The Washington herald., 1914-06-28
PAGEPLANs TO
LINK COLLEGES
Ambassador Would Have Ex-
change of Professors Be-
tween U. S. and Italy.
HE Is ON HIS WAY HERE
Diplomat and Author Has Proposal to
Extend Friendly Relations of
Two Nations.
HE IS ON HIS WAY HERE
sp,s.l c.b,. 70 m. ws.hinrtOn Herald.

Special Cable to The washington Herald.
Rome, June H.-Preceding his depart
ure on q brief sojourn in New York and
Washington, Ambassador Thomas Mel
son Page declared that the chief reason
for his trip home was not a vacation. but
a desire to give concrete form TO his
plan to consolidate the present friendly
relations between Italy and the United
States.
He also Intended. he said, TO discuss
with Secretary Bryan number OF pend
ing questions.
Dealing with his pet project OF improv-
ing international relations. Mr.. Page said:
Adverse criticisms OF American poll
cies and captious comments on Ameri-
can domestic affairs which appear from
time to time in italian papers are the
direct outcome of a lack Of knowledge
on the part Of the public as to the true
condition OF affairs at home. In my
opinion, while We have grown more SEN
sitive to foreign criticism, as shown by
the attitude of our press during the Pan
ANA tolls question and our controversy
with Mexico, little has been done to
spread wider knowledge about our
ideals, policies, and institutions.
ItnIy's Ignorance of 4. =.
Take the case Of Italy. Notwith-
standing the large number OF repatriated
immigrants who made fortunes In the
United States, whose love for our coun-
try is sincere and deep, We, as a people,
are very little known here. The average
Italian knows little about America be-
yond what he reads in newspapers, which
often is not the best that can be chron-
icled about US.
unfortunately the same applies to the
American press. which Is ready to chron-
icle the evil exploits Of few degenerate
Italians, but seldom finds room to praise
the good deeds of thousands whose work
helps swell our national excheduer. The
result is a deplorable Misunderstanding
and the absence of those sentiments of
mutual esteem and appreciation which
foster friendship between nations.
lie Suggests Remedy.
I'm my opinion there are two means
OF remedying the present situation. What
is specially needed is a thorough compre-
hension of conditions governing the life
Of both countries, accurate knowledge
Of their institutions, and what both are
doing for the progress of civilization.
The best way to accomplish this would
be by establishing a system OF exchange
professorships along the same lines as
those regulating exchange between Eng
lish. German. and American higher seats
of culture
During my visit home I shall submit
my proposal to the proper bodies such
as the Carnegie Foundation.
TN do my best to accomplish my pur-
pose. American universities have some
world celebrities, also the Italian uni
versities. 4 series Of annual lectures be-
fore what practically will be the future
ruling classes Of the two countries
would accomplish much, and above all
serve the purpose of dispelling prejudices
and incorrect notions about the respec-
tive countries.
Plans Pilgrim Society.
'T further contemplate organizing a So
ciety along the lines Of the Pilgrims,
whose membership would include stu
dents and friends of America in Italy,
students and admirers Of Italy in Amer /
ica Some OF the most prominent italian
public men. who married Americans and
could enthusiastically respond TO this in
vitation.
This society would he the means Of
bringing together travelling Americans
and representative men OF modern Italy. !
Americans would thus become acquaint- |
ed not only with the ancient but the i'm |
prcssive modern history OF Italy. which |
resembles ours IN many respects.
LAS to government. I must say that
during my first years residence in Rome
my experience and negotiations with the |
foreign office have been most satisfac- |
tory. One must not forget that Italy |
was the first great power TO participate
in our exposition and the first nation to
sign a treaty submitting all controversies |
to arbitration"
Ambassador and Mrs. Page left Rome
in their automobile. journeying in slow
stages to Scotland. where Mr.. Pages
family is spending the summer, visiting |
en- route Florence. the lake district
and France. They will sail |
for America early in July and return
here early in the fall