Cheeloo University, Tsinan, China Jan 4, 1931 Dear Folks Christmas and New Year are over. It has been a very happy season for us. Bill and Helen were with us from the 20th to the 2nd. It is the first time in fourteen years that we have had any of the children with us at Christmas in China. Bill had two months with us here last summer and so was acquainted with the place. It was Helen's first time and the longest time that she has been in such close contact with us. We enjoyed it and I think the young folks did also. Bill was working away at the radio again, trying to get it fixed up so that we could run it off our electric light, and get long distances on short waves. We urged him not to think of it but he kept on in his spare moments. However he did not make anything out of it. Our voltage of electric light is so irregular that there is not much hope of it. I shall pack the set up ready for Bill to take to Honan with him and he may get some time to get it fixed up for himself. Helen spent quite a good deal of time in the hospital here and enjoyed it. She is able to go a little to the PUMC in Peiping on Saturdays but she did not get in such close contact a here. The PUMC is such a big institution that one gets lost in it. The weather was mild most of the time they were here. They brought a cold spell with them but it passed off. There was no sign of snow for Christmas. But the last day of the year it came on to snow and when we awoke on New Year there was about four inches of snow hanging on all the trees. It was very lovely. That morning we went off for a tramp to the top of Saddle Mountain. It was the first time we had gone to the hills. The day was clearer than we had had, so that one got a good view of the city and on north to the Yellow River Bridge. Of course there were a good many Christmas things going on in the various parts of the institution but we did not go to many of them. Jennie and Helen were at some of the services in the hospital wards. Of private entertaining there was a good deal. Christmas night we Britishers were all invited to the consul's. Because of the children or for other reasons, some were not able to go but there were about thirty-seven in the party, which included Salvation Army, American Presbyterian, English Baptist, English Church, United Church and business people. We had a very enjoyable time. One of the American Presbyterian missionaries never knew he was a British citizen till the war. He was born in Scotland, brought to the states as a child and his parents never took their naturalization papers so he goes on as a Britisher, though all his associations are American. New Year's day we had in a Canadian Dinner party, Dr. McClure, Coral Brodie, the Lautenschlagers and Dr. MacAll. The latter is English but he is living with Dr. McClure and his family are living in Toronto. Another night we had the consul and some Anglican missionaries in to dinner. I had thought that we would ride about a good deal to show the young folks the sights here, but most of the weather was not good for riding. Bill and Mother and I had one lovely ride on the country roads out to the west of one of the mountains. We planned to repeat it New Year's day with Helen but snow spoiled it. One day we got Abernathy to take us out in his car to see the places about town, to the far west of the settlement, to the Springs, to the Lake and the Presbyterian mission in the east suburb. He is one of the fast drivers about town. That day his horn went on strike. They fixed it up a couple of times but it went bad again. It was a strain for him to drive so slowly through the traffic as he had to do. We were laughing at him chafing about his slow speed. They went off on Friday evening. We went down with them and saw them aboard the train, which was in ahead of time. We had to be back with the car to let some other people go to dinner. They had places in the sleeper, though not together, and all berths filled. It promised to be a warm trip judging by the heat that was on then. They will let you all know next week probably about their trip. We are intending not to write on the same day. Their work begins tomorrow. We have another week vacation. I have to prepare to take communion service in English next Sunday and get exams read. Mother says that she answered your last letter so there is nothing much for me to say I suppose. Bill's mail was forwarded here while he was here. They soaked you pretty steeply for your car. IF there was that much damage to the car you came off fairly well personally. You did not mention your knee in last letter but said you had made a good score at basketball, so we judged that the knee had recovered OK. Just before Xmas a parcel from Jay came enclosing two pictures for Bill and us. They are lovely pictures though she looks a good deal older and more pensive than we are accustomed to think of her. Just after Xmas there came in a picture from Uncle Loren in Glendale, Cal. It was an enlargement of a snap of Uncle Peter and Jay, taken on the steps of 275 Beatrice St. It is excellent of them both. Jay has a broad smile on and looks more like what we think of her. The young folks from Peiping brought me some shirts and ties and mother a lovely cloisonné roes-bowl to match some pepper and salt casters which I had asked them to bring. We gave Bill a pullover sweater, which I had got from America, and Helen some money to buy some gramophone records. Helen had a portable given her and they have four records. What we gave them will probably mean three more. Prices of these things fluctuate so now with the big drop in silver. Our half-yearly rate for silver will probably e about $3.50 to the $ gold. From month to month our salaries are paid (the part of them we get here) at the rate of 2 to 1. At the end of the half year we get a check for the balance to make up to the rate. It sometimes looks as if a man was running close to his income but at the end of the half there comes in a lump to make up for what he has been getting under the market value. It is very welcome to some who have been running close to the line; perhaps too it is a good thing to make some people keep their ordinary running expense within what they are getting from month to month. It makes everything coming in from the outside seem very dear. There will be a good deal higher tariff from this on, but it is hoped that a good many of the irregular taxes, which have been such a nuisance, will be cut off. The cost of local goods has also gone up considerably, but not in a corresponding ration to the amount of silver we are getting for gold. Now I shall have to get off to work at my Sunday's sermon. I have a number of things crowding me this week after the cessation of work during the time the folks were here. Love from both of us, Your loving father, Robert A. Mitchell ---------------------------------------- Cheeloo January 18, 1931 Dear Folk I put this paper in the machine over an hour ago, but Coral Brodie came in & we have been talking, then Dad returned from church (Chinese) & we had a chat so here I am with the forenoon almost begun starting the letters. Part of the time since the last letters were written has been very cold. Some who have been here for years say the coldest for ten years of more. The thermometer stood 4 above zero. That does not seem cold to you but the atmosphere chills one to the bone before it gets tht low. Dad was kept busy stoking but we were really more comfortable than some. We have a big stove but we found the corridors cold. I put on a cap & wrap part o the time when going upstairs. We went to bed early with two hot water bottles & got up late. Dad wrote you must after Bill & Helen left. We did enjoy their visit with us. The next week we got our exam papers read & prepared for opening of college which was on 12th. Dad's classes began that day but my first one was on 16th. On 9th we had a dinner party. Dr. & Mrs. Wilder were visiting here. They were at our wedding in 1900 in Tientsin & only once since then have we met them. The little teaspoons I have were given us by Mrs. Wilder. Most of our wedding presents were lost so I prize the two I have, spoons from them & Minnie Reid. Dr. Wilder gave a lecture on Birds of North China Monday 12th. It was very interesting. He spoke of instances, which showed that birds did possess intelligence. One illustration was a mocking bird, which had, had a splint put on a broken wing brought a maimed brother to this man to have him do the good deed for a fellow sufferer. There were others; one where crows had a home for blind & crippled crows. They have morals, birds of same species never murder, help in the obtaining of food, stand on guard & give notice when a carcass has been found, was told of eagles who were seen helping each other. In long flights at time of migration, the exhausting position of leaders is changed & different leaders take their turn. Dr. Wilder also allowed that the Ten Commandments were not only for the Israelites, but were obeyed by all species of higher animals if they were to live. Obedience to parents, no stealing of property was illustrated by landmarks revealed by sight or scent of bears, foxes & dogs on the street. It was very interesting & were I near a library where something on the last point was to be had for reading I would like to follow it up. On 10th we had the monthly dinner of Theological staff. I helped with the menu & we had a good evening together. Though the meetings are not so helpful as last year because we have only two Chinese on the staff at present. A Miss Reider from Kitchener was visiting in the compound. Indeed was next door. She & Evelyn Craw were great friends at "Vic". She was in girls work last year. In Nov. came to Tokyo to help & get an insight into work in the East. She came to China for the Christmas holidays & was in Peking for a week. Helen & Bill & she had some time together. I had her in to lunch one day & we were at a tea given for her at Lautenschlagers. On 15th we went up town shopping. On our return found a note for me saying there was to be a University tea for King Chu who arrived the night before. He is vice chairman of the Educational Board for China & stopped off on way to Peiking. That was after 12; the tea was at 4. I had to look for someone to help & also for two pourers & girls to pass, arrange tables, etc. The cakes, which were all Chinese, were ordered by another. I could not turn it down very well at that hour so we had a busy time. Got Chinese lilies on tables, cups, & cakes all ready just as the vice president & the guest arrived. There were about sixty present & everything went off OK but we two were tired out after. The Dean (Chinese) had invited this guest & a few friends to a feast. The bottom fell out of the stove & it was about 2pm before they got any food ready & there was about half an hour between courses. They got enough to eat I hear, but before all the food that they had planned for the feast was cooked & on the table, they had to leave & come to the tea mentioned above. So we did not have as bad a time as they. We were rushed, worked hard but the affair went off nicely. Things go wrong in well-regulated houses in China as in Canada. Jan 19 Dear Mo- A new day has begun & it is like Spring. The cook has the kitchen door open - he is too warm. I implored Dad to put ashes on the stove & cool it down. The 21st is what the Chinese call the "big winter" & I wonder if we shall have another cold spell. The small winter began Jan 6th & as you see is about two weeks. Then after another two weeks the Chinese "receive the Spring". It is amusing for often it is very cold at that time but they claim that is when growth beings. They may be right. Just after dad sent off the letters on 5th a lovely long letter from Jay came in. She told all about why she left Shaws - no row she says. She told Aunt Lottie when she went there that she wished to live with Madge Holmes when she graduated. She also gave a fine description of the apartment & drew a plan. We were very happy after that letter arrived & I hope she will be more prompt. Had that letter arrived just after she changed her abode, or some word that she was doing so we would have been saved a lot of worry & I some loss of sleep. It is all right to say don't worry. Mothers cannot help it when they see their children in difficulty. Jay wrote they had cut out two dresses that evening; a red satin for Madge & an egg color for her. Mrs. Holmes was making them. I think she is very good to them & Jay seems to feel she has a home. We do love the picture Jay sent & sit & gaze at it. The snap sent by Uncle Lorne with Jay & Uncle Peter on the steps is very natural & life like. Dad is off to get your parcel. I fear by asking for those books I have put you into more expense than I thought I was doing. Christmas presents at this distance are a problem, now that there is so much import duty, etc. to pay on everything. One woman had to pay $2.90 on a $3.00 parcel. She refused to take it. Dad thinks that is a mistake especially if it is clothing as here was, for every merchant must pay the same & also must have his profit. Sometime through the year when you see a book you would like to read do so then it can come on to us later. We need books aside from the religious; some of the new problems or ideas at home, to keep us out of a rut. The book I wrote dad wanted is for his work but I mean in our reading outside of work we need a change. I am anxious to read something on the polar expeditions or conditions. We did read a few years several of Stephenson's. Have you read any of that line? I think you are a good reader - better than Jay. She goes in for novels almost entirely. Did you ever run across Miss Christina MacDougal in Copper Cliff? She taught you the last six months before you went home in 1917. Do you remember the play Hiawatha, she helped you put on. The school gave it on a May Day. We all liked it. She is teaching some of the emigrants or new people. Have you seen Gene Bale? Do you know the man to whom she is engaged? I hear she was very popular in Sudbury. Uncle Fred wrote about having a Christmas card from you. He seemed pleased you had remembered them. Dad got the parcel with razor. He opened it but not done more. Tomorrow morning he may try it. While he was away the book from Book room came along. It looks as though there would be some study & good reading in it. I ran over the heading of different chapters. Dad did the same & at present is writing his name in it. One of the men here was speaking of this book to Dad a few days ago & said he thought it would be a good thing for Dad to have in his Old Testament world. I am glad Dad has it. Sorry if it has been very great expense to you. In future we should not give too expensive presents. Now much love from both of us. Write when you can. How about your car. Did you get it repaired & was it much more than the estimate. Lovingly, Mother Jennie H. Mitchell ---------------------------------------- Tsinan Feb 1, 1931 Dear Folks I had just got my paper in the typewriter when I heard someone taking English in the other room and went to find Mrs. Lewis of Kweitch just arrived from Tsingtao, where she had been with the children to enter school. We knew she was passing through on Friday night but did not know whether she would be back today or tomorrow. The latest mail we have from home is Mo's of the 29th Dec and Uncle Peter's of the 31st. Now we are into the second month of the year. Time slips away. After the cold spell we had at the early part of the month we have not had it so very cold and some days up to fifty. Two above zero was the coldest we had. We have no snow since the beginning of the year. It will be bad for the crops if we do not have a fall of something. Since I wrote last we have completed our term with examinations. The government are doing what they can to do away with the observance of the lunar calendar. So all schools must take their winter vacation at the solar New Year. But in order to make the terms more nearly of a length, we carry on over the vacation. In the arts they are not quite through with exams yet. Fees for the new term are paid on Wednesday and classes begin again on Friday. A while ago a voting paper came from the mission to say whether we preferred Feb 12 or May 6 for the Council Meeting. Since then we have notice that it is called for Feb. 13. I had no notion of leaving my work to attend at either time. I was hoping that if it were in May, Dr. McClure would go over and there was talk of Coral and Mother going. In the winter, Dr. McClure will not go. We began to think that someone from here ought to be present and we have decided that we shall attend. It means I have to give my classes work for a couple of weeks while we are away. If one could go straight it would not be so very far. The way by the Lunghai is not satisfactory yet. When I wrote that, I went to the dining room and asked Mrs. Lewis and she says that they have three good trains a week now. However, I think that we shall go by way of Peking. During the first three days of this week we had it a bit strenuous attending meetings of Dr. Kagawa. It was an unfortunate thing that they had to coincide with our examinations. We