TŌKYŌ, April, 1902.
DEAR PROFESSOR,--Many thanks for the archæological treatise, and for
your kindness in sending me the "critical" news. (I think that I can
appreciate the good will that can impel so busy a professor to give me
so much of his time.) And please to convey my thanks to Mrs. Hirn for
her charming letter.
Concerning your project for another volume of "Exotica," kindly assure
Mrs. Hirn that she is as fully authorized as I can authorize her to
translate whatever she pleases to select from my books.
By the way, you appear to have been deceived by some bookseller; for
none of my books are out of print, except "Some Chinese Ghosts," and
that by my own will and desire....
Far from being uninterested in the social and political changes of
Finland, I feel, as every generous thinker ought to feel, sincere regret
at the probable disappearance of a national civilization, and the
inevitable loss of intellectual freedom. I think of the "absorption"
as a great political crime.... Here in Japan, I watch, day by day,
the destruction of a wonderful and very beautiful civilization, by
industrial pressure. It strikes me that a time is approaching in which
intellectual liberty will almost cease to exist, together with every
other kind of liberty,--the time when no man will be able to live as
he wishes, much less to write what he pleases. The future industrial
communism, in its blind dull way, will be much less liberal than Russian
rule, and incomparably more cruel. By that time, Russia herself will
be getting less conservative; and I imagine that the Englishman and
the American of the future may flee to the new Russia in search of
intellectual freedom!
At present, however, the United States offers great opportunity to
merit, and every latitude to mental liberty. If you should ever have
to leave your own beloved country, I think you would be most happy in
America.
The Far East is not impossible--if you wish very much to visit it.
Government service anywhere is not a bed of roses; and Tōkyō is
said to be the most "unsympathetic" place in the world. But salaries are
fair; and a three years' sojourn would furnish rich experience. If you
ever want _very_ much to see Japan, perhaps you may be able to obtain a
Government post--especially if you have friends in legations, and "high
places." Then I can write more to you about the matter. But at present
you are fortunate enough to be envied in a brotherly way. I wish you
every happiness on your European journey.
How much I should like to see Europe again!--I have three boys to look
after, however, and all things are uncertain. I am glad that you have
a bright little son;--you know what hopes and fears the possession
involves. His travels with you will be of priceless advantage to him.
The best of all education is through Ear and Eye--while the senses are
most fresh and plastic.
Sincerely yours,
LAFCADIO HEARN.