Evening star., 1940-08-09
British Father Gives
Boby Son to Freedom
Washington Resident
Quotes Letter About
Little Refugee
To the Editor OF The Star:


On June IA, wrote English relatives
in Staffordshire suggesting that they
send their only child, boy Of 3, to us
for safekeeping. In early July I re-
ceived the following letter from the
father of the child:
Dear Evelyn: First Of all I want to
say, thank you! I have. in the course
Of my life, met some fine people but
have never met, nor do hope to meet,
any one who has done what you have.
IT cabled you this morning. saying
that Terence can come and hope that
by the time this letter reaches you he
is well on the way, If not actually in
Washington.
.As soon as I received your letter,
when arrived home on Saturday, I
started things moving. Bride and had
quick conference on the matter and
got in touch with Nellie (Nellie is
sister-in-law, head nurse in hospital
in Birmingham). She made inquiries
at the consulate in Birmingham and
found out that we shall have to get all
papers from the consul at London.
There are already express letters on the
way to London for the boys passport
and visa.
"All being well, shall cable you again
giving the name of the ship Terry is
travelling on and when he arrives am
sure you will soon spot him. He has
been told just where he is going and Is
thrilled to death, his only concern is
whether he may have ice cream at
Evelyn's and will he have toys. And
he wishes to bring one thing and that
is his Teddy bear, who is his sleeping
partner and is told all the news.
Maybe have somewhat biased idea
of him, but do think he is a good child
and I hope that he will not be too big
a trouble. Bride must write in this
letter and give her views. too. She knows
him as only a mother can know her
child and feel that she should let you
know something about him. The only
things that I can say are that he is
clean. intelligent and possesses a will
of his own. He will, at times, need cor
rection and my usual prescription is one
or two sharp slaps on the recognized
spot. 1t is not often necessary to take
such steps. He is passionately keen on
engines and spends much time near the
railway. You will, however, find all his
likes and dislikes very quickly, for he
has little hesitation in making them
known.
"As you well know, France has capitu-
lated and we are in for scrap over
here. Well, we are on our own ground
and that Is an advantage in any game.
I cannot emphasize too strictly the fact
that every one here in England simply
will not entertain the thought of defeat
but We have good idea what it is
going to mean.
Somehow, ominous though the out
look may appear. I am sure that we are
approaching the hour of Englands glory
and I am proud to be alive at the time.
"As yet, have not been called upon
for military service, although it seems
only a question of time before I am to
register With Terence in safe hands
shall 60 with an easy mind. I have
had my fun If never get the chance
to have more, but do want more than
anything, Terence to have the chance
to think his own thoughts, to lead
life in which his own thoughts and
wishes will be the chief impulse, in fact,
NJ "a n % &c q hoe hooyn grNfi1
now, free.
Now, Evelyn, Bride and are giving
you the most precious part of our lives
and with thankful heart, too. know
I need not ask you to love him as we do.
He will make you do that himself, but
please teach him to be brave, clean in
thought, word and deed and child of
whom his Grandfather Moloney would
say, My son and am proud of him.
"It is constant source of regret to
me that I was not able to know Brides
father, but am proud of the fact that
my father-in-law fought in the American
Civil War and was real man.
please give our kindest regards to
your mother and Aunt Margaret, also
10 YOUR OliClc OoiiIi VIC AdNC Iioe given
up hope of meeting them all one day;
indeed we may come to fetch Terence
home when everything is settled and we
have won through, but more of that
later.
Well, that is all for now, once again
thanking you for your wonderful offer
on behalf of Bride, Terence and myself.
God bless you,
MORRIS"
After great effort both here and over
there, passport has been obtained and
money sent for the boys passage. But,
the problem is, how to get the child
over, as the British steamship lines are
not letting children come unaccom-
panied. The parents are eager that the
child come and are exerting every effort
to find some one among the passengers
(who will be recompense0 to look after
him during the crossing, but whether
they will be successful remains to be
seen.
I feel certain there must be thousands
of cases that parallel this one, and I
cannot understand why there should be
any hesitancy In sending our boats over
to bring these innocent little ones to
the shelter we offer him.
EVELYN T. MARQUETTE.
August 7.
Country Held Unprepared