1937-01-20 — Page 6

THE HONGKONG TE LEGRAPH, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1987.

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Thongkong Telegraph.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY, 20, 1037.

HONGKONG'S LOSS

A

+

BUILDING A BETTER

AMERICA

by Hugh Quigley

P the Presidential policy aims at improvement of the fundamental conditions making for greater social security and economic pros- perity, the diMculties confront- ing, such a policy will probably be found to be less in the United States than in almost any other country.

The American character is an. extraordinary thing. It is easily swayed by propaganda and bally-. hoo; it listens with avidity to all kinds of prophets, from Father Coughlin down to Townsend, but it likes a change in its prophets and is not fundamentally influenced by any of them.

The keynote of contemporary American civilisation la exactly this impatience with established things and the desire for change, and this desire is expressed in habits which are curiously com- munal in their effect, it not in their intention.

▾

On the Roads.

The growth of camps, the sub- stitution of trailers for proper fixed homes, and the now apparatus of living on the road which has been evolved during the last three years, is merely another expression of that love of central meeting places typifted in the hotel lobbies. balls of transportation and the con- courses beneath the new skyscra- pers.

Young America is living more and more outside on the street and Along the road.

This is certainly educating and consolidating the American nation

as no other thing has done before. One must take into account the influence of the Roform admhils- tration, particularly in education and, in art.

During October, the Meiropoll- tan Museum of Modern Art had an exhibition of architectural drawings and plans representa- tive of the new public buildings and schools and the great new public services initiated, carried out and Ananced by the Federal Government.

Just before that, the Govern- ment staged in New York also an exhibition of paintings ahid draw- ings inspired and carried out under the Federal Art Project, and one can see in the new schools, which are being built by local authorities with Federal assist- ance, aven in remote country towns, in the design and decora- tion of great new pubile buldings, an increasing interest in good planning, good architecture and good painting.

It is true, of course, that the scheme of putting one Lood Federal building in every town of importance, generally represented by a comblued Post Office and Courthouse, originated under the Hoover regime, but the effect of this policy has coincided with the work carried out by the Roosevelt administration. It is possible to see the beginnings at feast of a new American architecture and new American school of painting.

In a different fold one can in- stance the educative work carried out by the Tennessee Valley Au- thority among the farming com- munity..

The Authority has been success-

SOME DAY: Your Dreams.

May Come True

You may know that this is most unlikely, circumstances being as they are. But if you have the secret of projecting yourself into an illusive Bgure you will get a certain amount of pleasure even out of an illusion.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, New York, where an exhibition has been held flustrating the new public buildings, schools, and public services, initiated and Ananced by the Féiteral Government,

ful in creating a very large num ber, probably now in the thousands, of associations of farmers pledged to carry out good farming prac-

tices.

In return for the adoption of such practices, which are deter- mined by the Ministry of Agricul- ture, agricultural experts attached to the Tennessee Valley Authority and by the farmers themselves, the farmers are assisted in various ways, ono way being the supply of free fertilisera from Muscle Shoals.

In a number of Institutes the peasants are being taught the rudi. ments of good design and applied art according to principles very similar to those adopted at Dartington Hall.

At Berea, in Kentucky, which is now a recognised centra of good handicrafts represented by bodles like the Churchill Weavers, a college for the Inculcation of good design has been lu successful operation for some years, und is activities are being paralleled in other States of the Union.

The backward areas of Tennessee. with their poor white population, are being opened up by new roads, the children are being brought to schools, inany of them recently bullt, with the result that the new generation will have a better outlook and a higher standard of effeleney than the old.

Heroic Plans

In many backward arcus the influ-. ence of the younger generation is already so marked that one can see in Ita last stages that crude, bully-billy civilisation which was a standing re- proach to all American administra- tions.

The American nation has in I the elements of greatness. -It-belleves-in-herolo-experiments.

such as the flood control and water power projects of the Federal Govern- ment; the great new roads, such as the New York and Pennsylvania high- way, the New Jeracy and Miller high- ways, loading in the one ense to the Hudson Tunnel and in the other to what must be one of the most beauti- ful bridges in the world, the George Washington Bridge.

The construction of great new medi- cal centres ko the Cornell and Columbia Presbyterian hospitale, or of magnificent railway stations like the Cincinnati Union Terminal,

The laboration of experimental forests such as one finds in. New York State, and the building of scenic highways as in the Great Smoky National Mountain Park

One could prolong the list in debnitely, but the activity recorded out ilustrates readiness to try

new possibilities and complete new schemes which is peculiarly Ameri- can.

The country. Is so vast that no one could attain any sort picture of what is being done and even the gigantic Inbours of the Works Pro- gress Administration in preparing. with the assistance of over 6,000 writers, a closely delafied survey of the whole American scene will only serve to bring out the immensity and the complication: they will not tell us what' America really is and what it will appear.

One has always a feeling of revolu- tlonkry change about to occur some- where.

