2

would be more apt to know the truth than the
newspapers. I am distressed about the dry times
for farmers at home. It means ruin if it has con=
tinued. What then would become of our helpless people?
It seems to me anyhow like the whole world is getting
out of gear! The excitement about silver money will
just destroy all confidence, and keep back all
enterprise, no matter how good the crops are.

Your thoughtfulness about my income was well,
but I presume you were permitted to deduct ex-
penses! if so there was not much tax to pay --
I am also glad to hear that my fine colt will
not be ruined. Just take and drive the oldest
one yourself and give your horse a pasture rest?
Make someone get her perfectly steady and then
drive her -- but dont let anyone else touch the
rains{sic}. Let the trainer show you how he holds her
in driving, + then you will have something fine, if
she is properly groomed. She ought to pass them all.

I think I will get off Wednesday to inspect my
Consulates -- Smyrna -- Beirut -- Alexandretta -- Mersine --
Jaffa (the old Joppa) -- Jerusalem -- Alexandria + Cairo