"WE ARE HOPING FOR A BRITISH MANDATE FOR TURKEY NOW THAT AMERICA HAS FLUNKED OUT"

A letter from Gordon W. Allport '19, who was sent by the Harvard Mission to teach in Robert College in Constantinople, has just been received by W. I. Tibbetts '17, Graduate Secretary of the Phillips Brooks House. In this letter Mr. Allport tells of a recent reunion of Harvard men, his social service work, and the life and conditions in Constantinople. The communication follows: January 20, 1920.

Dear Walter:

First, let me report on the reunion of Harvard men that took place January 7 in Anderson Hall of this college. I was able to round up ten men who had Harvard degrees or who had studied in the University. They were: Professor E. B. Watson, Ph. D. 1913; Professor F. H. Black, S. T. M. 1919; Professor L. P. Chambers, Ph. D. 1916; G. W. Allport, A. B. 1919; these men are all teaching at Robert College now. There were also three men connected with the diplomatic service: C. Van H. Engert, 11-12; E. G. Mears, A. B. 1910, M. B. A.; L. S. Moore, A. M. '10; from the Y. M. C. A. we had James Perry, 12-13; and from the Standard Oil, Dan A. Freeman, Jr., '19 A. B.

And best of all, we had Colonel Paul Azan from the French Headquarters, "Liaison Francaise." A permanent organization was created, with Colonel Azan as honorary president and myself as secretary.

Village Overflowing with Refugees.

As I have told you, they put me in charge of the Social Service Committee when I reached the college in September. We are now doing quite a bit of volunteer work, especially in benevolence and teaching. Next week we are opening a boys' club in the nearest village, Roumelie Missar. It will be a unique organization, under the direct control of our Social Service Committee, but utilizing a great many Robert College students for volunteer service.

You can't conceive the difficulties that we have encountered. The village is so overcrowded with refugees that it was almost impossible to secure quarters. Fuel is very expensive, and it was almost impossible to collect enough furniture and equipment in general to start with. Then, too, you have no idea how suspicious people are of any unselfish undertaking. The Turks especially object to every charitable project.

Who Will Give a "Victor?"

I am going to make a request of the Harvard Mission, and I hope the committee will see its way clear to grant it. The thing that is most desired in the club, a thing which all the people of this country enjoy, is a Victoria. It would be a great attraction if we had one to put in the club. Of course, the machine would belong permanently to the Social Service Committee of the Y. M. C. A., and could be used for concerts on other occasions. Would it not be possible to get some friend to donate a machine or money for one? Or perhaps the Mission would feel like appropriating sufficient for a simple instrument and some records. It would be a great thing to add to the work which I have undertaken, and which is, therefore, one of the Mission activities.

I know that the subject that interests you is the opportunity for work in the Near East. It is rather difficult to describe this just at present, for we do not yet know the fate of Turkey. If the Allied control is made permanent, as it probably will be, there will be plenty of opportunity for all kinds for work. Many American industries are invading Constantinople, notably the Standard Oil, and these all need young fellows. The work of the Near East Relief is very commendable, and furnishes opportunity for life in the fascinating districts of the Interior without tying one down for a long time. Almost all American schools need more teachers.

Refreshing Absence of "Missionary Zeal."

If any fellow has interests in practical pedagogy and in studying the life of the Eastern peoples I recommend this vacation. Robert College needs a few more American tutors, and I can sincerely assure you that the life here is very agree-able and very much worth the while. This institution is unique in its position of influence and respect in Turkey. The teachers enjoy great privileges every-where.

There is not the least aspect of isolation or self-sacrifice to this life. We are having excellent times, and are quite as comfortable as we would be in America. I cannot praise the personnel too highly; it was very gratifying to find the American community so congenial. It will not be out of place to remark that I haven't found a single person who has come from sentimental reasons. This college at least is completely free from "missionary zeal."

Turkey-Has No Cambridge Weather.

We are having the most remarkable weather these days. It is very balmy nearly all of the time, and, although it is the middle of January, we can pick roses, violets, snowdrops and pussy willows. Autumn seems to merge into spring without the interval of winter.

Nothing too bad could be said about the civic condition of Constantinople. It is very badly governed--a case of too many cooks--at present. These is extreme suffering among the refugees who have flooded the city from the Interior and Russia. Yesterday there was a tremendous demonstration by the Turks against the Allied control, but I believe they will be powerless to object forcibly to any decision whatsoever. We are hoping for a British mandate for Turkey entire, now that America has flunked out.   Very sincerely yours,   (Signed) GORDON ALLRORT '19.