New-York tribune., 1900-05-27

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Inc motives and objects of the Atlantic Union
nave oeeh explained by Sir Walter Besant at a
olhher OF the Authors Club. The mission of the
society 1t appears, is to get hold of the intel
iectual classes" in America. and to Introduce
them TO English life. The Atlantic Union is TO
take American travellers in hand when they
come TO England and to entertain them hos
pilaniy and to favor them with glimpses of
nome life. 1t will offer them facilities for visit
ing some or the most interesting places in the
country and in this way will widen the range
oI tourist travel The Atlantic Union has al
Ieaug completed scheme of organization. Lord
Monkswell is the chairman and the council in
cludes Lord kinnaird, Lord Coleridge Sir NJ
roster Sir L. Morris. Sir c. WaIpole Sir NJ
Conway. Sir Walter Besant DR.. Garnett the
Dean OF Canterbury. the Dean of Rochester and
other friends Of America
Ihese eminent Englishmen ought not to be
discouraged in any friendly offices to Americans
but the utility of their organization is doubtful
Slr walter Besant's explanation Of the ways
and means OF appealing to the intellectual
classes in America leaves the scope of opera
ions of the Atlantic Union in the air Probably
presentations at Court are not contemplated,
for these are regulated by the American EN-
bassy. The smart sets jealousy guard the en-
frances into their exclusive circles and are not
likely to accept credentials and letters of credit
from the Atlantic Union. Nearly all American
travellers bring letters of introduction with them
and are Hospitality entertained when these are
presented. English courtesy in this respect is
heartily acknowledged by all Americans who are
favored with glimpses of home life and social
pleasures here.
WHAT DOES THE ASSOCIATION OFFER?
1t is not easy to understand what this new
association can offer to visitors that they do
not possess already. clearing house for social
introductions and amenities certainly is not
needed and for facilities for tourist travel.
Americans be trusted to look out for them
selves and to see everything that is in sight.
They do not need itineraries or directions for
max king the rounds of the cathedral towns and
visiting places of historical interest American
travellers know England even more intimately
than the English themselves. They read their
guide books and make a business of seeing the
sights, and their TIPS take them everywhere
These comments upon Sir Walter Besant
may seem ungracious and almost churlish; it
is certain that but few Americans who have
practical experience of the genuneness and
heartiness of English hospitality be con
WINGED that any special organization is required
for opening the doors Of English homes and
commanding attention for visitors from the
United States. Private letters OF introduction
already answer every practical purpose, and
all Americans who to England return to
their own country with agreeable impression
of the kindness and consideration of their kns-
men in the "Old Home" An Anglo-American
bureau of social intelligence and tourist travel
is not needed in New-Yor1 in order TO enable
English visitors to the country and to meet
representative Americans. Every Englishman
who takes with him letters of introduction can
count confidently upon receiving American hos
pitality in full measure and I believe that the
converse is equally true: every American who
has any claim upon English courtesy is well
coined cordially when he comes to London and
gees about England There is already the touch
of sympathy and the interchange of good feel
ing without Sir Walter Besants limited social
liability company, with it's titled patrons.
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