had to take them when we could get them as his real trip to Shantung was to attend meetings of the church leaders at Weihsien. He will be in Canada some time this year and some of you may have an opportunity to hear him. His English is not very good and he has difficulty at times in expressing himself in it but there is real worth in what he has to say. He was converted as a young man through the instrumentality of Dr. Myers of Kobe when we heard last year at Peitaiho tell something of Mr. Kagawa's work. Even while attending college he lived in slums, a room six by six, in the company of burglars, murderers, etc. Later he started an agitation for the betterment of the slums. For leading a strike he was put in prison. There he had a room six by nine, better than he had at home. However, his movement led to a great effort on the part of the government to do away with the slums. He was blind with trachoma for forty-four days. Part of the eyesight of one eye is preserved. But he is an indefatigable worker especially for the poor, but seeing no hope for them in materialism, or Marxism, but only in Christianity, in love, permeating society and the nations. He had meetings at the university and at the Y.M.C.A. and also among the Japanese here. At the same time he was investigating the traffic in narcotics by the Japanese here in order that he should try to get the government at Tokyo to do something more than they are doing to put a stop to it. At the present time his writings are worth about five cents a word to him but he still lives with only one suit to the season, giving away all he makes in the work in which he is engaged. It was good to have a Japanese of that stamp in Shantung, where no love is lost for them. I was only at the university meetings. They were of a special stamp dealing with science and philosophy and religion. We were very glad to get your letter of the 29th. You sure had some time getting away with Christmas dinners. I suppose no ill effects have remained permanently. A healthy young fellow can digest enormous quantities if he gets the chance. It was nice of the Llewellyn Hall people to send you up your portion. One likes to find himself remembered. One thing, which I do not like about the dinners at home at the present time, is the opportunity to "serve 1875 brandy". When I was a boy we were under the drunken curse and were gradually getting away from it in Canada. But with the reverting to the open sale of liquor in ever increasing quantities, there is a danger that a new generation will be cursed as badly as were those of a couple of generations ago. We have never talked of these things. I have assumed that as a self-respecting man, and an intelligent doctor, you would leave liquor entirely alone. It is the only safe way to do with the stuff. Every man who has the good of mankind and his country at heart ought to be the deadly enemy of the drinking habit and the drinking traffic. I received the book you sent for my birthday. Thank you very much for it. I at once went into the center of it for some things for my lectures of the time. We have not yet begun to read it through but I think that we shall both enjoy it. The razor came along also. I fear that you are giving us too expensive presents. When you suggested razors, I without thinking the matter out, said that would be a very nice present. But really I should have said that I was probably well enough supplied with shaving implements for my natural life. Thank you very much for the kindness, but I am afraid that I wrongly led you into an unnecessary expense. I have not yet begun to use it as my other one was doing pretty good work. This looks quite an elaborate thing. Aunt Mabel says that you have paid her off. Good. I am glad that you are getting things reduced. It will be a great relief to your mind when financially you have a clean slate. I sometimes hear about one or two men here who are living up to the limit of their salary and wonder how they feel about their future. I have never been a good saver but I have nearly always had a balance on the right side, however little it was. When you get your debs paid clear, you will feel easy. Yesterday Dwan Gia Bin, one of our medical students from Weihwei was showing something he had copied from the Toronto Medical Journal about Mo Mitchell winning the stick for doing the most for athletics. He asked MCClure if that was our son. So even here you see you have a connection. Mother noticed in the Missionary Record the death of a Mrs. J.W. Cook, Copper Cliff, last August. Mother said, "I wonder if that was one of Mo's patients." Now I shall have to get to some of the rest of the letters. Thanks for giving us such regular correspondence. It means so much more to parents than their children think, that it is worth the while writing, even if there is not a great deal of news to tell. It is the link of love which binds us together. Love from us both, Your father, Robert A. Mitchell ---------------------------------------- Tsinan March 1, 1931 Dear Folk Feb 10 Rob & I started for Honan to attend Council meeting. Between here & Peiping the engine broke down & we had to wait five hours for repairs. Because of this delay we were unable to connect up with others from Peiping & Bill & we took train the next day. On the way to Weihwei we had a worn-out engine & were thirty-five hours doing a trip, which should have been done in twenty. At two of the divisional points we saw fine big engines, some with fire up ready to start off but the R.R. Co. could not get them. They are held by one of the militarists & he will not return engines or cars. Such is travel in China We are used to affairs so made plans to keep as warm as possible. We had a goatskin rug, which we put on the floor of compartment, hot water bottles which we had refilled every little while. One dinner we ate in a diner with no heat & one of the doors open all the time. I was surprised we did not have a big indigestion spell for I ate fast. We went in with coats & steamer rugs around our feet next time. We arrived at Weihwei about 1am. Dr. Struthers was at the station. We got off as soon as we could in Rickshaws. When we reached the city gate they would not open. They said the key was more than a mile away & they were told they need not come for it. However when Dr. Struthers got up & told who he was - from the hospital, they opened up - the key was not so far away. We knew it was a lie but we strangers could do nothing. Along the street we were challenged several times & about 2am reached the compound. We had a little lunch & off to bed. Bill was in house next us & we often saw him. Then a couple of old friends, our hostess & one other, arranged to have us & Bill only at lunch. I was glad Helen had not gone with us for she has not the clothing to travel in China in winter. But will have it by another year. We had meetings to attend of course & were faithful at that. Between times we strolled around. It was distressing to see both the houses in which we had lived wrecks. The first one where two of the children were born is used only as a storeroom. Not being needed yet to house the staff, it has not been repaired, but we hope some new people will join us & then it will be fixed up. The other house was burned as you remember & the bricks, etc, lie there. We were around the orchard, which is doing fine & other places of interest. The school where so many years were spent is still not repaired as no schools hve been opened. Bill thought the yard looked very small & the bell tower where they used to climb & think very high was small as also the bell. He showed us where he used to climb up & help himself to cookies. On Sunday of council meeting Bill preached & Rob had the communion service after. It is the custom for the newest arrival to preach at the council service & Bill was it. He was allocated temporarily to Changte, a station two hours ride by train from Weihwei where he grew up. Likely he will be permanently located there as they need a woman physician to help in hospital there & Helen is looked upon as the one to help in the woman's side. Bill & we started back before meetings were over & on the return trip were seven hours late arriving in Peiping. We spent Sunday & Monday at Language school with Bill & Helen. Rob had an hour in the dentist chair while he hunted for an old root, which was supposed to be giving him backaches. We arrived on time on morning of 24th. Had a meal with a friend & by night everything was going as if we had never been away. Just here the wife of one of our theology Professors came in for her English lesson & after an hour with me has gone off. I take her three days a week. Her husband has been abroad, holds a Phd & speaks English well. It is trying when she is invited with him & the conversation is mostly in English & I am glad to help her. Saturday 28th we went to hospital for injections for Typhoid Serum. It makes me awfully sick & I was in bed most of yesterday; only up for dinner & was not at church. Dear Mo We found a letter from you in Peking to Bill, which we had the reading of & on our return there was one waiting us here. You will be getting away from Copper Cliff more now when the snow has gone. Let us know how you find Jay. She writes so seldom. Aunt Jessie tells us a little now & again but we know very little of her life. What are the Holmes - Was Madge's Father a farmer & did they live in the country. I gather from Jay's letter before Christmas that they would be lonely as well as her, for the father was gone. Did he die lately? Are they church going people? Does Jay seem really happy? After you have been down tell us some of these things. Write as you suggest alternately here & Peiping & we will send them on. Dad will go into Changte for two weeks teaching in June after he finishes here. I shall go with Bill & Helen to PTH. They are to be at Changte. I think Bill likes the appointment & Helen has no idea of any of the stations. Today is dark & lowering. We do long for rain. Everything is very thirsty & when the March winds come if we do not hve rain we shall have dirty dusty houses & worst of all much disease, as we cannot prevent inhaling dust, which hides them. There is a C.P.R. steamer in the end of the week & the mail from her would be here in about a week. We are looking for letters. Wish Jay would write more frequently - say 1st & 15th of the month. My arm is still quite sore today but much better & I have no temp so the worst of this injection is over & the other two will not amount to so much. No more for me unless just before we go home, then it may be best as traveling in the east in summer is never safe. Someone wrote us you were engaged to a nurse. I asked Helen if she had heard anything of it & she said no. Then told of the widow by name of Mitchell nursing at General. Bill read us what you said about not being able to marry for a time so we just wait definite word from you. Do not be in a hurry until you are free from debt & have made a little start. Bob McClure was in Edinborough & wrote on his exam but did not make it. He may return to Edinborough in July & write again but was not sure that he would when he wrote his father. Anyway he has had the experience & training all of which will be a help. Dr. Margaret Forster was convener & has done a lot of hard work since coming out. No one knows what Gordon Brown is going to do. They are doing well there & if he comes out there will be a country practice vacant & he just went in, but did not buy. They come in sometimes and ask for the "Baby Specialist", Isobel. His father gave him a car but they have had to buy a cutter as there is so much snow out that way. Dr. Molly grant is expected out in Autumn of 1932. She wants another year internship. Did you hear about the trouble in the HPT in Edmonton? Streptococcus so badly they closed down to hunt up the cause. She has had a good experience there. I must close now, as I want to write Bill & also finish the letter to Jay. Dad has begun his work in the garden. We are moving an ash hedge & putting in cedar. A neighbor is wanting a change & has offered us good high cedars if we will give him low young ones in exchange. The high ones keep the walk hidden from sun after rain or snow so he is clearing them out. He lives next door & we will like the cedars I am sure. Again adieu. Much love from both of us. Lovingly, Mother Jennie H. Mitchell ---------------------------------------- Tainan Sung Cheeloo, March 16, 1931 Dear Folk Dad was too busy yesterday with a sermon to write & this week has an address for Friday night at the Institute to the "Brotherhood" & also has to write out a sermon for the Theological Magazine. I am trying to take his place in the letter writing this week. For a week 8-15 we have had lovely weather. The fire went out on 9th & it was not lit up till this morning. Last evening was warm & about 8 p.m. rain began to fall. We were out for the evening & never heard a sound of it - imagine our surprise when we came out to be compelled to return & get an umbrella from our hostess. The people with whom we spent the evening returned last Autumn & brought with them a lovely Orthophonic. They have all classy records & after a little chat the evening till 10-p.m. was spent in listening. We did enjoy the music. We do have some very pleasant Sunday evenings in this campus. Our evening service is 5 p.m. and over about 6 & we have quite a long evening. It seems one of the times in the week when we can sit down & enjoy a chat or music with friends. The last three Saturdays we have had typhoid inoculation. The first two we were very miserable. I ws real sick. We were not so bad yesterday & attended church. We had been absent for four Sundays. Two when we were in Honan, at Cornwall meeting & two with Typhoid inoculation. Dr. MacClure has been joking us about growing loose in worship habit. The weather being fine we were out in the garden some. Had a man for a week. Stones were picked up, straw & leaves used as covering for winter removed, the garden prepared for seeds. Fall flowers are in bloom outside. I have been busy with women making over the mattress on our bed. MacRae's had used it some time & we over two years. When we opened it it was made of cotton.... two layers and between them excelsior. The latter was all broken into little pieces which could not be used. But here & there was a hard piece of wood & these got us sometimes. The two rooms were dirty with excelsior lying all around & the worst came when they had to tie it sown. We could not get a needle long enough & it was no fun pushing it through excelsior & cotton. It is nearly finished & I am sure it will be more comfortable. In Weihwei after their return all the mattresses had to be made & they had some hard work. We thought one was all we cared for. One of our doctors & family leave this week for home - England. There have been several farewell parties for them & today the whole community of about eighty are invited to a tea, given by the English Baptist Mission to which these people belong. In addition to our campus people there is the American Presby Mission in East Suburb, Southern Baptists in South Suburb & also the business people. All together quite a community. Last week the Literary was held. We felt too much typhoid so were not present. The British Consul gave a talk on "Roads & Road making". He went back further than the Roman Roads. We read a synopsis of it in weekly bulletin. Two of my friends have been ill. One goes home in May. I have been to see them & was able to send Daffodils & Hyacinths to them & still we had some in the house. Our bulbs have been fine this year. The last two Sundays the flowers in Church have been from our house. The Jasmine is in bloom in the yard. Mo & Jay do you remember that small yellow flower which came out the first in Spring before the leaves were on it or any trees. The N.C.S. here had an entertainment a few days ago. The children did fine. It always takes me back to the entertainments put on at W.H. They had a "singaphone" which was funny. It was a piece of cotton with holes cut in it to represent the musical scale and through this was the face of a pupil. One pupil introduced the wonderful musical instrument to us. Another wound it up & as he did so the children called our "AH" When time to cease came some kept on just like when a key sticks in an organ & it had to be oiled. A young lad went around with a long necked oil can & pretended to pour oil down the open mouth of the children. It was good & they acted it well. Some of the girls were great in the folk dances. Their work was on exhibition - drawing, knitting, hemming, etc. These entertainments always take me back to when you were kiddies at W.H. Dear Mo - I did not get the letters finished yesterday & this a.m. One thing after another prevented me. It is now almost 4p.m. time for tea. The cook has left the table ready but I must look after hot water and make the tea. Wish you could come in & drink a cup with us. We are looking for a letter from you the end of the week when C.P.R. mail is due. It seems a long time since we had word from you. Jay has not written since she sent her photo. No word of how she spent Christmas nor since Nov. when