Past & Future

The advent of the mechanical cot- ton-picker, now successfully proved, is one which suggests · terrifying inbour difficulties in the cotton belt.

The Americans themselves, in their attempt to get down to a better con- ception of life, are beginning to revive and define what memorien they have of their 18th century elvilisation.

The reconstruction of Williamsburg in Virginia, to show a beautifully planned 18th century town, is not merely an expenditure of money by an immensely powerful private interest, but it is an attempt to catch what is nest in the 18th century architectural tradition.

Americans themselves admit that the most beautiful example of dementie architecture in their country is still Jefferson's house on Monticello.

At the other side comes the pre- occupation with ultra-modern types and standards represented not by the Rockefeller Centre, bat by an educa- tion development in New York which has hitherto been ignored.

~Social Responsibility.

If I were asked to select what Fr should regard, as the most promising and the most vital development in con- temporary Americo, I should certainly select the New School of Social Re- search in New York, which, under dis President, Dr. Alvin Johnson, is bring- ing a live conception of social respon- sibilities into that chaotic individual- ism which we regard as new America.

Dr. Alvin Julinson says: "Tho, New- School exists to promote, to the extent of its abilities, freedom of thought and. fairness of action, the values upon which American civilisation rests.

students and other "It urges friends to look beyond the immedia- cles of particular lectures, particular courses, to the ultimate aim of develop- ing an Institutional form which shall prove effective in the cultivation of what is best in our national life."

It is no mere platitude to say that the news of the pending transfer of His Excellency Sir Andrew Caldecott Trom Hong- kong. to assume the Governor- ship: of Ceylon, has 'been received with the utmost regret by the whole Colony. Sir An- drow's tenure of office in Hong- kong will have been the shortest ARE you one of those people who For when you heard of the Browns car, did you not also see, as a in the history of the Colony; he

speak of some day? Have you habit of saying, "Same day we will flashlight picture, Just the very little will be leaving within sixteen do, well, all sorts of pleasant things" car you would decide on if you could the very road you Because if you are, when for in-afford would take for your first of his arrival here. stance you hear that the Browns have know you months Brief as the period of

his at lust bought a car, and are having blue, summer weather

run to the open country, just the very the most

thrilling and enjoyable choose for the adventure? You may you would incumbency has been, His week-end, exploring so many de-

never have your wish, but for a lightful places, instead of being de- Excellency has won a measure pressed, and more or less envious, moment of time you have sensed the of popularity such as seldom you will say quite light-heartedly, joy of possession.

"Some day we faso will have a ̄ear!"- falls to the lot of any Governor.

And if you say it once you will say it often. When the Smiths came to Not only has he shown himself an

tell you about their tour to Venice, it is more than likely that you said administrator of marked talents,

then, "Some day we also will go!" but, what is of almost equal

And at the words, for more clearly than

they could describe it, did you importance in ♫ cosmopolitan

not see that City of Wonder rising above its strange watergates, with And the strange thing is that the

its Colony such as Hongkong, he

ability to do this does not arise from palaces, its churches, its spires and has, by his urbanity and by his any discontent. You are certain that minarets glittering In the sun?. You it has nothing to do with any sorrow-beard the soft beat of oars in the social attributes, made friends ful longing after the unattainable. quiet lagoons, the echo of the gondo amongst all sections of the com- Is it not more like an alry and joyous liers songs, and floating in the still

air the golden noise of bells. fancy? You speak of some day, and munity. Never has a Governor straightway an odd and. unexpected buoyancy touches you. As if the made closer and more kindly bluebird happiness had suddenly. Of course, sensible, practical people contacts

with the people. stooped in his high flight to Rutter will tell you that little good ever came his bright wings across your path. of such unsubstantial phantasy. But Blessed with a keen sense of As if out of the land of your lost if you are one of those who speak of

childhood, out

cut of the Little City of some day, even in this world of sorrow humour and

common-sense Make-Believe. where once you so- and unrest, you will have an inner outlook on life, his rare com- Journed, some gay, childish voice and hidden joy that the years cannot called to you, "Let's pretend!" And take away. You will be related, al- bination of qualities has served all at once the shadows of the years though oven distantly, to the seers him well in the innumerable the silence stirred and rippled over

between are it with sunshine, and visions, and the dreamers of dreams, who with lovesome and gentle arts, know how to beguile the road of the difficulties with which he has with laughter.

mortal pilgrimage, been faced ever since he took

For in this envoking of some day' Moreover, you will never walk in over the Governorship of the is there not a hint of the vision and loneliness, for even the Micuwbers TT is an undeniable fact that in On several occasions I have noticed. Colony. His acquaintance with the dream of which the poets write? will make free of your company; and inany homes the pet cat or dog a man dullfully and industriously depressing conditions was, how-

although a little shabby and down-receives as much care as or more trudging the streets on wet nights

his pet at-the-heel, will

dog. Yes, in, all than, children. The pet "rules the] with prove themselves ever, no new experience, for he lency's pending departure, but light-hearted comrades, with much roost" so to speak, and lives a wholly weathers this man can be seen, and.

