March 21, 1904.
Dr. Charles H. Levermore,
Adelphi Academy,
Brooklyn.
My dear Dr. Levermore:
I note your suggestion in yours of the 19th inst., that we secure the Chinese Minister for Commencement. Do you not think it is a little on the circus order? It strikes me that way. He would furnish a striking spectacle in his magnificent regala, and would probably read a pretty fair address. It is true he is a man of American education, graduating, as you probably know, from Andover where he was preparing for Yale, and was baout to enter the University when he was recalled by his Government. If upon further consideration of this matter, you still think it is the thing to do, I will write him. I know him, personally, very well. He was on the Andover-nine when I was on the Exeter-nine. We had two very interesting talks this winter - one on the occasion of a dinner at the Lotus Club and one on the occasion of a dinner at the White House, about his academic days. The only thing that I am afraid of is that it will look a little strange, and as though we were seeking the unusual, which does not commend itself to me in connection with exercise such as the Commencement Exercises, which should be decidedly dignified. However, think it over and I will do the same. It may possibly be the best we can do.
Yours very sincerely,