SEE ENGLAND FIRST
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] San,—I have read with much interest the suggestion in the Spectator concerning a systematic attempt to attract foreigners to England, not only by drawing attention to the great beauty of the country, but by offering improved service for their entertainment in the way of inns equipped with all modern convenience.
I am reminded of the slogan, " See America First," which, issuing a few years ago from the iron throat of certain railroad interests, sent thousands of Americans scampering across our broad continent to behold the wonders and beauties of the far western States.
A third of a century has passed since I paid my first visit to England, and a quarter of a century since I was last there, but the charm of what I saw during those two visits still lingers with me, and • not the least part of that charm is due to my memory of certain country inns at which it was my privilege to stay.
Even admitting that the " modern conveniences " which we Americans prize so highly were not as plentiful as I could have wished, the lack of them was offset, in my mind at least, by the atmosphere of those old time houses of entertainment, by the quiet, effective service, and by the excellence of the rather limited bill of fare.
The scheme suggested by the S'peclator will call for a liberal expenditure of money, administered by persons qualified by an intimate knowledge of American tastes and customs, to present England in its most attractive colours to the new world, and no
one is qualified for this task who does not understand how to take advantage of the deplorable effects of prohibition from which we are now suffering, and the great volume of tourist travel which that insane piece of legislative folly has already sent to the West Indies.
Your effort in behalf of the older country is one that will certainly commend itself to a very large element among my countrymen, and I can assure you that a few of us at least will watch with much interest the carrying out of your scheme.—
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