Viewing page 23 of 72

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

advance, but old time romance is trampled in the mud and Japan as I find her today is no longer the place I loved so thoroughly thirteen years ago.  Not that I oppose material progress for I do not, but I do dislike the shocking effect it is having here in the wild rush of [[strikethrough]] any [[/strikethrough]] every one for money and high collars.  The big cities are absolutely impossible and in the country the farmers even are beginning to wear hats and their wives are beginning to cover their dainty breasts.  It's all shocking and the only thing left is the few remaining artistic treasures of early days and to see these one has to have the influence of a Napoleon.  I am quite sick of so much of what I see about the streets, but [[strikethrough]] as [[/strikethrough]] my one solace is that behind the walls of many dingy looking exteriors, I am finding old-time paintings, sculpture and pots - practically none worth while, can be bought, but that does not matter so long as I am allowed to see them.  Physically I am sound as a rock, mentally I am unsound, but generally ^[[speaking]], I am entirely happy.  Sometime after July 20th I shall be back home again where I hope to find the boys all well and happy.  You are keeping well, I trust, and all sorts of good luck and heaps of fun are yours, I hope.  With most affectionate regards.

Yours Ever
Charles

[[margin]] I had a charming day with Charlie Swift Mrs Swift and [[/margin]]