May 9 1928
My dear Miss Sheepshanks --
I must apologize for my delayed reply to your letter of April 19. I was very sorry to give up the idea of having the Congress in Athens, which rather appealed to me, but I quite agree that it would be more feasible to hold it in Prague, and I hope you got my reply before you left for your medical treatment.
We tried our best to get some paid engagements for Mme Drevet, but it is practically impossible to secure speaking engagements in the United States for anyone whose English is so limited as hers. We did try to use her music which, while quite charming for an evening's entertainment, is hardly of a quality one can ask money for. She seemed to be in fairly good spirits about her prospects in France. She has some writing to do and other journalistic opportunities in connection with her experience in Indochina and China. She spoke at our annual meeting in Washington about her Chinese experiences most acceptably, and was given a reception by the Woman's Party the next day. She had some money in hand, left over from the amount the United States Section furnished for the Trans-Continental journey, and seemed fairly at ease, as nearly as I could judge, about the immediate situation. It was a great pleasure to see both Edith Pye and herself and to hear their reports.
I discussed the question of Miguelina Cárdenas with several people at Washington. Those who know South American best -- Mrs Thomas, who has been there quite lately, and several others -- felt strongly the desirability of doing something for her, but also they felt there were difficulties involved. However, they are entering into correspondence with her, and I hope something will result [page 2] at least to the extent that she may be able to seek protection with us, if necessary.
I am very grateful to you for your letters in regard to the meeting of the Executive Committee. I wish all our purely business meetings could be held in Geneva. I think we are to be congratulated on the whole effect of the Chinese delegation. I was much interested in the letters you sent concerning the opium situation.
We had a very good meeting of the Section for the United States in Washington last week. The whole subject of Nicaragua was to the fore, and involved some difficulties, but I am sure the entire effect of our public discussion and the long interview which we had with President Coolidge was valuable. We made Emily Balch President for the next year as Mrs Hull is going around the world with her husband and is unable to serve. I am so glad, for all our sakes, that Emily Balch could be at the Executive meetings, and we are going to make a great effort to send her oftener.
I have just written Mme Ramondt about the Lauterbach legacy. It was most generous of the Committee to have it placed in my hands, but I am absolutely unwilling of course that the interest should go towards our monthly check of $500 to the International ↑W.I.L.↓ I am sure we can manage that from the [International] members and that the interest on the $15,000 can go directly to Geneva to be used as a special fund for organization in the Balkans, etc. I was much impressed with Miss Anderson's report, and feel that we ought to follow up what has been begun there.
I asked that a resolution be passed by the United States Section, and am sending you a copy of it. As soon as the money is actually invested I will send a detailed account to the Geneva office as well as to Mme. Ramondt. [page 3]
I am sure you know what a great pleasure it is to me that you are in the office. It is the consummation of a long cherished wish.
Ever affectionately yours,
Jane Addams [signed]
↑P.S. The letter you sent from Mde Drevet came after she had left Chicago. Edith Pye seemed to think that something might be left from their mutual expense fund. Could not that be given to Mde Drevet?↓
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