Page 213 - The Story of My Lif

12 Newbury Street, Boston,

January 17, 1899.

…Have you seen Kipling’s “Dreaming True,” or “Kitchener’s School?” It is a
very strong poem and set me dreaming too. Of course you have read about the
“Gordon Memorial College,” which the English people are to erect at Khartoum.
While I was thinking over the blessings that would come to the people of Egypt
through this college, and eventually to England herself, there came into my heart

the strong desire that my own dear country should in a similar way convert the
terrible loss of her brave sons on the “Maine” into a like blessing to the people of
Cuba. Would a college at Havana not be the noblest and most enduring
monument that could be raised to the brave men of the “Maine,” as well as a
source of infinite good to all concerned? Imagine entering the Havana harbor,
and having the pier, where the “Maine” was anchored on that dreadful night,
when she was so mysteriously destroyed, pointed out to you, and being told that
the great, beautiful building overlooking the spot was the “Maine Memorial
College,” erected by the American people, and having for its object the
education both of Cubans and Spaniards! What a glorious triumph such a
monument would be of the best and highest instincts of a Christian nation! In it
there would be no suggestion of hatred or revenge, nor a trace of the old-time
belief that might makes right. On the other hand, it would be a pledge to the
world that we intend to stand by our declaration of war, and give Cuba to the
Cubans, as soon as we have fitted them to assume the duties and responsibilities
of a self-governing people….

TO MR. JOHN HITZ

12 Newbury Street, Boston,

February 3, 1899.

…I had an exceedingly interesting experience last Monday. A kind friend took
me over in the morning to the Boston Art Museum.

She had previously obtained permission from General Loring, Supt.

of the Museum, for me to touch the statues, especially those which represented