the photo was mailed. When you see her ask her to try & get a little time for writing. Dad is out in the garden. I do not know what he would do without this hobby. Our bulbs have been extra super fine this year & we have enjoyed them. I have had two awful arms & been quite sick with the Typhoid inoculation. Do you think it is necessary for people our ages to take it? Let me know. There is a difference of opinion out here and you are up on the latest. I am just getting over the third inoculation & told Dad life looks brighter than it did. I started the primus to heat the water & it went out - no oil so dad is outting in oil while I finish this off. Now adieu for another two weeks. Much love from both of us. Mother Lovingly, Jennie H Mitchell _______________________ Cheeloo University, Tsinan, China March 29, 1931 Dear Mo it is some time since I wrote you as mother took my last turn in order to let me off for some work. There are letters from all of you since that time. We are getting along towards spring. A while ago it warmed up and we let the fire out for a time. Then we needed it once more. During this past week we were expecting guests, and thought that the stove and drum would be in the way. So we took them down of Tuesday. Next day it turned cold and so we had to keep the grate burning, but no one suffered much from the cold. One of these days when there was a high wind blowing there was a big fire down at the big spring. Quite a number of the shops about the spring were burned. Mother and Marnie went down the next day and got in to see where the fire was, though most people were being kept out. The following day we pretty nearly duplicated it in our own house. When I came in from the college I found that a big live coal had fallen off the grate onto the board floor. It was just beginning to blaze up when I arrived. Had I not come along at that time there would have been a conflagration. Sunday evening we got a wire from Shanghai from the Coplands to say they would be along on Wednesday. The same morning a guest came in from the north, Mr. Chang Fu Liang one of the secretaries of the National Christian Council. Mr. Chang was coming from conference on the rural problems which began on Thursday evening and continues till tomorrow evening. There are about seventy from different parts of the province in attendance. The leading speaker is Dr. Butterfield who is devoting a year or two to the rural problems in the countries of the east under the auspices of the International Missionary Alliance. The conference is being held in our Theological School and classes are suspended for the duration of the conference. We met the Coplands at the train with a car. They came in on time, as the express is generally doing these days. It was nice to see them again and to have a chat with them on old times and on their experiences of the past few years. While they were in Edinburgh and Paris Marnie was taking the theological lectures along with Bruce. then while they were in Formosa she set to work with the Amoy dialect, and took off her first year examination there. Bruce enjoyed his two years with the English Presbyterian Mission and thinks it a modelly run mission. Wednesday evening we had Dr. McClure and Coral Brodie in to meet them. We showed them about the work here. the day they were going away we got a car and showed them part of the town and the lake. The weather began to warm up before they went. They left on Friday evening and would be with Bill and Helen last evening in the language school. They are going to spend the next three months there in order to brush up their Mandarin before going in to Honan. While they were here a young man, Mr. Woods, dropped in to see us. We met him in the language school. He is the son of a missionary in Kiangsu who was at the language school for two terms, but is now on his way back to his station. he stopped off here to see the members of their mission who are working in the Medical School here. He belonged to a class in the language school whom they dubbed "the illiterates" because they could talk Chinese but could not read or write. Last evening we were out to an International concert under the auspices of the International Friendship Club. The object was to raise some money for the sake of helping some students to go to Japan for a time to study Kagawa's work. Among the things we had were music by the university band, miniature symphony orchestra by a German school, Piano Duet by two missionary ladies, action song by a Japanese school., music by a Chinese government school musical club, about twenty of them on many kinds of instruments, Negro song and step dance by a Baptist missionary, etc. as well as Charlie Chaplin in a Cinema the prettiest thing was the little Japanese girls, all gaily dressed with gay parasols, which they used to great effect in the drill. The Chinese conjuring was very good. Last Sunday evening we had the dedication of our new chapel at the Theological School. We hope it will be the centre of devotion in the future. It is very tastefully arranged, with a Chinese long table, a table and two chairs and a reading desk, as a kind of model which country congregations might follow in their places of worship. I have just put in a new ribbon. I had been down to using badly cut up ribbons which seemed to get caught every time that mother began to write. On Saturday half dozen came in from Shanghai. The price looked pretty big in Mexican, $14.35 for six. The new tariff adds something to the cost but the low rate of silver is the chief thing. When we have been thinking in the 2-1 rate it needs some readjustment when the gold is over 4 dollars. it was up over five for a time, but is now running between 4.30 and 4.40 Prices have gone up accordingly. it will not be so easy for them to come down. Numbers of things from foreign lands are scarce also, because the merchants dare not lay in stocks with the fluctuation in the rate of exchange. Your letter of the 22nd Feb came in the other day and the books you sent came along too. we have read a bit in one of them. Thanks very much. I have been reading the one on the Religion of the Old Testament which you sent and am enjoying it much. It is a useful book in my work. I hope that the rumor of improved conditions in your business will become facts. The whole world has suffered much from the depression. It is well for us to form our ordinary living habits so that the waves of depression will not catch us unprepared. A simpler scale of expenditure than is common with many people would be all to their good. I sympathize with you in having teeth worked at. In Peking I had a man working for an hour at a little bit of thing half an inch long. It was part of a root which had been left when the bridge had been extended to the next tooth. There was no way to get to it to pull it, so it had to be dug out. But with the modern anesthetics it was not painful at the time at all. It is beginning to get comfortable again now. The weather is beginning to warm up this morning so that I am too hot with the present clothes on. It seems as if we would have to get into single clothes with the opening of April. I am trying to combine writing with looking after the hose which is watering the hedge. Perhaps I should be at the conference. But I was not getting much out of the Chinese discussions and mother wanted me to go downtown with her. So I sloped it and then went at finishing up the letters. Yesterday afternoon we had a very impressive service in the church. Dr. Lair gave a brief introduction showing the prominence of the redemptive idea in all the New Testament and then he put on the records of Stainer's Crucifixion. We all had printed copies of the words. The orthophonic was in the alcove behind the communion table about which were grouped several palms. The church is a difficult one to hear in, but the records came out very clearly. It was a most impressive service. The words near the last kept ringing in my ear for long after we came home, "Is it nothing to you?" One who has felt the touch of the redemptive power of the gospel cannot but be touched every time he puts his mind seriously on the passion of our blessed Saviour and what it has meant for the betterment of the world and especially for his own soul. I think that to many of us who listened it was a time of re-consecration to the work of co-laborers in the redemption of man from the many sins and evils into which we have fallen, to a high and holy life of enjoyment of the best things. My time of labor will be but short now, but I call on you and all the young, by the mercies of God to present yourselves LIVING SACRIFICES, which is reasonable service. You will find plenty opportunities for serving your fellow men. Of all the agencies which has ever devoted itself to that service the one, with all its faults, which has given itself most devotedly and done the most, is the Christian Church. Every man who wants to make his life count on the right side should identify himself with it and make it a more efficient instrument on redeeming the world for whom Christ made his sacrifice. I wish they you could see it this way. I am sending your letter on to Bill and Helen. We received one of yours from them last week. It will not be long now till the end of their school term. I am not sure of our closing day. The Arts are closing on the 20th of June. I think that we shall be before that. They are counting on me helping in the summer class in Honan from the 15th to the 30th of June. I hope that I can get away then as mother will want to be going to PTH when Bill and Helen go, and I would like to be able to travel with her to Tientsin. Now I shall have to close, with love from us both. Your father. ---------------------------------------- Cheeloo Tsinan April 12, 1931 Dear Mo The last two weeks have been rather hectic. There seems to be something doing every day. When Dad wrote lat time we were just finishing up a rural conference, when a number of men from the country were present. I had a Mr. Chang as my guest. He has been abroad for several years & is a graduate of Oberlin. There is a big move on now to reach the farming class. Not only with Bible instruction but better seeds, better cattle, more social life introduced into districts which are gathered around a central community house. Character classes will be taught & also talks on sanitation & hygiene. A bettering all round life, with more social intercourse with near neighbors & through reading with the outer world. Wit it all goes Bible instruction. At the same time I had Marnie & Bruce Copeland who have been in Formosa for two years & are returning to Honan. She was a little girl, who played with Jessie & was often at our home. We did have a lovely time while they were with us. It was next best to having Jay visit us. I gave a dinner party for eight one night & we had a public tea at which I took part as the conference was under the auspices of Theology college. Everyone thought it worthwhile. I mean the men who were at the meetings & heard the discussions. Good Friday we were into a friend's house to hear Stainer's crucifixion of their Ortho-Phonic. It was fine. The Easter service was very poor musically this year. There were four days holidays but we did not go anywhere. We had, had so much travel when we went into Honan to council meeting we thought we would remain at home. A large number from here - foreign & Chinese went to Taishan & Confucius Grave. We are anxious to visit both places but thus far have never succeeded in getting off when holidays come. In the Spring we say we shall go in Autumn & now that is our plan. As soon as our guests were away we had workmen in to put on new screens on the porch & to wash the kitchen walls & paint it. It has been quite a job & the men have only finished. The whole house has had to be done since we came & we have been doing it in sections. The kitchen was left till the last. The ceiling is white, the walls a deep cream & the lower half of the same color but painted, which make it a little darker. Everything looks so clean. We will not do it again during this term. The screens are all in, but have to be oiled but that is all outside & it will not upset us as when men are working inside. I also had a piece of board over the hooks for hanging coats etc & have curtained it in. We have dreadful dust storms here & the clothes need to be under cover. One night our light did not come on. Others had lights. We looked around & found the workmen had shifted one of the connections when washing the walls & when that was put right we had light as usual. The kitchen door had never been properly repaired since the Japanese were in /27. We could not keep door closed if there wa a wind. We had done a little at it but this time it is properly repaired. A week ago it was quite warm & I put away some of the woolen & heavy coats. But alas the last week has been cold & we have wished for some of them. Thus far I have not had to pull anything out & I think it is warming up. The moths appear so early here, as soon as it warms up, & it is safest to get the things away as early as one can do without them. We had a tea to farewell our British consul this week. It was to have been on the lawn, but a cold N.E. wind blew all day. but the house where it was has two large rooms adjoining & are in charge of the work in the Institute, where there is a big hall to seat several hundred. All the seats were removed, deck tennis, badminton courts marked out. The Billiard tables used for Chinese were used, also ping pong & quoits. It was fixed up with flowers & really looked pretty with a few flags hung here & there. Everyone seemed to have a good time & after a cup of tea most went to the hall. Jennie H. Mitchell Today there is a fierce S.E. wind. It blew some of the tiles off the roof at S.E. end. I was upstairs & thinking it was a shutter, came down to close it and found tiles on brick walks. Dust comes in everywhere. I have all South shutters closed. Any parcels sent after this send to Tientsin C/O W. H. MacKenzie. Customs are making fuss & if it is there he can put it through without trouble. Mr. H. MacKenzie, 53 Race Course Rd., Tientsin ---------------------------------------- Cheeloo University, Tsinan April 26, 1931 Dear Folks Since last we wrote to you letters have come in from you all I think, so that our correspondence is pretty nearly up to date. In the way of weather we have continued to have winds and dust. It has kept pretty cool, with considerable cloud; but we have had no rain to speak of. One day it gave a little spit, last night there was also a shower and a few drops mark the stone steps now. If we had a good soaking rain there might be some good to the wheat and the weather would perhaps warm up. It did do so some yesterday, when it was seventy in our bedroom when we got up, rather than 50. With the continued cold weather things are not showing much in our grden for we do not have a great many shrubs. Other people's gardens show more. Still as I look out from my study window now I see a beautiful bloom on our strawberries and the peas coming in bloom, while over at the side a long row of iris are at their full and another row of yellow roses down by the hedge. The sitting room has seven bouquets of yellow roses and bridal wreath spired, as well as a calla lily, three pots of nasturtiums and one pot of oxalis with a hundred blooms. So we cannot be said to be without flowers. The wallflowers and daisies are still in bloom; while snapdragon, gaillardia, Shasta daisies, lilies of the valley and Sweet William are in but, and the small red roses just beginning to bloom. In one of our winds several of the big tiles were blown off the house. One big corner tile lit on the wall twelve feet away and broke a brick. I am glad I was not under it when it came down. On the 18th we went up to Hsing Lung Shan. The weather had been threatening for some time and we feared both cold and wet, but it did not turn out too badly. We were not cold and the sun was not strong enough to burn us. It was not clear enough for distant views and we did not see Tai Shan. I rode my bike to the foot of the hill 61/4 miles. Then walked up. Mother rode up in the chair most of the way but walked down. She had a mountain chair. In the party there were the Cadys, Stanleys, Heimbergers, Lairs, Wolfes and a few others. For a couple of days after it we were both pretty stiff, especially mother. 