EVEREST SIR,—I do not feel competent to argue with Strix
the question whether altruism is a virtue or merely a quality. I am, however, in common with all mountaineers and explorers, grateful to him for his tribute to the bearing of members of the recent Everest Expedition under, the test of fame and pub- licity. Their conduct has indeed been, in all respects, worthy of the spirit in which Everest expeditions have been conceived and carried out.
The Joint Himalayan Committee, ever since the success of the expedition was known, have conceived their duty to be two-fold. Their first object has been to present to the world, through the various media available, a worthy account of the climb and as far as possible to ensure that that account is presented both as widely as possible to the public and also privately to audiences such as schools where the story would have a good influence.
Their second object has been to utilise the opportunity presented by public interest in the climb to build up a fund for the Everest Trust which can be utilised for the encourage- ment of mountain exploration which might otherwise be impracticable.
In pursuing these two objects, which have the whole-hearted assent of members of the expedition no less than the Committee, a great deal of hard work on the part of mem- bers of the expedition has been indispensable. These members have shown no desire to turn their experience to financial account. On the other hand the Committee from the start realised that it would be wrong to ask for so much help to be given gratuitously. The Committee therefore at an early stage agreed with members of the expedition upon modest (but I believe reasonable) rates of remunera- tion for the various services performed. I should like, therefore, to correct any inference to the contrary that readers may have formed from Strix's welcome note.
The agreement to which Strix referred was, of course, an essential step in the financing of the expedition at a time when success could not be predicted. It is still an essential element in building up the finances of the Everest Trust. As will be seen, however, it is far from being the only factor governing relations between the Committee and the climbers. The Committee is composed of mountaineers And explorers, some bf whom have been on the mountain in the past and all of whom would have liked to be there but for the disqualifications of age and lack of capacity.—Yours faithfully,
E. S. HERBERT (President) E. S. HERBERT (President)
Alpine Club, 74 South Audley Street, W.1.
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