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Left Bentheium at about 320, reached Oldenzaal at about 350 pm We left Oldenzaal for Rotterdam at 4:30 P.M. Holland time, about 20 min slower than German time. We passed through Hengelo, Almelo, Ryssen, and Deventer, and reached Amsterdam at 9 P.M. The country here is very flat, - more so than the plain of Germany through which we have been passing, but it appears to be rich in crops, cattle (especially), and altogether presents an appearance of thrift and prosperity. Windmills are everywhere. There is not the desolate, abandoned air of the German territory. From Almelo to Amsterdam I travelled with an Amsterdam business man, who used good English. He said they at first sympathized with the Germans, but that the attack on Belgium turned sentiment against them. If they side with England they can keep their coast open, flood the region about Amsterdam for Miles with shallow water (1 ft or so). [[end page]] [[start page]] 181 He informed me that Lowen (Louvaine) the old educational center, had been wiped out and 40,000 helpless people were without shelter. He spoke with feeling. At the station Consul Murphy greeted us, advised us to stay as Rotterdam was full, and [[underlined]] compelled [[/underlined]] the R.R. official to extend our tickets. The latter objected, but he (the consul) said it was a damned outrage and he would see about it tomorrow. The official finally yielded. He recommended the Hotel De Roode Lieux, where we found good accommodations, especially meals, at a reasonable rate. I had room 10. All this region is flat, cut by canals, and is a wonderful stock country. Amsterdam is a fine, busy city with a modern appearance, and of course all flat. After our trials we enjoyed a rest in bed, even if big mosquitoes did try to interfere. We sent our names to New York by cablegram.