2,000 steps downhill are rather hard on some of the muscles. This weekend some of the fact-finding commission came in. We have as guest a Mr. Lin of Foochow. he is one of several Chinese attached to the commission as collaborators. He preached in our university chapel this morning. Then he and I went to the independent church, the Southern Baptist church, and the English Baptist church. We did not stay through any of these three services, but went to see what was going on in the three. For the next three or four days there will be a good deal of attention called for by some people to this commission. On Tuesday we were out at a concert given by the nurses to raise money for a contribution to a center in Shanghai. It was called the history of nursing. They went to a lot of trouble over it and did it well. But the thing was of such a nature that it became tedious. Beginning with Prehistoric Nursing they went through eight acts to a Modern Nurses Training School. A description of the scene was read in English and told in Chinese and then the scene was shown. It took too long to prepare the scenes for what was got out of them. I hope that our presentation of The Applecart on May 11 may leave the audience better satisfied after it is over. They had good music there and they had an electrola playing. I tell mother that I am going to take her to the theatre to celebrate our wedding anniversary. I am taking the part of Pliny in it. I have just been having examination papers to read this week. They are not all done yet. I have just come in from hearing a fine sermon by a Dr. Fisher of Boston, one of the fact-finding commission. He spoke on the triumphs of Christ in the present time. Last week we had a man from Philadelphia, Dr. Waddell, father of one of our doctors. So we get a good many preachers from the outside. Some of us do not come so often. I am due for June 7. May 3 It is a week since I began this letter. Having one of the fact-finding commission with us of course took up more or less of our time, as there was a meeting and showing him about our work, etc. One day we got a car to run him about the city and see the sights. I told the chauffeur what we wanted to do. But when we came to the west gate ( or where the west gate used to be), he turned from my course and ran right up onto the wall. I know they were making extensive changes on the ground, but had not heard of anything taking place on the wall. There was a good wide road, enough for three or four autos abreast. It is not all complete yet but is around the north side form the west gate to the east side. At intervals there are lookout stations. For example on the west side one overlooks the river which runs away from the springs. 35 years ago Mother once took a boat from here to the coast. On the north side there is a two story pavilion. Outside the wall this overlooks the low-lying land where there is always plenty of water and where they grow such good vegetables, and have rice fields. Inside it looks down on the Tai Ming Lake which occupies the northern part of the city. The lake is not much as a lake, being divided into lanes of water by rows of reeds which bring in a profitable crop. Later in the season it will be a delight to the eye, being covered with lotus. Then is when the mosquitoes are plentiful. On returning from the Presbyterian mission in the east suburb, we went around by the athletic field. This is only about 3/4 mile to the east of us, outside the south wall of the suburb. We often bicycle by there, but have not been out lately on account of being busy in the garden. As the Athletic meet for North China is to be here the end of this month, they have been working at it for some months. It is n the slope of the hill, and the last time we were out there we saw that they were excavating at the southeast corner and filling in the northwest corner. But we never had any idea that they were going to doth amount of work they are doing. They have from 1,200 to 1,300 men at work and the thing is to cost $80,000. Their track is, I suppose a 400 metre one, but it seems to me it s about twice as wide as the varsity one. About that on all four sides they have bleachers of stone and brick. Behind the bleachers on the east side, I expect that there will be other bleachers facing east, for the whole length of the field is taken up with tennis courts, basketball courts, etc. they have already built several buildings and are busy at a fine building looking south over these courts. It certainly is an extensive scheme. The situation is beautiful. It looks off to the south to Chien Fu Shan, the prettiest mountain in the neighborhood. I have not heard how much is in the scheme, but I should think that sooner or later they will make a good motor road right past out college gate to it. The North China meet is near the end of this month. I cannot tell how they are going to finish the job by then. Tsinan authorities asked that the meet might be delayed, but were refused. As we are not registered our people cannot enter under the name of the university. But they have formed a Cheeloo Athletic Club, and are entering in most of the events. Last letter from Jay she mentioned she had been to Hamilton to the meet there, and had seen the Walters brothers, and Phil Edwards run. They are in the States. I wonder how studies are going with them. I don't like to see fellows leaving our own country to go to American colleges just because of the greater athletic facilities. I suppose you will not have a great deal of opportunity for keeping up your running up there. The winter wouldn't give much chance. Day before yesterday your letter of the 4th April came in. I hope your eye is all right again and the spurt of pus did not do you any harm. That sure was some baby that your patient had. Does it seem normally intelligent, etc? it would give the mother and the doctor some work to do. You mention that all things are changing in China. True. The changes I have mentioned in this letter show what would be happening in the material way if we had continued peace. it has not yet reached an ideal state yet. Mr. Lin mentioned that the good schemes of which the propagandist boast has not reached 1/100 of 1% of accomplishment yet. We are very thankful for peace in the land, and for a passing away for the time of the very active anti-religious agitation. What China wants is not less religion, but more of the real quality which is a working out of the Christ like life in everyday relations. Be ye perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. Your Father, Robert A. Mitchell ________________________ Cheelo University Tsinan, China May 12, 1931 Dear Mo We're glad to hear from you this week & it was a fine letter too. I was not worried over the word of your engagement - took it as a joke. When in Peiping we four were talking about it & Helen told us it was likely the old report from the T.T.C., just as you wrote. You were having some big operations. Hope your garn. case comes out O.K. Last night was the last of Literary for this year. However there will be a meeting to appoint officers as the play was so long last night there was not time for business. Dad was chancellor of exchequer & several times tried to quiet the cabinet down. It was quite like him to play the part of peace maker. All did well. It would be difficult to single out one Y^ yet it was funny to hear Lautenschlager come in with his labor jokes & he was dressed in first act like a Bolshevik. We all had a good laugh. I wonder if you will see the "Apple Cart" any time when in Toronto. B. Shaw seems to have made a hit again. The American Ambassador is fine where he is going to swallow up the British nation "we have money you know". The theology faculty have been meeting these days. Dad has been promoted from a lecturer to associate professor. It will make no difference with his work & is used only in catalogue. However it is a step up & shows they are satisfied with his work. We shall leave here June 10 or 11 & Dad will go to Honan after day in Tientsin. That will mean he will be through early in July & he hopes to be out for Bill's birthday. One of the senior doctors in East Suburb of American Mission is dead. Notice a few minutes ago. He has a thrombus of coronary artery. Has been ill for three weeks. Had two very painful attacks, a week apart & since then has gone down gradually. He returned from furlough not quite a year ago. His wife may go with a son who lives a three hours by train from here. He is a doctor & unmarried. There was some discussion as to whether this man should return or not. He was invited & came, though over seventy. Of course China seemed more like home & he has a son & daughter here. The daughter is married & lives in Shanghai. Another daughter lives in Portland. The wind is howling & roaring today. It makes me so tired & nervous. I felt as though I could not get up this afternoon but I did after remaining an hour longer than usual. I enclose an account of a takeoff on the National government. Dad thought you would enjoy it. The North China sports are to be held here the last of the month. We were around to see the grounds a few days ago. They are not finished yet. No gates on & the Provincial were being held when we were out. There was no effort made to keep people out. I think there were no tickets. In some places the men were still at work while the races were on. It was amusing to see the old Chinese women out. Some had never seen a race before. Some women with babies in arms. Some hobbling along on little feet holding onto a younger member of the family while they mounted the steps lest they fall. It is a new day for Chinese women. The schools sat in groups, clapped & cheered as students in Toronto. Then we went along street where they are making a new road. Stones in all sizes & shapes. Women were breaking them in some places carts were hauling bricks, stones & sand. We did have a time to get along. This will be the main motor street to the Athletic grounds. The Athletic grounds are costing $80,000. Not a big sum but it is for China after all the fighting of the last few years. One wonders where they get the money, but they do when they want it for anything special. The grounds are in a lovely place with hills in front & on one of hill beautiful verdure & temple. Dad is going to attend the North China meet if we are all well. It think I shall not as the crowd will be fierce & crowds in China make me nervous. We saw the end of a race & as the friends met & help up the first man in it took me back to Toronto I must say adieu & off to other letters. Much love from both of us Lovingly, Mother Jennie. H. Mitchell --------------------------------------- Cheeloo University Tsinan, China May 24, 1931 Dear Folks Here we are getting on with the year. Empire Day was celebrated yesterday at the British Consulate. The weather which has been rather cool most of the spring is beginning to warm up though it is just 80 now at 9.30 in the morning in our dining room. It is beginning to be the "last things" in the school term. Friday I finished my last week at morning prayers in the college and Friday evening finished my course on the Old Testament Characters in the Men's Brotherhood down at the Institute. Examinations begin on Monday the 8th of June and go on till the 11th. I shall have my last preaching for the spring on the 7th at the English service. We are expecting to leave here on the evening of the 11th. Spending the 12th at Tientsin, I shall start in for Honan, where I have to begin teaching at the Summer Evangelists course. I shall have a pretty strenuous two weeks, lecturing twice a day to the seniors and once a day to the juniors. My senior work will be what I have been taking up in English this term, but my junior work will be something which I have not taught for two years. Bill and Helen will probably pass through Tientsin on the 12th for Peitaiho. I do not know that we shall see them if they take a night train. Mother will go on there when she completes her shopping in Tientsin. I shall arrive in the early part of July. That is the plan as at present laid out. I do not know whether or not there will be anything to interfere with it. At the present time there are rumors that Shi Yu san over on the Peiping Hankow line is not at rest and that they are preparing trenches in the neighborhood of Sinsiang, thirteen miles from Weihwei. I hope that the difficulties will be settled politically this year and not throw the whole country into turmoil again. Yesterday was the Empire Day celebration. Our British Community is not a very big one. Mother was one of the Tea Committee. She had to leave early and went in the car along with the eats. I got in some time at gardening and then left at four for the consulate on my wheel. I did not get out of the compound before I had a blowout and so walked. Yesterday seemed my unlucky day. A short time before that I went into the house by one door and out by the porch. Opening the screen door I knocked a big crock of fertilizer on the stone steps and broke it. Stefansson used to tell his young assistants that there was no need to have accidents; they were all lack of forethought. Such was the case with me. About a week ago mother and went out for a ride, to go to the cement works west of Saddle Mountain. We had not got half way when turning a corner on a perfectly good path I struck the only stone on the path and nipped my tire, putting two holes in it. I had not with me any proper patching rubber, but stuck on a piece of outer tire. The job was not a good one and the wheel had been leaking so I took time on Friday to patch it. Apparently I had not looked well to the tire being caught all the way around, though I thought I had. So when I pumped up a little more and began to ride the outer tire slipped out and gave me my blowout. it will mean a new inner, because of my lack of forethought. Fortunately it is not a car tire. About ten days ago we went with Dr. McClure down to the station to see Dr. and Mrs. Mackenzie pass through. they are on their way to Palestine, where they are to meet Mrs. Fleming and spend the summer together. Furlough movements are beginning. Norman MacKenzie and Mr. Ross are leaving on June 22 via Siberia. Eric Liddell is leaving via the Pacific on the 29th. Dr. Grant is leaving in the early part of June for Toronto. The R. G. Struthers family will be getting aboard their boat the day we are in Tientsin. They are going by way of the Suez. Miss Stewart and Miss Brydon are going a little later by the Siberian route. We have heard no more about our registration yet; people think that it is about 50-50 as to whether we get our registration or not. Meanwhile we Theologians are "ideally" moved off the university campus. That is we have an open brickwork wall three feet high about the theological building inside the hedge of yellow roses which formerly marked our boundary. I do not know whether it is true or not but it is commonly reported, that we "ideally" also have a separate entrance. At the west end of the road which runs between the theological college and this line where building matter enters the compound. The road was quite bad but they have paved that with stone on the slope. It is a possibility to get to the theological building without entering the front gate. it is said that this is the theoretical entrance to the theological building. Sometimes one has to have some forms filled out in official circles which are mere forms. I do not know whether this separate unit with a separate entrance will be sufficient to satisfy the government requirements. I think that it is since we last wrote that the Literary Society had its last meeting. The meetings this year have been largely lectures by different persons here and elsewhere. The closing was dramatic reading - Bernard Shaw's "Applecart". It went off quite well and the audience seemed to enjoy the humor of it. The is not a great deal of acting about it, but there is good humor. I was Pliny, the Chancellor, not a part requiring one to say much, but to keep in good humor. It took so long that there was not time that evening for business and election of officers for the next year so they are having a garden party at Williamson's to do their business. This coming week the North China Athletic meet comes on. The government have ordered a holiday for schools during the time. I do not know whether or not we theologues will have one. A fortnight ago the University Provincial meet was here to make selections. There are quite a number of our university boys in, but they will not represent the university, but the province. I do not know what chances they will have. One of them has beaten the All-China record with the discus. I haven't been out near the stadium the last few days. They were pushing hard to get it ready. The track has ten lanes for runners. We have been enjoying the strawberries this week, usually twice a day. We have got some put down and are able to send some to those who have none. I do not go about much to see other's places, but I do not hear of many patches that look better than ours. We are having plenty of asparagus and letttuce, some peas, swiss chard, beets. We do not do much with vegetables in our garden, as there is such a good market here. Wednesday, 27th Delayed again in getting my letters finished. Since Monday we have had a guest, a member of a group looking into the Religious education. He is a Dr. Corley of Los Angeles. He knows my brother Loren, who was in Toronto last year. Today we have had holiday declared. The university had the announcement out several days ago. The dean just announced it to us today, at the request of the students. It is the North China meet. Of course at home students are only part o the athletics. But in China up to the present, I suppose they are the whole thing. The university got word from the education department to go along in procession. I think that this morning they have preliminaries. I may get along to some of the meetings. I