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HOTEL ADLON, BERLIN W.,
Unter den Linden 1,
am Pariser Platz.

July 8th, 1909.

My dear Colonel Hecker- 

My hurried return visit to Paris for a day, and my journey hither through Mons, Brussels, Chent, Bruges, Antwerp, and Cologne, was delightful and instructive. Certain impressions of architecture and gallery lighting and arrangement, which have been uppermost in my mind for some time, is gradually being helped so more concrete notions by my observations in England, France, Belgium and here. On this side of the Atlantic one can learn more to avoid than to adopt.

The great aim over here seems to be pretentiousness, confusion and ugliness. The majority of the interiors are dungeon-like and mere tombs for the treasure they overshadow. If the artists whose work is so shockingly treated have any any influence with the devil the souls of the architects are surely being well roasted below. I would like to shovel on some fuel myself. But materialistically, and in many ways artistically, Germany is striding forward wonderfully. Since my last visit, the growth at Essen and the near-by iron and coal districts has accomplished wonders. The railways and equipment too are marching on. This beautiful city is more beautiful and attractive in every way. My hotel, the Adlon, is the best in every way I have ever put up at. Beautiful architecture, perfect fittings, excellent eats and drinks and with a matchless manager (Mr. Adlon), and sons all like the old man. One of the sons crossed with me on the "Amerika" and the acquaintance thus made is proving very agreeable.

I intend to leave here on the 15th inst., starting for Naples and stopping off a day or two each at Dreaden and Milan. I shall stop at the Hotel du Vesuve at Naples and sail from that port on the S.S. "Schleswig", on July 23rd, and shall be due at Alexandria the 26th. I shall go directly to Cairo and remain at Sheppards until Aug.2nd, when I shall take train to Port Said and on the following day, Aug.3rd, said from that port on the S.S. "Derfflinger" going directly to Shanghai. After a couple of days in Shanghai I shall take train to Peking. 

My Cairo address is care Credit Lyonnais. My Shanghai and Peking address care of Hongkong Shanghai Bank.

I have asked Kennedy to hand you a list of the "Derfflinger's" stopping places enroute and dates, which I have today mailed him, should you find it necessary to cable to the steamer.