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Feb 22 1916

Methodist Episcopal Church
Redondo Beach, California
Home Phone 3411

John Hedley, Pastor
Res. 221 N. Broadway

I am of-course, in the College of Liberal Arts. I take at present only one hour a week, but the hope is that the thing will grow, and if only funds would grow as we could wish, there is an intention on the part of the head of the Oriental Department, Dr James Main Dixon, to found a chair in Chinese, which he does not hesitate to say shall be mine. Dr Dixon was for many years a Professor in Government School in Tokyo, Japan, and is on the staff of "The Nation". You must meet him when he comes this way. He is a very interesting man.

One other thing will interest you. Yesterday, I took out my first naturalization papers, and as it is retrospective, I shall qualify for citizenship in three years. I have held back for sentimental reasons while my old homeland was in difficulties over this awful war, but the new compulsory act lets out both my boy and myself, so there is really no reason for any further delay.

Things do not look too promising in China. But I have great faith in Yuan Shih K'ai and trust that though they have retrograded in going back to be an Empire rather than a Republic, yet I think it will work out O.K. When the revolution took place, I was opposed to a Republic, believing, as I did and do, that the people had not yet reached the point where they could appreciate such a form of government. But having adopted it, I am sorry they have gone back from it. However, so long as Yuan lives, the change is merely nominal. And even those who mistrust Yuan's motives, know that he is too wise and politic and statesman-like to go back, or even to think of going back, to the old arbitrary rule of the Manchus. A strong constitutional monarchy is at present best suited to the genius and the attainments of the people, and I trust they may be permitted to work out their own national salvation without undue interference from other nations.

Now, I have given you a long "spiel", and I had better stop. We hope you are already feeling better. How you would enjoy the sunshine we have here today, in place of the snow and ice and cold you must be having in New York. We shall be glad to hear from you at any time you care to write, and shall look forward some day, we hope soon, to meeting you again, quite well and strong.

With best regards,
Sincerely yours,
John Hedley

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