shouldn't wonder if a letter comes in from you shortly after this goes. I understand that there was a CPR steamer due in Shanghai yesterday. The letters are always very welcome. It is warming up pretty well now, so that I am in sportshirt, without coat or vest and perspiring somewhat. Love from us both Your father, Robert A. Mitchel --------------------------------------- Tientsin June 15, 1931 Dear Folks We left Tsinan as planned on P.M. train of 11th, arriving here the next morning about 7.30. Mr. MacKenzie & Norman were at the train to meet us & Mr. M had a telegram from Bill to the effect that reservations tickets, etc, were purchased for that night's train. That meant Rob went on at 4 P.M. to Peiping. After Breakfast we visited the men's tailor & bought material for a winter suit for Dad. Measurements were taken & a little shopping done. After dinner we rested till 2.30, then I said goodbye to Dad & off to my dressmaker. We left later for Peiping. Had an express letter from Bill yesterday asking me to meet today's train. He wants me to get his violin & have it repaired for him. I am going over. They will reach Peitaiho about 6 P.M. & go right over to the house we have rented. The cook has been there for a couple of days & will have the house cleaned. They are taking gone of the Struther's servants so do not need just at present to start with green persons. We only have one for the summer, unless some friends come from Japan & if so I shall send to Tsinan for one. This servant was a boy before & I am going to help him get used to food making so Helen will not have so much trouble with him. She will not have much difficulty with language in the kitchen I expect after a year's work at language but the talk with a servant is quite different form the bookwork. This is a houseful. All members of our Mission en route to summer resort. We come here for purchases & general outfitting of persons, as well as household stuff. Our grocery order was sent in a couple of weeks ago & the boxes go on the same train as Bill & Helen. He has everything ready. Then Bill gets a cart at the other side & takes them their baggage & ours which went through on Friday. I go in a couple of days with a valise lunch basket & umbrella. All of which can go in my rickshaw. Bill will meet me that night. I am getting a voile dress made & also a heavy silk for winter wear. A pair of shoes as well. Then I am fixed for a time. A letter from Bill yesterday told of Dad's arrival. Helen & he met him with three lunches which had been made up at Language school. They went to the central park, where they got tea & had a nice quiet chat. Then after an hour's rest returned to station & Dad went off to Changte where he will be two weeks. Dear Mo Not much to add for there has been no word from you since last writing. I go in a few minutes to meet Bill & Helen at train. Bill wants his violin repaired & I am to bring it off & have a little chat with them. I think they are tired with exams & packing. Marnie & her husband Bruce Copeland are in the party & they will be near us at P.T.H. I think these four have had nice times together, while at language school this spring. Copelands did not arrive till March.. The book for the month arrived for Bill a few days ago. I opened it thinking I would have a read, but it is a book I finished a month ago. "Good Earth" A book written about the seamy side of Chinese life & would not be surprised if it raises objectors from among the Chinese as Mother India did. Myself I think it is vile. I do not say the things written about do not happen - they do. But things just as bad happen in any country. Greed for land & over indulgence. How any woman could think up the way to express this side of life as she does puzzles me. Why allow her mind to run in that channel is past understanding to me. Some think it a fascinating book but I & a few I have talked with feel it is atrocious such writing of affairs which are usually kept private between a man & woman even when they take place, or whispered by a few neighbors, who know the man has taken into the home a woman from a brothel. Hope you have some nice trips now that the weather is better & you can go out in your car. Bob McClure & George Menzies sail in Sept. for Honan. Dr. McClure comes out to meet Bob when they arrive here, but remains in Tsinan all summer. we read him extracts from your letters sometime & he often inquires bout you. He was pleased with your Christmas card, so were the Los Angeles people. They wrote out here about it. Kind thought like that gives pleasure. Now adieu my dear boy. Keep away from all evil. we had a sermon last night to young men about not being scorners. Ps 1.1 How easy it is to walk, stand & then sit. As the preacher said "Join the club" of scorners thinking lightly about the good. Lovingly mother, Jennie H. Mitchel --------------------------------------- Peitaho June 18, 1931 Dear Mo I arrived here last evening. Bill & Helen were at the station to meet me & Bill looked after the baggage etc. Marnie Copeland & Husband were also there. They are both very thin. Bruce had an examination at P.U.M.C. & nothing wrong but he is still very thin. Marnie has lost since coming to China. But Bill thinks she will pick up. When he arrived last year he says he did not feel as active as this spring. I suppose it does take time to get accustomed to the new climate. Copelands were like Bill in a very hot climate & I think it was hard on them. Had a note from Dad. He is hard at work & liking it but reports very hot weather. I hope he does not get too tired. We have our wheels here & the roads are fine. I am hoping to get out tomorrow but am too tired today to do so. Had a letter from Jay last evening when I arrived. She is giving up the apartment & was thinking she would go to St. Christopher House. It is low down there & not very good air. However she seems well in the lung line. I suppose the reason she was not feeling well this spring was that bad tooth of hers. Hope she gets good work done where she is. Jay mentioned Mr4s. Armstrong said she could go to her any time she wished & she may do so this autumn. Give you her advice for you usually have good advice. The apartment was more expensive that she thought it would be. Now that she has come away from Shaws I think it would be best not to return. What say you? I was sorry in many ways she left for I liked her with friends. But I see the other side & there were reasons. I never wrote much to Jay & we never mention it now. It is done & to try & live together again I think would be trying for both sides. I sent a letter off a few days ago from Tientsin so have not much to say & shall close. Your papers re the insurance I got off yesterday from Tientsin after Mr. MacKenzie witnessing Bill's signature at the station. Mr. MacKenzie thought it best to see the Sun Life man in Tientsin before sending it off to be sure it was O.K. & he initialed it. I think everything is all right. How are you getting on with your payments? Much love, Good-bye. Mother. -------------------------------------- Changte, Honan June 23, 1931 Dear Morrison I forgot what arrangements mother and I made about letter writing home while I am in here. I did not write on Sunday. I could not remember whether or not I sent you a birthday remembrance before I came. I fear not. Now it will be past the date before you get this. It is a shame for me to neglect putting word in time. However I hope you will have had an enjoyable birthday and been properly impressed with the fact that your have been a full quarter century living on this earth. Many happy returns. I wish we were together for it. I shall try to be with Bill on his birthday. Last year I celebrate Bill's birthday by playing a set of tennis, the first for years. I have been playing a little more with Faris. First day I managed to get four games in a set, my best. But there has never been a love set. I am taking that exercise as I have no other and my nose is pretty well to the grindstone the two weeks I am here. I am teaching four classes a day. For the senior class I am writing lectures in Chinese which takes me a long time. I finish teaching on Saturday & give exams on Monday & Tuesday. I hope to leave here on the pm train Tuesday. It may be later as troop movements have made the northbound trains late. I have to visit the tailor in Tientsin & then get on to P.T.H. We had some hot weather last week but it cooled with a spit of rain. It is warming up again. We need rain. Bill is going to live here in the house Griffiths lived in facing the entrance. Faris is getting a garden in for them. As I want to get to work and have taken time write this from a guilty conscience of having neglected you, I shall stop off now. Love and best wishes, Your father, Robert A. Mitchell P.S. My stubs do not show any cheque in your favor lately, so I send on this as a birthday remembrance. Dad ________________________ Peitaho June 28, 1931 Dear Folk It is two weeks since I started the last letter off to you. Dad is still in Changte & at first found it very hot. The last couple of letters said it was cooler. They had had rain. he is tired I expect taking his strenuous work on right after the close of a year's work. Tomorrow he gives his orals & written. Tuesday 30th, brings his papers with him & starts for here. He will be in Tientsin a day & we hope he gets here by Friday 3rd. He may be a day later. The last few days have had a lot of rain. Thursday & Friday it poured & the lightening was almost continuous for over an hour. There have been several bad storms up here the last few years & people are nervous. A couple of houses were struck last year. In on the baby had just been lifted from the cot where it came in & scorched the sheets. Today it is cloudy & warm & murky. A trying day. we shall likely have more rain tonight. I am wondering if the rainy season has begun. We never get it cold after a rain at that time but a moist heat. Clothes, shoes & valises all mould & we get lifeless. We have had a couple of invitations out to tea since coming up & we have decided to be home on Fridays. Our friends are scattered around several miles apart & it is disappointing to them & us if they come & we are out. Last Friday we had seven persons. Marnie Copeland was one. There is a tennis court here for the three houses & there was tennis after. The men played & we women sat & watched & chatted. Marnie is very bright & would say real cute things to the players when they made a mistake or a good play. Several up here have made midget golf courts. Mrs. Menzies has always been a tennis player but the doctors say it is too strenuous for her. She has quite a piece of waste ground between her house & sea & Dr. MacKinaly has helped her make a course & they play. It is quieter than tennis & not the sudden jumps after a ball & she is allowed to do this for a change. Bruce's mother & two children are near us. Mr. Bruce will come out later. Mathiesons just east of us & Mrs. Faris & baby is with them. Faris comes out later. We three families are quite close &* some distance form the others. Mrs. Ratcliffe has called once & is to come for a day with us this week. She was inquiring about Mo & Jay.; finds it hard to think of Mo as a full fledged Dr. She was peaking of the anniversary at St. Catharines, Jessie's. Her mother is the only one of old members alive & though she had been poorly got up & went out to the church to cut the cake with all the candles. Others helped but she started the removing of candles & cutting. We shall see the booklet gotten up fro the event. I hear Alex Grant has a fine yacht. He takes to that line of amusement & sold his smaller one & bought a larger, so he could have some of his friends with him. Molly is to be in Toronto this winter. Jay, you may see her. The place where services are held is about 11/2 miles form here & to the west. There is another place about the same distance east. We thought we should attend the latter. The service is held on a verandah but in the west there is a hall. In going east we have no hills to climb & go down. Then too our Tsinan friends are all there & two of the Honan families. We are tormented these days with sand flies. They are fierce. One cannot see them & beat them off like mosquitoes, but they give one a bore & then the place swells & stings. They go for me badly & it is only when under the mosquito net that I am really comfortable. We have been using flit, spraying the walls & last night I sprayed all over the top of the bed & net. Then we are bothered with a little insect "silver fish" which eat silk. They love the soft hose. We spray the drawers & clothes closets to keep them away. Nearly every day I take down my silk dresses and shake them. Also the drawer where my rayon underwear is. The stockings are tied in a bag. So you see we have some definite work every day. They love to get in books & eat the soft leather. We brought up some photo albums & I am watching them. Today found two little fiends & put them out of the way. Helen has been keeping house thus far but I come on tomorrow. The cook is theirs but she begins study again & would be glad to be free from the looking after meals. I think I am out of general news so shall close for present. Mother ---------------------------------------- Peitaho June 30, 1931 Dear Mo If everything has gone ok dad will have all his work over now, 5.30pm. The train is due to leave Changte 4pm but all trains are late & there is no telling when he will get started for Tientsin. Some coming out waited over twelve hours. Then he will have a day in Tientsin with tailor, etc. We are hoping he gets along on third. If not it will not be later than 4th. The coolies & police have fixed up the rickshaw prices this year & run them away up - higher than in Tiensin or Peiping. We are glad we have our bikes along. It will mean fewer people will use rice & if one could boycott them that would be best. But so many from interior are not used to walking & besides want to visit after the lonely months at small stations. The Chinese are ready to take all they can get from us. If we do not give up concessions, they will haul all the money out of the rich foreigner. Our way of living being on a different scale, they take it we are wealthy & why should the poor Chinese not get all he can in a material way.. Mrs. Menzies is to come over tomorrow & spend the day with us. She is very miserable and looking forward to Jean's return & Georgie's arrival in autumn. Bill & Helen are busy with study. Helen is not overdoing but very wise in caring for herself. She is not certain whether she will go into Honan or remain out for the event in Peiping with Dr. Maxwell, the Rockefeller HPT specialist. It will depend on whether there is any fighting or not this summer. She has all her sewing done & is studying when she feels like it. Marnie Lochead Copeland is also working on first year work & they will take their exams together. I think this is all the news. I sent your last letter on into Dad. I must write him now so as to have a letter in Tientsin when he arrives. Much love, Mother Jennie H. Mitchell ---------------------------------------- 24 end East Road, Peitaiho Beach July 12, 1931 Dear Folks Bill is off to Sunday school at Rocky Point. Mother and I have just read over letters from Aunt Mabel and Aunt Jessie, written about the time that Mo had been in Toronto for his vacation. Now I shall get my letters started. It is some time since I wrote as I did not have the machine in to Honan with me and mother took my turn. When we came from Tsinan I stayed off from morning till afternoon in Tientsin to have some taile ring started. Bill and Helen met me at the train at Peiping. They had already arranged my ticket for Honan and had brought along lunches for the three of us. We went to the Central Park, which used to be part of the palace grounds where we ate lunches and then looked about some. After this they saw me down to the station for the trip to Honan. I got away at 9:30pm. I had a good trip to Changre and got in before they were expecting me. Mr. Ross had given his examinations that Saturday so that the way was cleared for me to begin work on Monday morning. Mr. Ross got off on Tuesday for his journey to the homeland via Siberia. Norman MacKenzie went along with him from Tientsin. Mr. Menzies had told me that I should hve two classes a day with the senior class and one with the junior. When I saw the timetable I found that the one with the juniors was a doubleheader from 9-10.45. After my first lecture to the senior class they began to be afraid I was giving them too big a mouthful and asked if they could have lecture notes printed. I undertook to ge these ready. As I had to keep at it at times when a Chinese teacher was not available, I had to do a good deal of the Chinese writing myself. It meant that I was pretty busy from 5.30 in the morning till 9.30 at night. Part of the time the weather was pretty hot. I asked Menzies one night if he did not have a thermometer about. He pulled one out of a drawer in my room and it was registering 92 at that time, 10pm. At 2am it was 91 and at 5am 89. But a rain came and it was cooler the day I had to travel out. There were somewhat over fifty