Correspondence (outgoing), 1904

[left page] to. There were never more visitors here than this winter. We are all excited over the war, and I want Japan to win. Russia has bluffed her and she has taken the bit in her teeth and is in dead earnest and the entire civilized world except Russia must feel in sympathy with these brave little men.

In your letter you say you hope you and Tim may be able to take the cure again at Carlsbad. I hope so too. If you feel your health needs it. For I realize how you suffered at the Manhatten Hotel

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Shepheards Hotel Cairo

Feb 20th 1904.

Mrs Timothy Hopkins

My dear May.

Your last letter just at hand, and I have enjoyed the proof of your love and attention for you know how one feels when far from home, and not remembered.

I have been here in Egypt almost two months. Have made the trip up the Nile and back and after this return to Shepheard's Hotel have enjoyed more than ever its attractive weather warmer, rooms over the

[left page] front balcony delightful for one need not go out of the rooms to see all that goes on in front of the hotel. It is an ever changing picture. Since I sat down to write letters, I had to look out to find out what the chanting was over, and found it was the funeral of a child who was placed as if sitting on a chair, but all covered with a Turkish shawl. At Assuan [Assam] it was cold, the entire three weeks with the exception of three days, but I did so enjoy the magnificent moon light nights. They were phenominal. I felt there so very near my loved ones. The purity clearness

[right page] of atmospher[e] brought the moon, the stars so near it seemed as if one could thrust their hands through the innumerable stars one sees there, and clasp the hands of dear ones longing for us to join them.

Her at this hotel are Mr and Mrs Alfred Tubbs. I have enjoyed their society very much. At Assuan [Assam] I met Mr Sidney Smith and three daughters and found them very agreeable.

In a few days I am going to the Gezerah [Gezirah] Palace Hotel to stay a week or more. We have a new moon again, and I could enjoy it more there than here, and could walk in the grounds all I wish

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Palo Alto, Cal., June 16, 1904.

Dr. B. C. Blodgett,

816 Minor Ave., Seattle, Wash.

Dear Sir:-

I received your second communication, and did not answer your first one because of a great pressure of duties.

In regard to the question I asked you, whether or not you would take the position as professor of music and player of the organ at the church connected with the University, I find on questioning as to the appointment of Professor Brooks that he would expect to be retained his full year which would extend for a little time longer. I could hardly feel that it was just to summarily dismiss him, for he has given me entire satisfaction, although not as an artistic performer on the organ as yourself.

I should like very much to consider this matter more seriously. I was charmed with your playing. It seemed to me that it was by far the best, the most skillful, artistic, and soul filling of any organ music I ever listened to. Would you to kind enough to let me know while I am at home this summer exactly your terms if you should be called here.

I am making a supreme effort to get the best of organists to fill

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Hotel Del Monte, Monterey, Cal., July 14, 1904.

Hon. Horace Davis,

Good friend

Your letter dated July 13th reached me this morn ing, and was read with surprise and interest, for I was not aware you had looked into the inner educational workings of the University to the extent you have.

While the present condition of affairs has been known to me some time there never appeared to be a fitting time heretofore to present it in writing. I am startled to learn we are "bound hand and foot," because of the great mistakes made in the Ross affair, and are obliged to keep in our present condition

The President's range of selection is limited as you know to a certain sectoin, and Stanfod is virtually a branch of Cornell and Indiana University, and presents opportunities for friendly acts of accommodation not always conducive to the greatest benefit, to the important work we have so seriously in mind to do. This has been painfully evident to me for a long time, but like numerous other topics in my mind, had to wait its time for discussion.

The matter perhaps has been more speedily brought to the front by me, than otherwise would have happened, had I not anti cipated another long absence from home.

I did not know that you too were planning for an absence at the time I sent you the Trustees letters.