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The Editor

DARTMOUTH ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Hanover, New Hampshire.

Various papers published here and abroad have given enough publicity to the visit made in England by the six Dartmouth undergraduate guests of the English Speaking Union of Great Britain to arouse some curiosity in the alumni group as to what happened and how it came about.

As unofficial head of the delegation that enjoyed the hospitality of that organization I have been urged to communicate to the alumni thru the columns of THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE the general story of the trip. I am happy to do this as it affords the opportunity to make some public acknowledgment to our hosts who conferred a singular honor upon the college in selecting Dartmouth men to make the initial test of their plan to entertain groups of American students each summer.

The arrangements for the visit were very hastily made during the last weeks of June, through Mr. John Daniels, the executive secretary of the American branch of the English Speaking Union. It was known that several groups of Dartmouth men would be in England at the desired time, and the committee for which Mr. Daniels acted believed that from these groups six or seven men could be selected who would represent the East and the West, at least, and if possible a few of the undergraduate types — the better ones we hope — that are found in the American college and university. Mr. Daniels communicated with Mr. Hopkins and through his office the opportunity finally fell into the hands of six men, quite arbitrarily selected I believe. They were, Mr. Edward H. Learnard of Newton, Mass.. Mr. Leif B. Norstrand of Greenwich, New York, Mr. James D. Landauer of New York City, Mr. Allen L. Vincent of Spokane, Wash., Mr. Ralph B. Staley of Denver, Colo, and Mr. Lloyd K. Neidlinger of East Orange, New Jersey. Mr. Staley later found he was unable to remain in London for the two weeks of entertainment.

On July 14th the five lucky ones arrived in London from the four corners of the globe and remained a unit for two weeks. The original plan of the Union called for a month's visit but at the late date the offer came it was impossible to arrange such a long stay.

It would give me great pleasure to relate the details, the incidents, and the experiences that were ours, but it would be a very long narrative. But among the other unusual privileges that were offered the group were week ends in English country homes and visits to some of the historic and beautiful private estates. All the men were at some time the guests of Lord and Lady Swathling at Southampton for periods of from three to seven days. Four of the group enjoyed weekends at Cookum. The party was entertained at tea at Cliveden, Lady Astor's estate; at Hatfield House, the home of Lord Salisbury; and at Hever Castle, the estate of Major Astor; and they spent one afternoon at the Houses of Parliament as guests of Mr. Moseley, a member, and were admitted to the floor of the House of Lord's at that time. There were no formal functions of any kind, but during the fourteen days there were repeated opportunities to see the very important side of English life which the less fortunate tourist misses. The arrangements made by the secretary for the E.S.U. in London, Miss Mills John, were very efficient, and everywhere the receptions were most cordial.

The success of the venture which the English Speaking Union intends to carry on is certain and is entirely in line with their purpose of "drawing together in the bond of comradeship the English speaking peoples of the world." English students coming to this country will be afforded similar attentions and it is hoped that some of them may find their way to Hanover and- thus the Dartmouth debt be repaid.

The Dartmouth party ended their official visit on August first and resumed their travels. We were not interviewed by reporters on our return as we returned on four different ships, but I am certain that had we been, we would have easily answered their two stock questions, "What do you think of the English?" and "What did they think of you?" To the first we say "we believe in them," and to the second, modestly, "they have asked us to come again."

I hope that this constitutes , a satisfactory report to those who have been interested.

Sincerely yours,

A brand new campus path leads from the walk to Massachusetts Hall to the north door of Dartmouth