in each of the classes, both men and women. Of the junior class quite a number of the women had been pupils of mother in the Bible School. I had to give orals to about nineteen of them. Others wrote in the phonetic, while the majority wrote in the character. If there was a character they could not write they would put it in in the phonetic. On the afternoon of June 30 Mr. Faris and I left Changte. I had written a week before for a place in the second class so I had one. He wound himself upon the narrow seat of a third class. We reached Peiping, just too late for a train to Tientsin, but got one in the afternoon, which brought us into MacKenzie's just as they were finishing supper. I had heard in Peiping that Eric Liddell had started home the day before. But we found him and his brother at MacKenzie's table. The rain the day before had delayed the loading of the boat. He went aboard that night to sail for Japan. He will spend nearly a month in Toronto and neighborhood. Many of our people have given addresses to him. He may hunt you up but of course his chief attraction in Toronto is Florence MacKenzie. The MacKenzies had their two girls go home last year, their son, and prospective son-in-law this year. We got our business done early in the morning at Tientsin and left there 11.30. As I was leaving the house for the station I got a letter from here showing that they did not expect me till the next day and giving me some commissions to do. But it didn't stop me. I did what I could on the way to the station and left some over to Mr. MacKenzie. When I got here I found no one at home but they soon arrived to give me a welcome. I have been here now for ten days and it is quite a pleasant change form the heat of the interior and makes one feel like doing some work. From the place where we are you would not know that we were at the seaside. We are behind the property of a wealthy man who has filled up his place with a plantation of pines and other trees, which have entirely shut up the view of the sea. But it means that we have a nice shady path down to the seashore around the border of his place. It is a walk of about 3/8ths of a mile. We are a group of three houses here, the two Struthers and the Bairds. This year the Struthers are all home and the Faris and Matheson families are in Ernest's house, the two families of us in this house, and the Bruces in Baird's. We have both flowers and vegetables put in by the caretaker and also have a tennis court. We all have taken a little hand in tennis. As I have not my garden to get exercise form I have enjoyed going back for a game of tennis. Of course I don't play much of a game as compared with the young fellows who are supple and in practice. Still I get the enjoyment and the exercise. We are doing considerable reading. Bill and I are reading some Chinese together. I am getting some of my work ready for the autumn. Three of us have our bikes here, which come in very hand. The roads are fine for riding. We are about a mile and a half from the service at Rocky Point and about the same from the one at East Cliff. Last Sunday we went to the latter place. Last evening we were at the Assembly Hall at Rocky Point for the first fortnightly concert of the season. It was largely supplied by students from the language school. It was very good. It was the first time that mother has ridden a bicycle at night. She was a bit nervous about it but got on all right after we got out of the crush near the hall. Three days ago we had an addition to our community in the way of a little daughter added to the Matheson household. Matheson will be going back to Honan this week to let Boyd get out for his vacation. Coplands are in a house about a mile to the east of us. They have been along for tennis once since I came. We were over to the McKinley's and Mrs. Menzies last Monday afternoon. Mrs. Menzies is medically ordered to keep quiet this summer so that she does not take her usual part in tennis, etc. Some of our Tsinan people are at Rocky Point and some at East Cliff. We are expecting some in for tea tomorrow afternoon. We are rather expecting that the Prices who entertained us in Tokyo when we were marooned on the way home will be along to stay with us for a time. But we are awaiting definite word. Just here we have an interruption. Bill had come home from Sunday School and with him had brought from Mrs. Knight some apples off our trees in Weihwei. We stopped to find what they tasted like and then went down for a dip in the sea. Now I am back at writing while mother is setting in the dinner table, as she has let the cook off for the day. So it is your birthday. We were talking of it early in the morning and again at breakfast. I hope that you have a good day. I wrote you two weeks ago wishing you many happy returns. Sorry that I was not sharp on time. This morning for breakfast we had aunt Mabel's letter and later, Aunt Jessie's telling respectively about your being in Toronto for your vacation. How we would like to see you for the occasion. But that cannot be just now so we must forego the material sight and enjoy the spiritual relationship which distance does not spoil. I suppose that before long we shall have word form you telling of all your trip during vacation. It will perhaps also have something about your prospects for the future. Aunt Mabel was saying that you had some thought of the Sick Children's in the future. I suppose that by now you will have had enough experience to be able to well make up your mind as to what line you would like to specialize in. Now, I shall sign off and get some of the letters finished off. Keep your aims the very highest and push forward to attain to them in the strength which our good Lord gives you. Your loving father, Robert A. Mitchell ---------------------------------------- 24 2nd East Road Peitaiho Beach July 26, 1931 Dear Folks I have just seen Bill and Helen off to church walking and mother riding her wheel and I shall now write the letter for this week. Night before last letters came in for the young folks from Mo and Aunt Jessie and last evening one from Jay for us all just about a month ago. I wrote the letters two weeks ago but as mother had taken two turns when I was away I am writing this week. The vacation is slipping along and we shall probably have only another two Sundays here before we go back. After that time I expect that I would be a nuisance to folks with my sneezing and snuffling with hay fever. I had a beginning this past week just for a foretaste. Our time here is not one with very much excitement all being a quiet lot of folks. Most of the time you will find Bill and Helen sticking into some Chinese characters. I do a good deal of the same thing myself as I am trying to get five chapters a day of the Old Testament read and the unfamiliar characters practiced writing. Then there is other work to read. I am trying to get read through one volume of Old Testament History while I am here so that I shall be able to get down to my notes as soon as I get back home. Bill has four appointments a week at Rocky Point, teaching swimming to a class of children on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, choral practice on Tuesday and Sunday School teachers meeting on Friday, and then his class on Sunday morning. From 11.30 till lunch comes the sea bathing. We are in most days but do not force ourselves if the weather is not bad. We have had little rain this year. There have been some hot days but it is only in the middle of the day that it is hot. We do not get a breeze here all the time like some others, such as the Coplands who are right by the sea with no trees about them. Week before last will probably be our record for company. We were wanting to have some Tsinan people and some Honan people along with some of the language school friends. So there were three days when we had folks invited for tea and tennis. Then on each of two other days four people dropped in for tea. So we had 28 that week. We have not been inviting for the evenings as we most of us go to bed early. Having the tennis court here, tea and tennis is a nice entertainment. I have played more tennis since coming up here than I have done for five years before and that is not much. Mother and I ge a ride on the bike some place nearly every day. Having the wheels we do not mind going over to Rocky Point, or to East Cliff. We have gone to East Cliff to church service. It is a little easier ride and there are a larger number of missionaries go there. But we have not been going to many other meetings. We were at one of the Conference meetings on Friday and heard Mr. R. Jaffray from Borneo, brother of Jaffray of the Toronto Globe. We have been wanting to take a ride to the west end and decided to go off yesterday morning before it was warm. We are usually awake at five. We left here at six and were back for breakfast. We would like to take another trip and go on some of the other roads. That is the prettiest part of Peitaiho with quite a lot of fine residences, mostly belonging to Chinese. Yesterday afternoon they began to look askance at my right knee. From the time that I fell from my bike in Tsinan it has been a little puffed, but yesterday showed much more so. The doctors of the family decided I had better rest it. So I have been having the leg straight and today with a bandage on it. It is a case of housemaid's knee. It has not pained me at all but will limit my activities. Having to be quiet I did not accompany the rest of the folks to the concert at Rocky Pint last night. I kept Helen company. We have concerts of our own as the young folks have their victrola here, which is very good. Bill has had his violin fixed up from the last week and is doing some practicing. His arm and fingers are pretty badly out of practice. The last couple of weeks our people have been much interested in the political and military affairs. It is just about time for the people who came out early to go in and let out those who stayed in. Just then Shih Yu San kicks up didoes on the PingHan line and the road is cut. We do not at all know what the rebellion is going to come to but the traffic is stopped now. Mrs. Ratcliffe got as far as Shih Chia Chwang and had to return and Mr Mathson got to Peiping and returned. He and Flemming started again last Wednesday to try by way of the Lunghai line. A telegram came last night form them from Weihwei. So I expect that Faris and McIntosh will be going in tomorrow. They were thinking of trying the other way to get across the breaks on foot. But they will go around by the south. In that way they will not have to pass through the lines of opposing parties. We had a letter from Dr. McClure last night. They had had the thermometer at 105, but had also had it down to 64. He said that they could do with more rain. Farther south the country was flooded. I think that he will take a bit of a holiday away from Tsinan when Bob arrives back from Canada. He says that our garden looks nice but does not look natural without a fellow in khaki shorts hoeing about. A case, which is interesting people very much just now, is that of Dr. Tucker of the American Board hospital at Tehchow. There had been several robberies from the hospital during the past few months, aggregating over $3,000. It was decided that he would sleep in the office. In the early morning of his fourth or fifth night there he was aroused by a man unlocking the door and entering and going to the safe. He tackled him but the fellow was strong and got away and ran down the corridor. He chased him and shot. The man got away over the wall, but succumbed to a wound. It was the hospital janitor. Take it any way one will; it is a very unfortunate occurrence at any time. But with the present attitude of the Chinese, and the misrepresentations of facts, which are so common, it is most unfortunate. Dr. Tucker was arrested by the Chinese and taken to Tsinan. At first they refused to give him over to the American consul. But the governor said that he would do so when he got instructions from Nanking. The last we had word was that he had been given over to the American authorities and was at the American consulate. Of course there are many who criticize Tucker for having a revolver or for using it in the circumstances, but it is hard to say what one would do in like conditions. There is abundant evidence that the man was the thief, for he had skeleton keys of the safe, and a duplicate, which had come from, inside the safe itself, and part of the last theft was found in his room. Since we came up here I have spent some time in getting pictures pasted into albums. Of course most of our old ones were destroyed but we had some duplicates even from twenty years back, when Jay was a little toddler playing in the sand. I have got them pasted in to date, but have not yet written them up. I shall try to do so before I go back, so that it will not interfere with work. We are counting on leaving here the afternoon of Thursday August 13. We should be home before noon the next day. I hope we have better luck than last year. We were first delayed by the washout near Peitaiho station, then by the engine breaking down after we left Tientsin, and then by the capture of Tsinan that morning. Instead of reaching Tsinan on Aug 15 I arrived on the 31st and mother arrived after the wedding on the 30th of September. We do not look to that being repeated this year. We were glad to hear your letter to the young folks, which came in day before yesterday. Glad to hear that you have fixed for a position at the Sick Children's hospital for next April. Just what is the line you are counting on pursuing in your profession? Everything is so specialized now that one cannot carry on too many lines - unless he is on the mission field where he has to be a general practitioner, surgeon, etc. I am glad to know that the way is opening up for you in it. What are you doing with your art? Do you play the violin at all? Have you ever done anything at landscape, or has it all been human figures? Up in the north there you would hve found many fine subjects for landscape. Keep it up if you can so that you will have something as a worthwhile diversion from the stress of your profession. How I wish that you folks could drop in on us for a little visit. Your letters are fine. We are very grateful to you for keeping up your correspondence so well. It means a lot to us. I hope that this last move of Jay's will be for the better. She seems to be very glad to be back at 464 Oriole Parkway and in a room of her own. She says she is getting more sleep now. I should say that would be essential for her. I don't get enough in the summer time. We are usually awake by five. I get up then and get in a good stretch of study. I suppose that if I were at home I might get out into the garden at that time. Of course I don't stay up to all hours of the night when I wake so early. It does not fall in with late dinners, etc. Goodbye for the present. I do not know whether or not Bill wants to enclose something. I shall not seal this till he gets a chance. Your loving father, Robert A. Mitchell --------------------------------------- Tsinan October 6, 1931 Dear Mo I have just finished a letter to Aunt Lottie which took me two days but here goes for one to the three most loved people in the world & I hope to get it out of the machine before the day is over. Dad has just gone to Chinese church & I am alone. He likes to get there & hear Chinese for we have both forgotten not a little in the two years in Canada. I feel too tied to do anything more than I must do these days. With getting settled & new in all the classes I have & the heat I am tired most of the time. However we should get cooler weather & I shall pick up pop. I wrote you I had a wheel but another person had a first claim & we passed it back. I did not like it very well but one of the English women goes home in a month & she wants someone to take care of her wheel so I take it for a year. It is the same as the one I had, at least has the handlebar breaks & is in good shape. We had a ride one day this week & it went fine & I enjoyed it very much. That will give us time to look around & get one. I have been having lovely times with the cook. One morning I went out & put the eggs in hot water to coddle, set them aside & returned to the dining room. When I went out again he had moved the eggs to a hot place on the stove & assured me that they would never cook where I put them. It is amusing how sure they are that they know all there is to know about cooking. A number of just as funny things happened this week but I can never remember them long enough to write. But we are coming on & he will be a real good cook yet before I leave. Friday night the staff meeting was held. This is one of the big affairs of the year. All try to be present & the new members are welcomed Chinese & foreign. A doctor from Peking replied to welcome for foreigners. He has just come & Bill Chang for the Chinese. The latter amused the friends by telling how puzzled he was when in Canada he was asked to reply to the toast to his year. "Toast", what is that? He only knew of toast as roasted bread. Several Chinese told funny stories & there were songs & after the