right after lunch and slept most of the afternoon to make up. That is the chief reason why I did not get around, for the rest of my time was pretty well filled. Anyway it was mighty nice to see you even for the brief moment after the service, and it is doubly nice to get your good report on your work this term. I hope and believe you will find the work increasingly easy and increasingly pleasant. One word of advice and suggestion. Do go up and call on President Olds and tell me who you are that I urged you to come. I know from him and I knew from my own experience that a visit of this kind means a lot and that it will make him especially very happy. You will find him one of the finest men that ever lived and one whom you will rejoice to know in years to come as a warm and worth-while friend. The best of luck and success to you! Ever yours. Charles Sun Dr. Alfred E. Stearns https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/c315c6b0c3076d25928a6e1b62da68d5.jpg c2e2c85e73f1ad2ecc96dbc436a85955 https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/805f01d42ced15abd42c5e6f8ec5f878.jpg 3037944cb708518ae3890c2334d23128 https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/4683f58a6f014a0273607e7d4609e602.jpg 6eff2509da7724cce96151d9222de52b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Box 28 Folder 1 Mary Sun, Head of School (Stearns) Records Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Alfred Sze, February 18, 1926 Subject The topic of the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Alfred Sze, February 18, 1926 Description An account of the resource Typed letter sent from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Sao-Ke Alfred Sze. Explains the current situation with Mary and her education. States he received a cablegram from Mr. Sun that Mary should attend college. Made arrangements to transfer Mary from Abbot Academy, where she resided for 2 years, to Whittier School, a small school suitable for college prep. Questions whether the transfer was the right course of action. Is troubled over the effect the transfer had on Mary. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Phillips Academy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 18, 1926 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Relation A related resource February 18, 1926 Hon.Alfred Sze Chinese Legation Washington D.C. My dear Dr.Sze: I forwarded to you a day or two ago, by registered mail and at Mary Sun’s request, a letter in which I assume Mary expressed to you her dissatisfaction with the most arrangement which I felt it necessary to xx for her further schooling. I cannot blame Mary at all for feeling as she does, for I am a good bit distressed and puzzled myself. In view, however, of definite cabled instructions from Mr. sun to prepare Mary for college, I could not see how the step taken could be avoided, and I am writing only to explain my position. For the past two years Mary has been a student at Abbot Academy, taking the general and not the college course, and with the expectation of XX her diploma in this course this coming June. I had always understood from Mr. Sun and from other children that on the completion of her school work in this country was to return to China. For this reason, and for the added reason that the college work seemed a bit too hard for the girl, the general course was selected. About a year ago I began to hear rumors from the children that Mr. Sun might desire Mary to go on to college. Numerous inquiries brought me no definite information, though finally in a letter from Mr. Sun under date of September 4, 1925, this statement is made: “With reference to the choice of school to which Mary should join after she finish her studies in Abbot, many of my friends have told me that Wellesley will be a very desirable college for her.” In answer to this I replied: “The new school year is well under way. Mary should complete her course at Abbot Academy next June. If she is to go on to college, as you initiate, my preference will be for Mount Holykole or Wellesley.” The above was written on the assumption, of course, that Mary would required further preparation, and that Mr. Sun himself had not fully made up his mind to the desirability of the advanced college work. I did not feel it wise for Mary to change schools again, in middle of the year. From that time on, further and XX stronger intimation come to me from the children that college for Mary was becoming a mere definite issue in her father’s mind. I also gathered that the extra year or two of preparation would prove distasteful to both Mr.Sun and Mary and that Mary herself was hoping to enter some so-called college of inferior grade that would not require further preparation. Knowing something about American institutions of this class, I could not believe that Mr.Sun would approve of any such course, and I frankly told Mary so. It was and still is my opinion that in speaking of “college” Mr.Sun had definitely in mind a college of the first rank, and not a college in name only. Consequently, and with these ideas in my mind, I wrote Mr. Sun at considerable length and in detail just before