DEAR MRS. WETMORE,--You will probably have heard by this time that
President Schurman cancelled the offer made me--by reason of the trouble
at Cornell University. As I had taken several steps in connection with
that prospect,--the blow was rather heavy; and this you will better
understand in view of the following facts:--
On the 31st March, as I anticipated, I was forced out of the
university--on the pretext that as a Japanese citizen I was not entitled
to a "foreign salary." The students having made a strong protest in my
favour, I was offered a reëngagement at terms so devised that it was
impossible for me to reëngage. I was also refused the money allowed to
professors for a nine-months' vacation after a service of six years. Yet
I had served seven years.
So the long and the short of the matter is that after having worked
during thirteen years for Japan, and sacrificed everything for Japan,
I have been only driven out of the service, and practically banished
from the country. For while the politico-religious combination that has
engineered this matter remains in unbroken power, I could not hold any
position in any educational establishment here for even six months.
At my time of life, except in the case of strong men, there is a great
loss of energy--the breaking-up begins. I do not think that I should be
able to do much that would require a sustained physical strain. But if I
could get some journalistic connection, assuring a regular salary,--for
example, an engagement to furnish signed or unsigned articles, once or
twice a week, or even three times,--I believe that I could weather the
storm until such time as a political reaction might help me to return to
Japan. For my boy's sake these events may prove fortunate,--if I find
an opportunity to take him abroad for two years.
At all events, O Fairy Queen, your gifts have "faded away"--even as in
the Song,--and I am also fading away. I do not know whom else I should
pray to, for the moment.
I have material evidence also that certain religious combinations want
to prevent my chances in America; if you can help me to something
journalistic, I imagine that it were better to let the matter remain
unknown for the time being.
Perhaps I shall be able to leave Japan with McDonald (that would be
nice!)--but only the gods know when _he_ will return. Meantime, however,
he gives me much comfort and promises me the fortunes of Aladdin. He
seems to think I am quite safe and certain. But I am exercised about
home--that is the chief trouble.
Please pardon this fresh appeal,--with all thanks for past kindness, and
for those delightful letters.
Ever sincerely yours,
LAFCADIO HEARN.