refreshments part of the play where cardinal Woolsley is dismissed. It was done very well by three foreigners & a Chinese who has been abroad for years & his English was good, though he did not enter into the spirit of the play as two of the foreigners. We did not get home till 11pm. That is the latest we have been out since we arrived here a month ago. Yesterday one of the women gave an invitation to the wives of the Chinese members of the staff ot meet at her house & she kindly invited me to pour tea & meet them. This is really a club & they meet once a month. I met several & it is very interesting. Some of the men married before going abroad for study & they return to find the wife have graduates from College or in two cases the girls had been several years abroad for study. All these different grades meet in this club. Some come for the tea & cake, & the social time. Others come with a desire of getting something intellectual or giving in some cases. So you see we have some mixtures here in more ways than denominational which never counts & nationals. There is a fine, friendly spirit. This week the Japanese are having maneuvers & sent notices to the consuls of each nation represented here to warm people to keep away from the Mounts to the south of us, giving dates of maneuvers. The notice had hardly reached us yesterday when we heard the firing & going out on our verandah had a good view of it. I enjoyed looking on for I knew people were not being killed. Just after these were over, along came a couple of aeroplanes & dropped bombs. They still control a zone of twenty miles around the city. There are three Chinese holidays this week & this demonstration may be a plan of the Japanese to say we are sitting by & you behave at the celebrations of revolution of 1911. It must be hard for the Chinese to see them around & in control to such an extent that they have moved their capital to another city than Tsinan. We hear a settlement is near but there are still several thousand Japanese soldiers in the city & along the R.R. line to Chingtao. Dad & a coolie have been cutting cedar hedge this week. It has not been cut for two years & does not look very well at present but the cutting will show improvement in the spring. Much love, Mother ---------------------------------------- Cheeloo Theological College, Tsinan November 15, 1931 Dear Folks, Mo I suppose that this is about the last C.P.R. boat, which will be sure to have the mail in Toronto by Christmas though the next one will probably make it. How we would like to have all of the family together again for the season. Last year we were glad to have B ill and Helen but this year it is down to the old people again. We do not know what combinations will be made for Christmas. Since we last wrote, it has been a somewhat busy time apart form the regular work. Miss Brown had written that she had recommended a friend of hers, Mr. Abigail to visit Cheefoo while he was up north. We had him for two days and of course were showing him about. Then Bob McClure returned from the Institute of Pacific Relations and we wanted to hear what had been going on there. He came a day earlier than the res tof the delegates in order to have the day with his father. We went down to see him off. The greater part of the Canadian delegations was on the train on a car supplied by the government. We met quite a lot of them and had a chat. Vincent Massey and W.M. Birks were not in the company but had gone elsewhere. Mrs. Birks was, also some Nova Scotia people, a Mrs. MacKenzie from Toronto, wife of some prominent lawyer there, as well as Mrs. McWilliams who had stayed with us on her way down. One day we were out to lunch at Shields. In the spring, Dr. Shields had given me some okra seed. We had never eaten the vegetable before and were always enquiring about the stage at which the pods should be pulled. Mrs. Shields told us that some day when they were having gumbo she was going to ask us down. So that day we went down to eat gumbo. The same evening we were out to the nurses' house on invitation of Miss Hoffman. She is one of the girls we are fairly familiar with. She is the third of the nurses whose engagement came since we came here. First was Mrs. Rouslton, then Mrs. Heimberger, now Hoffy is going down to Weihsien to be Mrs. Johnson. A week ago last night we were invite to the Chen's for dinner. He is the head of the biological department. She is a graduate of Shanghai College. There are several of the professors' wives who are young women from Shanghai and they feel more at home in the English language than they do in the Mandarin. There were about a dozen of us there. We had a very enjoyable time. When the Chinese put up a meal like that it is sure a good one. They get a caterer in for it. Their entertaining is much more costly than ours. Monday night was the night for the literary society. The meeting was at the Japanese consulate and the evening put on by the Japanese, chrysanthemums on show from 8.30. We should have liked very well to go but decided that we had better reserve our strength. The mums were reported good. The entertainment was given in English and of course left something to be desired. It was somewhat stilted English. The next evening was our monthly meeting of our theological staff. It was at the Kuos. Mrs. Kuo did the providing herself. It was a Chinese meal served in a semi-foreign way. The dishes were nearly all in duplicate so that one could be at each end of the table. The coming week has a good deal of extra for me and so we were hoping that we should be clear of all entertaining. It is my week to get off the home letters. Then I have college prayers four days of the week and Chinese University Sermon next Sunday morning. I want to have time to get some really helpful thoughts across in all of these gatherings. However our Canadian Thanksgiving dinner is put for tomorrow evening. Mr. Lauten has been away for ten days and Dr. Struthers had not arrived. But Dr. S. came in yesterday morning unexpectedly from Tientsin. As he had said he was coming by Tsingtao we did not expect him for a couple of days, seeing he did not arrive on Thrusday. Then on Friday came in an invitation to President Chu's for Tuesday evening, which we did not feel we could turn down. This kind of life is getting too strenuous. Thursday of this week was a holiday in honor of Swen Yat Sen's birthday. We foreigners celebrated it with a baseball match at 4pm. Our side won. In center field I was responsible for two of the putouts, as well as some assists. I got two or three of our fifteen runs, creating somewhat of a surprise by getting in on a slide under the hands of the catcher when I shouldn't have risked the run. I saw that the ball was beating me, but I knew that the catcher would not expect the slide. The ball beat me - I beat the catcher. We have been looking the last couple of days for mail from the home folks by the Empress. So far nothing has come in except from Dr. Armstrong and Chancellor Wallace -- nothing from the home folks. I do not know whether or not any will come later. Dr. Struthers had written to Dr. McClure, posted at Yokohama and it arrived early in the week. We look for him on Thursday because we hear that another man coming from Japan was coming then. As he did not come we were counting he could not get till Monday or Tuesday and we were going to surprise him by being at the station at seven in the morning. But he walked in about 10.30 on Saturday, having come by Tientsin. He could have made the Tsingtao boat, but would not hve been able to see Gilchrist who is in school in Kobe. So he waited to see him. In Tientsin he found things pretty tight. A week ago about 1,000 "plainclothes men" started an attack on the native city of Tientsin. It is right next the Japanese concession. The Chinese say that they assembled in the Japanese concession and made their attack from there. They claim that it is at the instigation of the Japanese. At any rate by next morning there was shooting form both sides along the border. The situation is not straightened out yet, the guards of all nationalities are on the alert, passage from one concession to another is difficult, the food situation in the native city has been bad, many of the Chinese employees of the foreign firms in the concessions have not been able to get to work for the week. Ernest could not get his rickshaw across the bridge in Tientsin and had to carry his things from there to the station. One does not know what all is in this Chino-Japanese situation. Of course the Japanese had had some provocation but it seems as if they are simply pressing forward on every side with no desire to talk reason, except with their machine guns trained on people. They are extending the limits of the dispute continually -- at least the limits are extending and to most people on this side it seems to be they who are doing the most in extending it. Yesterday we had another game of baseball. For a change, the weather was damp and some were wondering whether or not we would play. Our pitcher did not come and I went into the box. It was my first attempt but I only walked one man. We started off pretty well, but in the fifth we let them get ten runs. At the end the score was 23-27 against us. It was some exercise. The first time I played ball this autumn, I did my own running. But the next week I found that the muscles of my thighs hurt. So for a couple of Saturdays I had someone run for me. Then I was all right. On Thursday when I tried the slide our captain said, "and you're the man who wants someone to run for you". We have been having lovely weather. At the end of October there came a night or two, which cut the dahlias and the tomatoes but had it not been for that they might have been calendula and verbena still blooming. The days are wonderful. Goodbye with love from us both, Your father, Robert A. Mitchell ----------------------------------------- November 29, 1931 Dear Friends First the weather - for two weeks we had mist, rain, fog & cloud. There was little sunshine till yesterday & then only part of the day. We have so much sunshine here we do not like the dull days - except the English they just reveled in it. At the last we did have a good rain one day & night a gentle fall which would be good for the wheat. Often we have no rain from Sept to May & little snow. This is the exception & most of us are glad "old Sol" is looking down upon us with no clouds to hide him. We have had our first real cold weather the last week & may say winter has arrived though of course our coldest time is January. Last year it came when we were on our way to Honan to attend the Council meeting. We hope for better time this year. War clouds loom on the horizon & we may not be able to go into Honan if the fighting is prolonged, as trains will be used for military purposes. You will see what is going on as well as we here. Until lately the students have held themselves in wonderful control but now are out in schools & groups telling the government what they must do. Poor government knows they cannot put up a fight. Cheeloo has kept right on with work. The new Chinese Principal or president I should have said has had their confidence & they have been willing to listen to him but I hear are tearing around yesterday & may give an ultimatum today, to the effect that lessons cease while a group go to Nanking to tell the government they must fight Japan. A few hours will decide what is going to be the issue. The Medicals will not likely go out - they never do. They have an objective in a way Arts & Science students have not. They can do nothing without their degree. Then too they have to stay closer at work & have less time to agitate. You may have seen by papers the students making trips to Nanking insist on having second class cards put at their disposal & pay nothing for the trip. If the R.R. officials refuse they lie down on track & the train cannot move without killing a number of them. At Nanking they also walk into Colleges or schools & demand free entertainment. China has no army, no really trained soldiers; nor has she money - it has like her best soldiers, been wasted in civil strife. Students can do nothing but stand up & be shot down; some of them see that & say it out publicly, yet some urge doing something to show they are patriotic. So there we are. If they do cease classes it will not affect the theology college. I think work will go on as usual & most likely in Medical College. American Thanksgiving Day is over. We were invited out to dinner with some American friends at noon. There was a service in church with consul reading the proclamation. Classes went on as usual. In the evening I believe all the Americans met at one home, three women acting as hostesses & had a jolly time. The big affair of the week was a deputation from Nanking visiting the University as examiner from Educational Board. We have not been registered with the government yet. The Board of managers has been appointed from Nanking but this is the last part of the programme. We hear the examiners were quite pleased & led the friends here to think registration would follow. We hope no. However if fighting begins everything else will be held up for a time. No theology colleges are registered & we are at present not a part of University. In a few years likely the anti Christian feeling will be less strong than at present & there will be less opposition to Christian. It has been not so noticeable the last while. Dad is going around to all the plants at present putting on a little powder, which is used as extra food. It does make a difference when used regularly as last year. We have a lovely ruby colored carnation in bloom today - four blooms. The "Mums" have been lovely this year & we still have a few in house but we shall soon see the last of them for a year. We are having a couple of friends in for dinner tonight after church. A couple who have just returned from furlough where they remained for three years as the man was working on P.H.D. & had to help himself. She is very deaf & it is best to have them by themselves & we can give ourselves up to her. He is a rural worker took PhD on seed selection & chemistry of soil, etc; kindred agricultural subjects. Our University is supposed to specialize in rural work. -------------------------------------- November 30, 1931 Dear Mo Your letter of September 24 to Bill & Helen came in with the same mail as that your letter of Oct 11. Then two days later in came Oct 21 in which you tried your hand at typewriter again. We shall hope that you may be able to remain where you are for a time even with a cut in salary. It is better than looking up something else. But you may have plans to fill in time if you do have to leave. It is interesting to hear of your ops. But that gag falling out was no fun. Of course the unsuspected will happen to all. Hope Jay got a letter to make up for the one on the back of ours. We did not use a mirror. That was a whopper of an ovarian tumor. How is the patient? Your trip - what a time you had fishing & how lovely to get into the country. I do miss the colored trees of the autumn. We shall try or I shall write Mrs. Jamieson. She is not likely to be back in Oshawa from what I hear. Indoor Lacrosse must be an interesting game & it is nice to have new winter interests. Try & keep your weight down. Little Bobby's op was done this week Tuesday. Bob McClure did it with MacKinley assisting & Dr. MactAvish as anesthetist. Bill wrote a note while sitting with him three hours after op. Helen had a dreadful headache & they sent her to rest. The next morning she added a line to say she had had a good night & the head was some better. Twenty-four hours later a telegram was sent "successful". We were so glad to have the word & then the note came later. Since beginning this a note from Mrs. Ratcliffe, nurses' superintendent came & I shall quote from it. "He has come through the op well. It seemed to bother him little apart from wanting little food for the first few feedings. Yesterday afternoon, 24 hrs after the op'n he laid awake & played with his legs & seemed happy. Last night he slept till 4am & then had five ounces of milk & was looking quite himself when I went on. The dressings of course cover the stitches but it is good to see the little face straight. His big clear steady eyes are a very beautiful feature of his face. His head & forehead are very fine. I think it is unusual to see so much quiet attention to things in so small a baby." Poor Helen wrote once, "He is good looking baby even with the open lip". They have been so brave but I know their hearts have been very sad. I do hope the other operation comes out all right as this thus far seems to have been. The other is more difficult one. The opening is a little to one side of central line & if operation is done when about two years & successful he may be able to talk all right even though somewhat late. They may have to have him given lessons in speech to help with enunciation. They will do all they can for him I know. Helen wrote everyone was very kind & I am sure they would be. It will be better for Bobby & parents if both operations can be done at Weihwei for all will take special care for Bill & Helen's sake. Chess Dryer's sister is taking noon meals with us this week. She is taking a special course of some kind of some bacterial work & then goes to Kaifeng as a permanent appointment. She was in Shangsi at the station with Warren Knight for a year supplying for a nurse on furlough, then a year in Cheefoo. She says Warren is a very big man. He has just been married to an English girl - a very fine woman who belongs to their mission. Miss Dryer wrote him congrats only yesterday. Now Mo I shall close as I am very tired. So is dad today. His knee is bothering him some since the damp weather - the one, which got so much electric treatment in September. Dr. Struthers is back but they will not let his wife out. She has some constriction at pylorus from an old ulcer. He hoped they would let her follow him after a cable from here saying they would take the responsibility of caring for her. No cable thus far & that looks as though they were keeping her. Much love & best Wishes for a Merry Christmas Lovingly, Mother. ----------------------------------------- Cheeloo December 13, 1931 Dear Folks Dad has to go off to another church two miles from here to take the service & will be late home. As well he has spent part of the morning getting ready so I am taking on the writing for him this week. It is a very cold day - 12deg above freezing. Yesterday it was 10 with a cold N.E. wind & we did feel it. Thus far the last two weeks have been rain & cloud which meant though disagreeable the temp was not so low. We have two guests in the house & that means we have given up our warm dressing room & have to run to the bathroom & light a fire. Dad does the lighting but we cannot warm our clothes as well as in the room where the drum is. However they will nto be here long. The English Baptist Mission has an inter-Provincial meeting - Representatives from Shensi, Shansi & Shantung. They find it difficult arranging entertainment especially this year when two of their families are on furlough. I was asked to help & am doing so, & I suppose should not grumble about being a little cold for a few minutes each morning. But one gets "set in his ways" & being jostled out in a different road is not pleasant. The Theology students were let off a week to go to the country & give patriotic addresses. They returned yesterday & begin work tomorrow. They are to make up time out of winter holidays. It is like keeping in students after 3.30 in the home - and the teacher suffers also. So in this case the teachers must remain here & continue the lectures during one of the two weeks holidays. It upsets plans for our going in to Honan. We had hoped to have two weeks part of time at annual meeting & stop off a day with Bill & Helen & see their home. Had things worked out in regular way we would not have lost as much time as last year when attending Council meetings. Then this week the "Arts & Meds" had to be let off. The president talked to them & thus far all went on with classes but about half a dozen who were let off to take military training. But the executive decided they must close or the students from the other colleges & schools might mob us. The students have gone crazy - telling the government what they must do, etc. If they cannot get trains to where they wish to go they lie on track. At least put a few lying across the rails. Others stand around them to prevent them getting up. Then another time they break into offices & drag out the officials or beat them into giving them what they want. What is to come of it all no one knows. Thus far it is all quiet around here & in Honan. I do not think they will have trouble in there except no trains for a time. A crowd of students is surrounding the highest official here & declares they remain there till he starts with soldiers for the North to fight Japan. It may end in the killing of a few students before the country gets control. There are no great Japanese interests here & all the attention is centered on the North & likely we shall be quiet. China is in no position to fight. Her officials know that, the government is aware of it & so are willing to leave themselves in the hands of the League, but they have not played fair with the public & students in making this plain to them. Had they done so they would have been supported by them & freed from so much student agitation. What other country in the world would allow its students to paralyze traffic, make raids on its public offices, beat up its prominent men, etc. Poor China in many ways has brought this upon herself. We had Dr. Struthers over one night this week with his photos & maps giving us a talk on his trip. First to Bankok where Med congress met, then up to see the wonderful palace at Ankor; Across to India by bus, small boat & train. From Calcutta around to most important places & across to Karachi, after a month in the hospitals in Calcutta. From Karachi by small boats & several changes through red sea then across country to Bagda, Damascus & by bus along the Northern part of Galilee to Haifa where he took boat to Vienna, by train to several places in Germany, then on home through Pairs & Southampton where the took boat for Montreal. In Germany he visited one of the big medicine manufacturers. The one from whom he gets his medicines & serum for Kalazar. He specializes in this eastern disease as well as T.B. & Malaria. This week we had two big teas. One in East suburb two miles away where the missionary community were entertained by the American Presbyterian Mission to celebrate the 70th birthday of one of its members. The next day the German counsel & wife entertain the whole community of Tsinan. It is the first time since the war that they have entertained & all nationals felt they should turn out. There was a big crowd & the club was decorated German fashion, evergreen wreaths & red candles, with cones. These were from the forests of Germany and were immense. They have a pretty custom of adding candles beginning the first week of Dec & at Christmas Eve there are four on the wreaths hanging in the rooms. They put the four on the day of the tea so as to make the room lighter. There were some very large candles. The cooking was partially German, the consul's wife made some herself. December 14 I gave a dinner party Monday evening 7th to entertain a friend who was in the campus. There were six guests & we had a good time but there was just a little too much for me with the two teas. We have a woman's club here - Chinese & foreign. The last meeting there was a paper on the care & feeding of children. One woman who knows nothing about discipline talked some along that line. However she manages better than he Chinese women & I think her mild ways would do them no harm because they get angry & slap right & left & do a lot of loud talking. I went not to get hints on training but to get acquainted the better with some of Chinese women. Miss Dreyer, sister of Chesh was a week with us for noon meals. She is taking a Post- Grad course here before going to Kaifeng. She lives over two miles from here & is invited by friends for the noon meal. They hear every week from Chesh & he is getting along fine. His parents live at Cheefoo & they sent along a photo of the baby, which she will bring in for me to see today probably. The students are out of hand in many places. It was thought best by our executive here to close for a week lest some of the ardent fellows from other schools might mob us. They have a week off but it must be made up out of the winter vacation. That means teachers are punished & must take shorter holidays. We are disappointed among others as we had hoped to have a nice visit with Bill & Helen. However dad may arrange to have his exams come early & take his papers with him. Time will tell. Dad preached in one of the suburb churches yesterday. I went out for a forty-minute walk by myself, as I knew he would have had enough exercise. The English Baptists have a meeting of representatives from three provinces here this week. I am entertaining two of the guests for a friend, as their group is small this year. The families are on furlough. I had Dr. McClure in to meet them last evening. One of the men is the father of the Mudd boys who used to attend Weihwei school. Do you remember them Mo? A few Christmas cards have come in. We put them away till later. We are to have our Christmas dinner with Miss Brodie & Miss Nunn. I am so glad we are not to be along. No Bill & Helen will mean a lonely Christmas for us. Especially when Mrs. Struthers did not get out. This is our 4th Christmas & after three more shall hope to be in Canada with our dear folk there. The letters from Honan are full of rejoicing about Bobby. All seem pleased with the operation & mention what a lovely looking boy he is now that his face has been straightened. I judge it was badly drawn to one side. Bill Chang called last night. He preached here yesterday. He was inquiring for you. Now I must say adieu. We shall write more about Bobby after we have seen him & if possible get some snaps of him. Much love. Hope you can hold your job for a little longer. Adieu, Lovingly, Mother. ---------------------------------------- Changte, Honan December 20th, 1931 Dear Folks You will be surprised to see the above address for my letter. Though Bill and Helen had invited us to spend Christmas with them we felt that it would be impossible to do so as we would have only three days vacation. But the political situation made a change, which decided us to come over. You may possibly have seen something in the papers about the student activities in China. The hotheads would have nothing but immediate declaration of war against Japan. Not only did students from Nanking and Shanghai take a part in it but those of distant places like Peking. They met in bodies and demanded transportation to the capital. For some days the railways tried to hold out against it but eventually the students got the trains and had a free ride down. AT Tsinan there was a bunch of about 2,000 waiting for a couple of days and the trains did not run into Tsinan from either north or south. After that the railways gave them transportation to Nanking. It is said that at one time there were nearly 80,000 students in the capital from 15 years of age upward. Then there began a movement of the middle schools of the province to come up to Tsinan and demand that our governor proceed to Manchuria to fight. Ours was the only school above primary grade carrying on in Tsinan. The students who had gone to Nanking were sending back threats about what they were going to do to the disloyal students when they returned. In order to forestall trouble and get rid of the "sacrosanct" student and change him into an ordinary citizen who would be punished for lawbreaking, the governor ordered that all schools of middle school grade and upward in the province would be closed and the students sent home. President Chu pleaded with the governor that he make an exception of our school as we were carrying on our studies as usual, but he would not hear of it. So on Dec 17 the school as closed, "the winter vacation being moved forward". Though our theological school is not registered, yet we felt that it came under the category and that we should fall in with the governor's wishes. As there were some hundred students waiting down the line at Cheefooo to get a train, the trains were not running through to the south; so our Honan students had to take the northern route home, by way of Peiping. On Friday we wired to Bill that we were Xmasing with them, arriving on Wednesday. We left Tsinan on Monday the 21st. We had a very good trip to Peiping though as far as Tientsin we had with us two men in the compartment, and ex-Russian, who talked very good English and a German who had lived most of his life in Petrograd. About the time we reached Tientsin it began to snow and was snowing fairly heavily by the time we reached Peiping. Six inches fell. We were there form noon till 9.30. We did not get about as much as we should have done had there been no snow. But we managed to get some things the young folks wanted. Our train was quite warm when we got aboard and we were alone in the compartment. We looked for a good trip. During the night we awoke cold and in the morning we found that the steam pipes were frozen and we had no heat on. It was a raw day with rime on all the trees. It improved later and there was no sign of snow as we got down this way. I had bought a poinsettia in Peiping to bring to Bill. I did not think of it in the cold of the night but tried to make up during the day by dressing it in my pyjamas and putting a hot water bottle at the pot and surrounding it with pillows. It pulled through all right. Bill and Helen were both over to the station to meet us on their bicycles. It was nice to be in their own home for the first time. Of course up to the present they had a lot of other people's furniture to carry on with till theirs is made. But they are fairly comfortable and will get the lacking things. They have some very pretty rugs, which they got while in Peiping. The bookcase, which used to be at 117 Roehampton is their china closet. Bill said that he wanted some decorating for Christmas done so we went at it on Thursday and got some of the cedar tree trimmings made into Christmas trees and wreaths and cut out some red bells so that we were quite fixed up before Christmas came. In the conservatory where Mr. Griffith had paper they have glass, so that it gives it a more elegant look. Of course the big attraction this trip was little Bobbie. He certainly is a dear little chap. He has large round head, with large blue eyes. He is a good boy as a rule and lies looking about him. It is a great relief to the parents that the first operation has been performed. It gives him a pretty good lip, which he can close quite tightly. It also brings the nose pretty well into position and that will probably improve, as the muscles grow stronger. When he grows up there will not be so much scar I think. Of course the palate has still to be done but I think that since the first operation has been so successful, the prospects of the second look much better than they did. Bob McClure did a good job of this and we shall hope that he will be as successful with the second. After he came in he did a couple at Haiking before he had to do Bobbie. Of course they were on adults, but helped to get his hand in for the operation. We have been a bit of a care to the family since coming here. As ill luck would have it the cook's father-in-law died and he had to go off to attend to things just after we arrived. On the way in mother got knocked out with the food on the train and spent a day in bed. Just as she was getting out I got a bad cold and took my turn at keeping the bed warm for more than a day. All are about now except the cook. However people have invited us out a good deal and it has relieved Helen. For some time we have been expecting a visit from Dr. Florence Thornton of Winnipeg. He has been in Honan for a couple of weeks being here now. He leaves for Peiping today. It may be that when we are going through he will come on with us to Tsinan though we are suggesting that he take longer in Peiping and come to us for the weekend, preaching on Sunday. He has been traveling for the last fourteen months and is on his homeward journey now. I do not know how much Bill has told you of Bobbie's mouth. But it was a pretty bad one according to a picture they showed us. There was practically no left nostril or left upper jaw attachment. Now the jaw is in place and the lip makes pretty good contact and the nose is not at all badly out, though still small on the one side. The palate is a good deal closer together and I think that the doctors feel that it can be readily dealt with. It must have been a bad shock to them when they saw the first appearance. It has been a big job for Helen to feed him, each feeding taking an hour. Naturally he could nurse only very imperfectly and would tire. The way will be easier going now. We were glad to get your letter since we came here in which you speak of the practice in dealing with cleft palates in Toronto. Helen says that in the autumn before the decisions wre made as to what was to be done she often thought she would like to get some word from Toronto where she was used to the people. A letter from Jay came in for Helen and Bill yesterday. She tells us that Kate Jordan is to be married to a man to whom she introduced her but she never mentions the man's name. We are counting on leaving here next Monday and will get home on Wednesday. We do not know when school will open but I hope that it may be sometime in January. It is a great pity that we had to break up in this way. No one can predict what the political changes will mean for us as to whether there will be more or less opposition to our work. Many attempts have been made to curb Chiang Kai Shek's power but they have never got him out before. Our registration has not yet been completed though the Board of Managers is registered and the inspectors have passed the institution. It may be that the new regime will not recognise this. Now I shall close with love form us all Your father, Robert A. Mitchell