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members of the European Legation staffs were particularly anxious to hear our proposals. Their work on the Chinese language (which in many cases has been really scholarly) and the general high standard of intelligence among these gentlemen predisposed them to the very subjects which will occupy us in the future. They include in their number, one keen student of Taoism from early native sources, two authorized collectors of Chinese books for European libraries, a student of art who is the author of a book on symbolism in Chinese decoration, and several others who investigate the literature and history of various periods. Hardly one of these gentlemen but had spent much time in the interior of China, and had collected folk-lore or made notes on local manners and customs. By two of them I was asked if the American School was to be confined entirely to Americans or whether outsiders would be given an opportunity to be of service.
[[Margin]] [[Underlined]] ADMISSION OF FOREIGNERS [[/Margin]] [[/Underlined]]
This question will open an avenue for consideration by your Committee as to whether Europeans who plan to make the study of Chinese culture their life work should be allowed to associate themselves with us. In my opinion we could not wholly bar out such scholars without sacrificing our claim to scholarly purpose, but it would be unnecessary to admit them on salary until they had passed the probationary stage of "Student Fellowships" and could be of use in the field or the library. If foreign institutions of learning will establish Fellowships in our School, or if foreigners who have already proved their ability offer us their services, they should be accepted. It would be an