Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to M.T. Liang, Chinese Delegation, Washington, D.C. December 5, 1921

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Title

Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to M.T. Liang, Chinese Delegation, Washington, D.C. December 5, 1921

Subject

Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to M.T. Liang, Chinese Delegation, Washington, D.C. December 5, 1921

Transcription

My dear Mr. Liang:

I have read with the deepest interest your letter received this morning. Don't worry further about Mary Sun. I wrote her a long letter after I heard of her homesickness and received the nicest kind of a reply. She tells me that the reports were a bit exaggerated, that she is happy and has no intention of giving up the American connection at this time. I am due in Northfield a week from this coming Sunday and shall have a chance to talk things over with her in person. I hope and believe that her feelings were only transient, for, as you say, it is only too natural that these youngsters should feel the pull of the home and the dear ones in China and indulge occasionally in that normal, if distressing, affliction known as homesickness. The great wonder to me is that more of them don't succumb and oftener. I am sure that if conditions were reversed our American boys and girls would not show the same self-control and bravery that these fine youngsters from the Orient display.

We shall be sorry indeed if you do not find it possible to share in our Christmas festivities. Do come, however, as you have suggested, before the Christmas party breaks up. I have already invited the Chens and will continue to urge them to join us. I know it will mean everything to the brothers and sisters of Mrs. Chen, and it will be a real pleasure to the rest of us, too.

I thank you most heartily for your kind thought of me and I am sure the Manila cigars will not only be enjoyed, but will have a double value in that they will take me back to those golden days in China which still find a big place in my memory and furnish me often, as I think of them, with new pleasure and helpful uplift.

I don't know who my good friend could be who was rash enough to sing my praises in your presence. I only hope that he was sober and in his right mind. Needless to say, I am following with the keenest interest what is going on in Washington these days, particularly as it relates to China. It really does seem as if China was at last to be treated with some show of justice and goodwill, and for this I am supremely grateful. I don't like, however, the suggestion conveyed in the morning paper that Japan is determined to retain her grip on Manchuria. I hope the report is incorrect. With warmest personal regards and assurances of my highest esteem and goodwill, believe me always

Very sincerely yours,

Creator

Alfred E. Stearns

Publisher

Phillips Academy

Date

December 5, 1921

Rights

All Rights Reserved by Phillips Academy

Language

English

Type

Correspondence

Collection

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