Christmas, asking for definite instructions as to the course I was to pursue in order to carry out his wishes. I explained very fully that they general course Mary was now taking would not permit her to enter a good college, and that further preparation of a year at least, and perhaps more, would be required. I told him, further, that if college was to be the definite goal, I should doubtless feel it necessary to sever at once Mary’s connection with her present school, Abbot Academy, and place her either in a small school or with a tutor where intensive work in preparation for college admission could be had. I explained that such a course would be drastic and upsetting, and in view of this fact I did not feel justified in adopting it without Mr.Sun’s full approval. I asked Mr.Sun, therefore, if he would carefully consider the facts I had stated and write me fully and definitely what I should do. Several days ago, and prompted by the receipt of my letter, Mr.Sun cabled me the brief messages, - “Prepare Mary for college”. I confess that the message distressed me a good bit, for I did not like the idea of making another change only two or three months before Mary would have completed the Abbot course, but under the circumstances and in view of the detail with which I had explained in my letter to Mr. Sun, I could see no alternative but to support the decision and follow instructions. I took several days to search carefully and make numerous inquiries among college and school authorities as to a suitable school, and finally decided on the Whittier School at Merrimac, about fifteen miles from here, a home school of some twenty-five or thirty girls with a distinctly cultured and Christian atmosphere, and where I am told excellent work can be counted on. Then I made the change, the purposely rather abruptly because it seemed to me that Mary’s distress would only be intensified if the strain was prolonged. I also withheld from Mary for the first two days a flood of letters from her former schoolmates and teachers, the receipt of which at the very outset of the new venture would only have been disconcerting. This I explained to Mary by telephone, and forwarded all the letters in question that same day. I mention this last merely because Mary showed in a note which she wrote to me that she felt that unduly severe measures were being taken by me, but for what reason she could not seemingly understand. I am really very troubled over the whole situation, for I cannot help feeling that Mary is perfectly justified in being greatly distressed over the sudden and unexpected turn in affairs, and yet I cannot see how I could have acted otherwise in view of Mr.Sun’s definite instructions. Had I been able to talk with Mr.Sun in person and explain all the ins and outs, I have no doubt that we could have come to a mutually satisfactory decision as to the best course to pursue. The long distance between us and the extensive time which most elapse between the sending and receipt of letter complicate the problem immensely. It has been very hard, therefore, for me to reach satisfactory decisions and to carry them out, feeling, as I do, that the wisest setps may not always been taken in this way and that a clearer understanding on my part of Mr.Sun’s exact wishes and a clearer understanding on his part of the factors and complications involved at this end would very probably prompt us to decisions somewhere different from these arrived at. I hope you will pardon this long and somewhat detailed letter, but since Mary has evidently placed her case before you, I think it is only fair that you should understand the reasons for the action which Mary herself could hardly regard with anything but questionings and distress. The last report I had from the school indicates that Mary’s intense reaction has lessened distinctly and I hope and believe that within a reasonable time she will enjoy the new surroundings and friends and be able to settle down to definite and hard work of preparing for college in accordance with her father’s expressed wishes. With personal regards and the assurance of my readiness to consider carefully any suggestions you may feel disposed to make in this matter, believe me, Very sincerely yours, https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/3ef75b6eb85e27b07a40720db78c2622.jpg 253eaf5df746819605c5af9fa9189374 https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/95215b54644664bb433fdb26a8dd1f8b.jpg 6c9aeda92377f931fb2a92e84e2aff37 https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/aca191cb3e3c4ba01ee13a5e6688a894.jpg b5af0a24ab9ce4aa9e0cd59ab0717dc9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Box 28 Folder 1 Mary Sun, Head of School (Stearns) Records Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Alfred Sze, February 18, 1926 Subject The topic of the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Alfred Sze, February 18, 1926 Description An account of the resource Typed letter sent from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Sao-Ke Alfred Sze about Stearns' decisions regarding Mary's education. Explains Mary attending Abbott Academy 2 years based on the assumption she would gain a diploma and return to China. Heard rumors from the Sun children that Mr. Sun prefers Mary attend college. Preferred Mary finish at Abbot, take additional prep courses, then attend college. Received letter and cablegram from Mr. Sun to prepare Mary for college, specifically Wellesley, or other first-rate college. Prompted Stearns to find a suitable school, Whittier, to prepare Mary, resulting in the transfer. States the transfer distressed Mary. Admits the situation troubles Stearns as well. Also explains letters to Mary were witheld the first few days after the transfer, to help Mary adjust. States the letters were forwarded after those few days. Reports Mary appears to be adjusting to the new school. