Letter from C.Y.Sun to Dr. Alfred E. Stearns, May 4, 1937
Dublin Core
Title
Letter from C.Y.Sun to Dr. Alfred E. Stearns, May 4, 1937
Subject
Letter from C.Y.Sun to Dr. Alfred E. Stearns, May 4, 1937
Transcription
34, Hongkong Road,
Tientsin, China
4th May, 1937
Dr. Alfred E. Stearns,
Archmeadow,
Danvers, Mass.
U. S. A.
My dear Dr. Stearns,
I am at a loss as to how to express my heart-felt appreciation for your most kind and sympathetic letter which is just at hand. You have been so considerate concerning my health that your letter has been so far the best prescription to elevate the lingering ills of my sapping energies. I an happy to say that I am now a different man as compared with my precarious state during the most of last year when even walking without assistance was a novelty. Now, at times, I can risk coming down stairs or sometimes even a stroll in the garden. I hope to be completely well again in the not too distant future.
The book by Mr. Stimson was received with a thousand thanks. It is not often that one in this part of the world is privileged by a personal autograph from a man of his prominence. Its value, no doubt, is greatly enhanced, and with it my appreciation for your kind thoughts in going to such trouble. I might add that this very book has been translated and is now enjoying a sale such as no other work enjoyed. Mr. Stimson’s prestige in the Orient coupled with his traditional friendship for China has made him a stateman of infinite value during this troublous times, and it is the hope of most Oriental countries that he will again consent to be the pillar upon which peace and justice can be built.
We in the Far East are living under constant uncertainties which on the morrow may develop into a conflagration. There seems to be no limit to a lust that is characteristically Nippon. It is only because of a brewing crisis at home that the Japanese refrained from making worse a crisis on the Asiatic mainland. China has now learned to meet diplomacy with diplomacy and sword with sword. Realizing this state of affairs, Japan, who never before has engaged in any major conflict, took stock of their own strength and found it to be sadly lacking. As a consequence, North China is virtually an armed camp attempting to enforce armed truce as the only solution.
To Dr.Alfred E. Stearns, Page No.2, Tientsin 4th May 1937
It is difficult to foretell what is in store for the future. To dream of any semblance of peace and security will be too optimistic, but we are not pessimistic. When the time comes mere pessimism will be of no avail. The Western World’s material advance has given us a lesson, and we are now under no illusion as to our own strength. We have been philosophical since time immemorial and it is only because of our philosophy and spiritualism, tried through the ages, that we are surviving and even now prevailing. We have imported many things from the Occident, both good and bad. Some have blended with things Chinese remarkably, and some have failed miserably, but I have every confidence that there will be a time when the East will meet the West to such a degree that it will afford better conditions all around.
As regards my children, Arthur is still with the Municipal Government of Greater Shanghai and has been there through several Administrations which should speak well for his devotion to his work.
Tom is now attached to the China Insurance Company and is now in Shanghai. He wrote me some time ago that he has been delegated to write you on behalf of all the Former Andover Men in China and to present to you a scroll in appreciation of your untiring teachings. This, I hope, will convey to you the affection with which you are remembered in China.
Several days ago, I received a letter from Mr. William F. Flagg on the question of the Andover Teachers Fund. I have replied to him and enclosed a small contribution* I regret that during these depressing days my capabilities are limited, and I sincerely hope that it will not be long before I can again be of assistance.
Again, please accept my heart-felt thanks for your kind thoughts and remembrance, and I shall be deeply grateful if you will convey to Mr. Stimson my humblest appreciation. You gift with his autograph will be fondly treasured indeed.
My entire family joins me to send you and Mrs. Stearns our warmest greetings.
Most sincerely yours
Tientsin, China
4th May, 1937
Dr. Alfred E. Stearns,
Archmeadow,
Danvers, Mass.
U. S. A.
My dear Dr. Stearns,
I am at a loss as to how to express my heart-felt appreciation for your most kind and sympathetic letter which is just at hand. You have been so considerate concerning my health that your letter has been so far the best prescription to elevate the lingering ills of my sapping energies. I an happy to say that I am now a different man as compared with my precarious state during the most of last year when even walking without assistance was a novelty. Now, at times, I can risk coming down stairs or sometimes even a stroll in the garden. I hope to be completely well again in the not too distant future.
The book by Mr. Stimson was received with a thousand thanks. It is not often that one in this part of the world is privileged by a personal autograph from a man of his prominence. Its value, no doubt, is greatly enhanced, and with it my appreciation for your kind thoughts in going to such trouble. I might add that this very book has been translated and is now enjoying a sale such as no other work enjoyed. Mr. Stimson’s prestige in the Orient coupled with his traditional friendship for China has made him a stateman of infinite value during this troublous times, and it is the hope of most Oriental countries that he will again consent to be the pillar upon which peace and justice can be built.
We in the Far East are living under constant uncertainties which on the morrow may develop into a conflagration. There seems to be no limit to a lust that is characteristically Nippon. It is only because of a brewing crisis at home that the Japanese refrained from making worse a crisis on the Asiatic mainland. China has now learned to meet diplomacy with diplomacy and sword with sword. Realizing this state of affairs, Japan, who never before has engaged in any major conflict, took stock of their own strength and found it to be sadly lacking. As a consequence, North China is virtually an armed camp attempting to enforce armed truce as the only solution.
To Dr.Alfred E. Stearns, Page No.2, Tientsin 4th May 1937
It is difficult to foretell what is in store for the future. To dream of any semblance of peace and security will be too optimistic, but we are not pessimistic. When the time comes mere pessimism will be of no avail. The Western World’s material advance has given us a lesson, and we are now under no illusion as to our own strength. We have been philosophical since time immemorial and it is only because of our philosophy and spiritualism, tried through the ages, that we are surviving and even now prevailing. We have imported many things from the Occident, both good and bad. Some have blended with things Chinese remarkably, and some have failed miserably, but I have every confidence that there will be a time when the East will meet the West to such a degree that it will afford better conditions all around.
As regards my children, Arthur is still with the Municipal Government of Greater Shanghai and has been there through several Administrations which should speak well for his devotion to his work.
Tom is now attached to the China Insurance Company and is now in Shanghai. He wrote me some time ago that he has been delegated to write you on behalf of all the Former Andover Men in China and to present to you a scroll in appreciation of your untiring teachings. This, I hope, will convey to you the affection with which you are remembered in China.
Several days ago, I received a letter from Mr. William F. Flagg on the question of the Andover Teachers Fund. I have replied to him and enclosed a small contribution* I regret that during these depressing days my capabilities are limited, and I sincerely hope that it will not be long before I can again be of assistance.
Again, please accept my heart-felt thanks for your kind thoughts and remembrance, and I shall be deeply grateful if you will convey to Mr. Stimson my humblest appreciation. You gift with his autograph will be fondly treasured indeed.
My entire family joins me to send you and Mrs. Stearns our warmest greetings.
Most sincerely yours
Creator
C.Y.Sun
Publisher
Phillips Academy
Date
May 4, 1937
Rights
All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy
Language
English
Type
Correspondence