talk of all the had known the full difficulties

merry talk

"turn convenience or consideration for little pudog has inhaled enough, of the slump in Malaya, where their regret in the case of Lady that they expect some day to tus reived life, without the slightest in-he never appears to know when the fresh air. The dog undoubtedly re- It will be as if you trudged the others. up." his services were of the utmost Caldecott will be no whit less. shadowy valley passes, and took up

ceives more kindly consideration than We are all familiar with homes his master ever did. If this dog dies value in the successful overcom- Although she has been in Hong- the tollsome hill trucks with happy

wayfarers' with whom you were sure where the people cannot go away early it would not be the fault of its ing of the obstacles to recovery. kong for little more than half of a song and a tale by the way. because of the cat, and where friends master, or for that maller, that it had It was this circumstance which a

cannot come in because of the dog. run short of fresh air. dis- year, her ladyship has

But perhaps the most delightful Even a sixpenny gold-fish swimming caused Hongkong so warmly to played the keenest interest in the thing about this seme day you ex-sunnily in a bowl the size of a foot- Secret Thoughts welcome his appointment to this affairs of the Colony and has pect is that it has no date. It be ball, can throw an entire family into longs not to the troubled past or pre-a tumult every time the gold-fish's

There are many ladies who are Colony, in the sure and certain made a host of friends by reason sent, but to the future; that my bath water is changed.

wholly devoted to their Pekinese pets, knowledge that if any

.in sterious, that wonderful unknown, of her charm of manner and her which things, now accounted most would stand for hours on a cold door- say that the pet is considered just There is no wife on earth who and in many cases it is no secret to could help to extricate us from

most utterly and ab- the problems with which we deep sincerity. It is little short Improbable.

solutely impossible, may

este calling for her errant husband, like a husband. Where the family happen night after night. She would leave goes the pet must have a place, and wore beset, that man would be of a tragedy that the exigencies And Fate, who hug it in

his grip him if he kept the hours of a cat. must yield it up to you at inst., At Sir Andrew Caldecolt. His of the service should so soon, last it must dawn for you, and surely Excellency quickly obtained a deprive the Colony of so able an it will come, all in an azure glory, Pamperred Parrot clear grasp

of the Colony's administrator as Sir Andrew. And Its sunset will be full of fair A friend of the writer-an old man difficulties, and during the Regret will, however, be tem-cloud-pictures, and its sweet and in this case keeps a parrot, which dewy eve hung with stars of silver, takes up much of his precious time. period of his Governorship he pered by the knowledge that, and of amethyst, and lyrical with the Every morning at nine o'clock the them at hollday, times for local resid- A lady who loves çats, and houses has been largely concerned with Sir Andrew's transfer means a

loveliest songs of birds.

parrot has fresh water and millet seed | ents; would bore you with her long and gravel, Grapes and cuttlefish tales about pussies if she knew you |laying the foundations of a new distinct promotion and is a fit For some day will surely herald followed at noon. From 1.30 p.m. to at all. I have met her several times, and better order. Already some ting recognition of his high in a fair new world. Some day the four was set apart for the parrot to and really, as a man, I am bound to of the measures he has devised talents. The movement in cer- City with the wall of Jasper may be coloy a siesta. Later, more grapes confess that a my humble opinion:

built, the wolf may dwell with the fallowed for this lucky bird, and it this woman lives for cats. While have borne frult; there are tain quarters to secure a reten lamb, men may beat their swords was not difficult to decide who was have a certain admiration for this many others which have been tion of His Excellency's services into plaughshares, and their spears the master of this house

lady in her efforts to protect the into pruning hooks. Some day you set in train, and which the com- for Hongkong correctly reflects may see from afor those who hasien

The poor old gentleman, wealthy, subject all the time, and feel very feline, I am not enamoured with one munity generally will hope to popular sentiment, but it is to be with beautiful feet, upon the moun- and, .com medoput svever fellayed whon I get away. seo brought to completion by his feared that the flat of the

tains, publishing peace!

gaunt harridan of a bird with a Certainly pets should have a placa: successor. Not only will Hong Colonial Office will have to be

So may all your dreams come true, assassin's. If ever a man was in the allow them to be our dictators.

fanatical staring "reye: like an in our lives, but we must. ·ñover" kong deeply deplore His Excel obeyed.

some day,

Marion W..Simpson:

JAR K B

man

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of

flashing gold along the hill-tops.

When Pets Are Pests

wavered in his devotion to this lean,

clutches of a dictator, here was one.

:

its liites and dislikes must be con- aldered. How must a poor husband feel in the circumstances will never be known, but it is almost certain that he sometimes, wishes he were in the dog's place.