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Phillips Academy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 18, 1926 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Relation A related resource February 18, 1926 Hon.Alfred Sze Chinese Legation Washington D.C. My dear Dr.Sze: I forwarded to you a day or two ago, by registered mail and at Mary Sun’s request, a letter in which I assume Mary expressed to you her dissatisfaction with the most arrangement which I felt it necessary to xx for her further schooling. I cannot blame Mary at all for feeling as she does, for I am a good bit distressed and puzzled myself. In view, however, of definite cabled instructions from Mr. sun to prepare Mary for college, I could not see how the step taken could be avoided, and I am writing only to explain my position. For the past two years Mary has been a student at Abbot Academy, taking the general and not the college course, and with the expectation of securing her diploma in this course this coming June. I had always understood from Mr. Sun and from other children that on the completion of her school work in this country was to return to China. For this reason, and for the added reason that the college work seemed a bit too hard for the girl, the general course was selected. About a year ago I began to hear rumors from the children that Mr. Sun might desire Mary to go on to college. Numerous inquiries brought me no definite information, though finally in a letter from Mr. Sun under date of September 4, 1925, this statement is made: “With reference to the choice of school to which Mary should join after she finish her studies in Abbot, many of my friends have told me that Wellesley will be a very desirable college for her.” In answer to this I replied: “The new school year is well under way. Mary should complete her course at Abbot Academy next June. If she is to go on to college, as you initiate, my preference will be for Mount Holykole or Wellesley.” The above was written on the assumption, of course, that Mary would required further preparation, and that Mr. Sun himself had not fully made up his mind to the desirability of the advanced college work. I did not feel it wise for Mary to change schools again, in middle of the year. From that time on, further and somewhat stronger intimation come to me from the children that college for Mary was becoming a mere definite issue in her father’s mind. I also gathered that the extra year or two of preparation would prove distasteful to both Mr.Sun and Mary and that Mary herself was hoping to enter some so-called college of inferior grade that would not require further preparation. Knowing something about American institutions of this class, I could not believe that Mr.Sun would approve of any such course, and I frankly told Mary so. It was and still is my opinion that in speaking of “college” Mr.Sun had definitely in mind a college of the first rank, and not a college in name only. Consequently, and with these ideas in my mind, I wrote Mr. Sun at considerable length and in detail just before Christmas, asking for definite instructions as to the course I was to pursue in order to carry out his wishes. I explained very fully that they general course Mary was now taking would not permit her to enter a good college, and that further preparation of a year at least, and perhaps more, would be required. I told him, further, that if college was to be the definite goal, I should doubtless feel it necessary to sever at once Mary’s connection with her present school, Abbot Academy, and place her either in a small school or with a tutor where intensive work in preparation for college admission could be had. I explained that such a course would be drastic and upsetting, and in view of this fact I did not feel justified in adopting it without Mr.Sun’s full approval. I asked Mr.Sun, therefore, if he would carefully consider the facts I had stated and write me fully and definitely what I should do. Several days ago, and prompted by the receipt of my letter, Mr.Sun cabled me the brief messages, - “Prepare Mary for college”. I confess that the message distressed me a good bit, for I did not like the idea of making another change only two or three months before Mary would have completed the Abbot course, but under the circumstances and in view of the detail with which I had explained in my letter to Mr. Sun, I could see no alternative but to