My dear Stanley
I am sending the water rate check which as I understand it, pays up to May 1st. I would be very glad if you would always let me know as soon as it is due, so that we could keep it paid up in advance.
The other check for $200.00 is what I had in mind for the land back of the house but of course the first thing is to pay the debts, you would not be comfortable nor do I think that you ought to go, until they are paid. Perhaps you could sell the Ford to hold down the land, [although] I wouldn't dispose of it at too great a sacrifice -- that of course would also depend upon Myra's plans while you are away, on the amount of your salary and on many other things. [page 2]
I have never thought that either of you were careless about money, on the contrary that you were doing awfully well on a very small salary. I expected to help along in the ranch until it should become self sustaining. Mary Smith and I still hope to come to California about the first of March and if you are still there we can talk over many things. I had thought of the possibility of paying you 83.33 a month for a year so that you could give your time to the ranch undividedly [although] I should have to take that $1000.00 out of my capital and whatever my will leaves to you. We can talk such things over however just as [well] when you come back, and our coming just now is quite uncertain. [page 3]
You have probably filled out your application & have seen the Y.M.C.A. people at Los Angeles by this time, so you will know better than I what the prospects are, it may mean three months in this country first, they said in N.Y. especially as there is such difficulty of ↑ocean↓ transportation.
Please don't think that I am judging your motives, you are the only person who can be sure and you and Myra must decide. I should like to have you write me your plans for the ranch because we must not let it run down at this critical moment -- it already represents too much sacrifice on the part of all of us.
With love to all the family and many thanks to Myra for her dear letter, I am always your loving aunt Jane Addams
[written at the top of page 1] P.S. Please [acknowledge] the checks promptly as these days of [uncertainty make] me quite anxious.
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