Letter from H.K. Tu to Dr. Stearns, February 23, 1930
Dublin Core
Title
Letter from H.K. Tu to Dr. Stearns, February 23, 1930
Subject
Letter from H.K. Tu to Dr. Stearns, February 23, 1930
Description
Typed letter sent from Admiral H.K. Tu to Dr. Alfred E. Stearns. Agrees Kong Y. Tu should study one year in business school or college to learn as much as possible. Will begin searching for a position in China. Explains why this decision is beneficial for Kong Y. Tu. Prefers Kong Y. Tu return to China after the one year, unless Stearns believes Kong Y. Tu should stay another year, based on his progress. States Kong Y. Tu could only stay two years at most, due to financial and social reasons. Prefers Kong Y. Tu stay with a Christian family to learn manners and get spiritual influence.
Transcription
February 23rd, 1930
My dear Dr. Stearns;
I am very glad that we have been able to have a long conversation this evening in regard to my son Kong and reach a satisfactory conclusion concerning his preparation for the future work. I certainly do not wish him to attend the Winworth Institute, which is capable of turning out only artisans such as carpenters and mechanics. At the same time I fully agree with you that it is too much to expect Kong to acquire at his age and within the limited time at his disposal a thorough knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry, which are essential if he goes to a flying school either to learn the art of flying or the profession of aviation engineering.
The alternative in the circumstances is for Kong to study for one year in a business school or college, and during the time, learn as much possible such things as book-keeping, typewriting, business terms as exchanges or bills of laddings, etc and sufficient business English for correspondence. At the end of one year he should return to China and go into business. In the meantime, I will look out for him for a suitable position in the Customs Administration, the Postal Administration, banks, or the Ministry of Communications or other Ministries.
This decision of ours is highly beneficial to him. In the first place, high scholarship, which it is so difficult for him to acquire, is not absolutely needed in the preparation for his future work. Secondly, business training ought to be of great interest to him. Thirdly, upon the completion of another year’s study a position will be awaiting him in China. While I still have many friends of influence, I would like to start Kong’s business life as early as possible. On the other hand, if he spends too many years in America, and even if he learns much, there is a certain amount of disadvantage for him should I retire from public life or for some reasons should I be unable to give him assistance in the way of proper introduction.
At the end of one year, if you think Kong has made much progress and had better stay in the business school for another year in order to learn more, I will be glad to comply with your request. But in that case, at most he can remain in America for altogether two years from the present time, for my financial situation will not permit me to allow him to study for a longer period, and besides it is unwise for him to be away from China too long, as I have explained elsewhere in this letter. Kong had better go to a business school immediately if you think that this is the best for him; otherwise have him to attend to business school beginning with the summer vacation.
Another request I would like to make is this: It is better for Kong to live in a Christian family where he can get some spiritual or religious influence and learn good manners which will mean and must mean much to him in his future life.
Boston being a big city offers to a young man of his age much temptation, and it is the best thing for him to be away from temptation by living with a religious family and always having some useful thing to do. Kindly help my son to secure a good family with which he can board and also stay there.
In conclusion I wish to thank you again for the kindness in looking after the welfare of my son, who I am certain is highly appreciative of it and will be more appreciative after he rubs shoulders with the world.
With my best regards.
Yours very sincerely,
My dear Dr. Stearns;
I am very glad that we have been able to have a long conversation this evening in regard to my son Kong and reach a satisfactory conclusion concerning his preparation for the future work. I certainly do not wish him to attend the Winworth Institute, which is capable of turning out only artisans such as carpenters and mechanics. At the same time I fully agree with you that it is too much to expect Kong to acquire at his age and within the limited time at his disposal a thorough knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry, which are essential if he goes to a flying school either to learn the art of flying or the profession of aviation engineering.
The alternative in the circumstances is for Kong to study for one year in a business school or college, and during the time, learn as much possible such things as book-keeping, typewriting, business terms as exchanges or bills of laddings, etc and sufficient business English for correspondence. At the end of one year he should return to China and go into business. In the meantime, I will look out for him for a suitable position in the Customs Administration, the Postal Administration, banks, or the Ministry of Communications or other Ministries.
This decision of ours is highly beneficial to him. In the first place, high scholarship, which it is so difficult for him to acquire, is not absolutely needed in the preparation for his future work. Secondly, business training ought to be of great interest to him. Thirdly, upon the completion of another year’s study a position will be awaiting him in China. While I still have many friends of influence, I would like to start Kong’s business life as early as possible. On the other hand, if he spends too many years in America, and even if he learns much, there is a certain amount of disadvantage for him should I retire from public life or for some reasons should I be unable to give him assistance in the way of proper introduction.
At the end of one year, if you think Kong has made much progress and had better stay in the business school for another year in order to learn more, I will be glad to comply with your request. But in that case, at most he can remain in America for altogether two years from the present time, for my financial situation will not permit me to allow him to study for a longer period, and besides it is unwise for him to be away from China too long, as I have explained elsewhere in this letter. Kong had better go to a business school immediately if you think that this is the best for him; otherwise have him to attend to business school beginning with the summer vacation.
Another request I would like to make is this: It is better for Kong to live in a Christian family where he can get some spiritual or religious influence and learn good manners which will mean and must mean much to him in his future life.
Boston being a big city offers to a young man of his age much temptation, and it is the best thing for him to be away from temptation by living with a religious family and always having some useful thing to do. Kindly help my son to secure a good family with which he can board and also stay there.
In conclusion I wish to thank you again for the kindness in looking after the welfare of my son, who I am certain is highly appreciative of it and will be more appreciative after he rubs shoulders with the world.
With my best regards.
Yours very sincerely,
Creator
H.K. Tu
Publisher
Phillips Academy
Date
February 23, 1930
Rights
All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy
Language
English
Type
Correspondence