support the decision and follow instructions. I took several days to search carefully and make numerous inquiries among college and school authorities as to a suitable school, and finally decided on the Whittier School at Merrimac, about fifteen miles from here, a home school of some twenty-five or thirty girls with a distinctly cultured and Christian atmosphere, and where I am told excellent work can be counted on. Then I made the change, the purposely rather abruptly because it seemed to me that Mary’s distress would only be intensified if the strain was prolonged. I also withheld from Mary for the first two days a flood of letters from her former schoolmates and teachers, the receipt of which at the very outset of the new venture would only have been disconcerting. This I explained to Mary by telephone, and forwarded all the letters in question that same day. I mention this last merely because Mary showed in a note which she wrote to me that she felt that unduly severe measures were being taken by me, but for what reason she could not seemingly understand. I am really very troubled over the whole situation, for I cannot help feeling that Mary is perfectly justified in being greatly distressed over the sudden and unexpected turn in affairs, and yet I cannot see how I could have acted otherwise in view of Mr.Sun’s definite instructions. Had I been able to talk with Mr.Sun in person and explain all the ins and outs, I have no doubt that we could have come to a mutually satisfactory decision as to the best course to pursue. The long distance between us and the extensive time which most elapse between the sending and receipt of letter complicate the problem immensely. It has been very hard, therefore, for me to reach satisfactory decisions and to carry them out, feeling, as I do, that the wisest setps may not always been taken in this way and that a clearer understanding on my part of Mr.Sun’s exact wishes and a clearer understanding on his part of the factors and complications involved at this end would very probably prompt us to decisions somewhere different from these arrived at. I hope you will pardon this long and somewhat detailed letter, but since Mary has evidently placed her case before you, I think it is only fair that you should understand the reasons for the action which Mary herself could hardly regard with anything but questionings and distress. The last report I had from the school indicates that Mary’s intense reaction has lessened distinctly and I hope and believe that within a reasonable time she will enjoy the new surroundings and friends and be able to settle down to definite and hard work of preparing for college in accordance with her father’s expressed wishes. With personal regards and the assurance of my readiness to consider carefully any suggestions you may feel disposed to make in this matter, believe me, Very sincerely yours, https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/eb174209fdd70caccf273e48b07b2bbc.jpg 565ad8b927ceab4582f7cfbf6c8d214e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Box 28 Folder 1 Mary Sun, Head of School (Stearns) Records Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze Subject The topic of the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze Description An account of the resource Typed letter sent from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze about current events in China. Discusses the "Red Army of General Feng". Mentions similar statements made by Dr. Grenfell of Labrador. Understands why Mr. Sun hasn't been able to write. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Phillips Academy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 30, 1926 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Manuscripts. Correspondence. Relation A related resource April 30, 1926 Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze Chinese Legation Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Sze: Thank you so much for your kind letter of April and the accompanying letter of Mr. Sun to you. This letter I have read with keen interest. What a dreadful strain your countrymen at home are passing these days. I don’t wonder that Mr.Sun finds it difficult to settle down write ordinary letters. What he writes of this "so-called Red Amy of General Feng "is immensely interesting. Only recently I heard Grenfell of Labrador who had just visited China, make almost identically the same statements about General Feng and his troops. Dr. Grenfell naturally is an impartial observer and interested only in the welfare of humanity as a whole. I do hope that the clouds out there may soon lift and peace and quiet prevail. Again my hearty thanks for the very great and sincerely appreciated help yon have given me in handling my somewhat complicated problem, and with kindest personal regards, believe me Very sincerely yours, Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Sao Ke Alfred Sze https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/e741d0d0c858762b10f14226c92988a0.jpg 8cf4681872c4eda72287abba8bddbc42 https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/6c1fb213010db95b7d33f17c8ca7061f.jpg 2ee384bdb63551a4b65221634025d28a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Box 28 Folder 1 Mary Sun, Head of School (Stearns) Records Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze, March 10, 1926 Subject The topic of the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze, March 10, 1926 Description An account of the resource Typed letter sent from Alfred E. Stearns to Sao-Ke Alfred Sze. Worries about Mary's present depression. States Mary says she happy and adjusting to the new school. Believes the Szes will get a better understanding during Mary's visit. Questions whether the chose course of action in regards to Mary's education was the best. States there has been pressure from Abbot Academy and Mary's friends for her to return. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Phillips Academy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 10, 1926 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Relation A related resource March 10, 1926 My dear Mr.Sze: Thank you for your letter of March 8 received this morning. I am heartily in sympathy with the proposed visit of Mary Sun with you is Washington during the coming spring recess. Just so soon as I learn when the date of the recess is to be. I shall be glad to advise you. What you tell of Mary’s present depression because of her surroundings is distressing, especially as 1 have been given by Mary herself to understand that she has come to feel much happier about things and is ready to make the most of conditions. 1 confess, however, that I have never been able to feel sure of Mary’s deepest feelings, which she has a faculty of holding to herself so that I may be completely wrong in this instance. Anyway, I am sure that you can get a fairer picture than I of just what is going on inside of Mary’s mind and will be able, therefore, to advise intelligently as to what should be done, if anything, to better the situation for all concerned. Frankly, the seeming necessity for this last move in Mary’s case has distressed me greatly. I have worried over it constantly because there seemed to be so much at stake and no clear way of deciding conclusively the wisest course to pursue. In view of my earlier and detailed letter to Mr. Sun, which prompted his cablegram to me and the definite instructions which that cable brought, I could not see how I could act otherwise them I did, even though my own personal judgement as to what was wisest did not wholly concur. I know that there has been tremendous pressure from those connected with Abbot Academy and Mary’s friends there to find a way to get Mary back to that school and to enable her to complete her year there, This, naturally, has tended to intensify Mary’s feelings of distress over the change and has made the path increasingly difficult for us all. I admit that the whole thing has furnished me one of the most perplexing problems I hare ever encountered with the scores of Chinese students with whom 1 have been privileged to deal during the last twenty-five years. With kindest personal regards, believe me Very sincerely yours Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Mary Sun Sao Ke Alfred Sze https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/61ee83ac45c9b0f861a3432a665a3f8e.jpg bcded386772c0c90fb73497e4fd4d5e6 https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/098cd520d3f481c3e7a0de4e7978d6ef.jpg da37a4354c01181c077f8a3fa9cb905c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Box 28 Folder 1 Mary Sun, Head of School (Stearns) Records Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze, March 3, 1926 Subject The topic of the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze, March 3, 1926 Description An account of the resource Typed letter sent from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Sao-Ke Alfred Sze. States he cabled Mr. Sun not to worry about Mary's message. Asked Mr. Sun to wait for his letter which details the situation. Tells Mr. Sze he has heard from Mary several times, who appears to be happier each time. Doubts the decision to send Mary to college. Will keep an eye on her reports. Willing to let Mary spend spring vacation in Washington. Wonders if the interuption is a good idea. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Phillips Academy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 3, 1926 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Relation A related resource March 2, 1926 Hon.Sao-Ke Alfred Sze Chinese Legation Washington D.C. My dear Mr.Sze: I have duly received year letters of February 23 and 28. Since my letter to you I took the liberty of cabling Mr. Sun suggesting that he be not overworried by the receipt of Mary's message which I feared might have cabled to him,and which I further feared might unduly distress him. I asked him to await the receipt of my letter, a letter which I dictated with care and in which I went very fully and in detail into all the factors involved in Mary's situation. I feel sure that when Mr. Sun receives this letter, as well as the communication you have been good enough to send him, he will at least have a pretty complete picture of the case before him and