a peer among
peers, both potential and progressive--yet withal so modest, so free
from dogmatism.

"I seem to feel intuitively that you are standing at the very beginning
of a new cycle in the history of our planet: a cycle in which symmetry
of mind and power of brain, fix the standard by which nature selects the
leaders she deems most worthy of ruling the destinies of her people. I
feel that you have been measured by such a standard, and chosen as the
instrument for the accomplishment of a special work of the utmost
importance!

"This bit of hero-worship on my part is due, no doubt, to the intensity
of my devotion to our Republic; to the earnestness of my convictions in
regard to its manifest destiny as a saving power--an uplifting
force--among the nations of the earth. These growing convictions are
emphasized by the keener perceptions of my spiritual nature, which
declare that this almost resistless force which dominates our Republic,
that may be likened to the world's storage battery, is due to the
progressive power gained by the universal enlightenment of the American
people as a mass. This important thought seems to emphasize the wisdom
and the importance of universal education.

"I must now refer to a matter mentioned in your letter, in which I am
particularly interested. In declining to become jealous of the bevy of
titled lords, who pay fawning court to my wealth and social position,
here in Washington, you do yourself justice; while at the same time, you
pay me the compliment of a lifetime! When compared with you, how puny
and feeble are the princes and titled lords, made by kings and courts,
in lands where selfishness reigns supreme at the expense of millions of
unfortunate subjects! An impecunious host of these fortune-hunting lords
swarm in the society of our large cities. With faded titles of doubtful
value, as their only stock in trade, they fittingly represent the
decaying nobility of passing monarchies. They are looking for victims!
They become the highly honored guests of selfish, title-crazy,
match-making mothers! Oh the pity of it! Oh the shame of it! How
American girls, who are born to wealth, with all of the advantages which
wealth may command, including the best education possible in this land
of progressive liberty; who should love devotedly the vital principles
of our democracy;--can be so dazzled by the false glitter of a title,
that they deliberately choose to mate themselves (and their ric