The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-07-10
nv CHAnLoTrr n. CONGEn.

Every now and then a foreign person
alights on these shores for the purpose
unayowed, Of course-of exploiting Amer
lea. This foreign person may have a
stunt TO do. he may have something
to sell. or he may propose TO buy some
thing If he can get # at his price; but
whatever he has IN hand he comes for
personal aggrandizement and TO gather
in good American sheckles. and his atti-
tude toward America depends very much
upon his success or unsueeess.
II he goes back with bursting wallet,
he thinks America the most wonderful
country In the world. Americans the most
delightful people. unusual, you know;
unique, but 80 hospitable. so kind-hearted
and generous" II, on the contrary, our
foreign friend has failed IN his carefully
conceived projects. failed to convince Us.
failed to dc" US. he announces with III
concealed disgust that We are rich vul-
garians. lacking sentiment lacking eul-
ture; and he proceeds to write such
bladerdash about US that one wonders at
his lack OF knowledge and his venom
until we recall that he failed IN his en-
deavor 20 touch US. and in abusing US
he seeks consolation and revenge.
The American sense Of humor. however
is too keenly developed to allow US TO be
anything but amused at the wonderful
notes that the disappointed one publishes
upon his return home.
Do Not Resent Criticism.
II Is a mistaken idea that Americans
resent criticism. They invite It and profit
by 1t. We owe an unpaSable debt to
such citizens Of the world. such deep
and, profound students of people and
customs. such friends Of humanity as
James Bryce, Ferrero. and Munsterberg
for their understanding and friendly
criticism. Mr.. Bryce has written the best
book on American institutions that has
ever been published, and he knows US
the American people-quite as well as he
knows our government and institutions
He knows and likes Us. yet he IS not
blind TO our faults. and recognizing his
sympathy and good VIII. We take kindly
criticism IN the same spirit IL Is given
and are stimulated to better endeaY0r,
10 finer effort, because of II.
Ferrero. IN the few months OF his stay
among US. found out what we have al
ways endeavored 10 hide under a bluff
exterior and don't-care manner, that
we are a sentimental people, whereas
nearly ali Of the Latins who visit us set
down as utilItarians OF rather gross sort.
so We love Ferero because. with subtle
sympathy he looked beneath the surface,
scratched through the veneer and found
the heart OF US beating warm and hon
estfy.
shows Us Our Faults.
Munsterberg can hardly be classed as
a foreigner. He has been 50 long among
US that he looks at things American IN
the same spirit and from much the same
point OF view that a profound American
scholar would regard them. He Wits OF
as as we really are, shows US our faults
and applauds our virtues and we accept
what ne says in the same friendly spirit
IN which # Is offered. in the same spirit
In which a man accepts the praise and
blame bestowed by a brother who loves
him.
Our attitude in these instances evidence
that Americans do not resent criticism
they only resent. or laugh at. rather
foolish, unmerited, stupid criticism. which
begins with. Having been only six weeks
in America"-or three. or two. as the
case may bet is presumptuous TO give
a correct summary Of the country and
its people. II it IS presumptuous. then
why undertake It? Yet they do undertake
it. these people iwho ny into New York
spend a few weeks at a big hotel, and
then fly away again. having seen moth
ing outside Of the great cosmopolitan
metropolis which is as foreign in some
quarters as Naples, Paris. or Berlin.
The Pope and His Visitors.
The shorter visit the average traveller
makes 70 country, the more he seems
TO know. or thinks he knows about II,
which recalls the story Of the Pope and
the three foreigners. who were presented
10 him. OF the first the holy father
asked. How long have you been in
Rome7"
Three weeks. your holiness" replied
the visitor.
Then" replied the Pope, you have
seen Rome and know Rome pretty thor
oughly.'
Yes" replied the visitor, Il have seen
about sil there IS TO see"
"And you" asked the Pope Of the sec
ond visitor. 'how long have you been
IN Rome2''
six months" was the reply.
"Ah," said his holiness, then you have
been able to learn something about our
city, TO become a bit acquainted with it,
"Oh. no." answered the man, Il have
seen only a corner OF the city here and
there but have hardly begun as yet TO
know IT."
May I ask how long you have been
here" inquired the Pope OF his third
visitor.
Three years" was the reply.
Then said the Pope. you know
nothing as yet about this. marvellous city,
but you are interested. you begin?"
s'I have learned enough OF It ysour hcfi-