will, therefore, be able to advise us intelligently of his wishes. Since my last letter to you, I have heard several times from Mary and each time she speaks more happily of her present situation and surroundings. Indeed, in her last note she gave me to understand that the first home sickness and disappointment had largely disappeared and that she was now able to give her thought and attention fully to the work in hand. I think that phase of the situation, therefore, need not worry us unduly from now on, though I am still very doubtful as to the wisdom of forcing Mary to go to college. Because of this misgiving on my part, I shall watch very closely the reports from her present instructors who within a few weeks, at least, ought to be able to form some opinions of their own as to Mary's capabilities and the chances of her attaining the goal which her father desires. I shall be very glad, of course, to allow Mary to pass her Easter vacation with you if you feel that she should spare this tine from her work. Mary’s allowance is ample to permit here to make the trip and my only question is whether in view of the newness of her present surroundings and work, an interruption would he desirable at this particular time. I don’t wish, of course, to deprive hereof any relaxation which she ought to have and I shall be governed, therefore, largely by your own feelings in the matter. Very sincerely yours. Charles Sun Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Mary Sun Sao Ke Alfred Sze https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/e5bafcfee78bf3abb068c87ed054065c.jpg 3bf12fca43300acd57618b04fae7e56a https://chinesestudents.andover.edu/files/original/8d0f8a4593c150afab5c60494a3a1828.jpg d02d3c067a08507bda27f2dd3152f78b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Box 28 Folder 1 Mary Sun, Head of School (Stearns) Records Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze, March 30, 1926 Subject The topic of the resource Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze, March 30, 1926 Description An account of the resource Typed letter sent from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Sao-Ke Alfred Sze. Discuss cablegram from Mr. Sun about his change in decision regarding Mary's education. Believes outside influence affected this change in decision. States if Mary returns to Abbot he would give up guardianship of all the Sun children. Also states he reluctant to do that as there are no suitable guardians. Is trying to arrange a Washington visit for Charlie or Arthur. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Phillips Academy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 30, 1926 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Relation A related resource March 30, 1926 Hon. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze Chinese Legation Washington, D.C. My dear Dr Sze: I am enclosing a copy of the cablegram received from Mr. Sun to which I referred in my recent conversation with you. It bears the date, as you will note, Tientsin, March 19, 1926, and refers definitely to my letter, a copy of which you recently read. Evidently the letter must have gone through to Tientsin in record time. I am equally sure, however, that same other communication from outsiders and of which I know nothing personally must have gone through also and played their part in influencing Mr. Sun to seemingly change his mind a hit. On the other hand, you will note, that he is cautious not to insist on the further change; merely suggesting that the return to Abbot be made. The more I have thought over the situation, the more convinced I am that, if Mary were to return to Abbot under the circumstances, it would be essential for me to surrender my guardianship not only of her but of the other children, for it would be clear that I should no longer exercise any worth-while authority over them. If I could only think of the right person to whom to surrender this trust, I should be strongly disposed to do it in any case; but I am equally clear that to allow any of those who have so recently and so unfairly interfered with a matter which really did not belong to them to handle and in regard to which they could not possibly have fully add proper information would be most unfortunate for all concerned and not least of all for Mary herself. I seem to be having some difficulty in arranging for one of the boys to accept your most friendly invitation for the visit to Washington. Arthur has no regular vacation of any length, while Charlie, whose vacation begins this week, had made plans for one of his friends in a western college to spend the vacation with him in Amhest and is very much distressed to know just what to do under the circumstances. I am writing both of the boys to day and shall hope to be able to find a way for one of them, at least, to pass a day or two with him if a longer period seems out of the question. Assuring you of my generous appreciation of the friendly and valuable help you have given me in meeting a very trying and perplexing situation and with kind personal regards, believe me Very sincerely yours. Dr. Alfred E. Stearns Mary Sun Sao Ke Alfred Sze