DIN(S£I\ VMITH PI\E31D -CM 
Extract from a letter addressee to ^rs. Bolmas; 
"Hotel Santiago, Chile, 
Sunday, December 27, l* V o 
T, I am back from my trip to the south and am again in the 
troublous torrent of social and scientific affairs in Santiago* 
Today is comparatively quiet, although I have to dine with the 
President of the republic, Hr. Pedro ITontt at eight this even- 
ing. I had hardly expected that the invitation would be re- 
peated and rather hoped to escape this particular function — 
but there is no let up to the hospitality of these people'. 
Last night I attended a great banquet, given to the various 
delegations of the Congress, at the University. Friday night, 
Christmas, a warm June day with a cool night, the opening ses- 
sion of the Congress was held at the theater and the Chairmen 
of the various delegations had their opportunity to tell the 
Chileans how glorious their country is and how beautiful their 
women. The fact is that all concede that the percentage of 
handsome women is greater here than in any other country of the 
world. My good friend Smith is fully convinced of this, and 
tomorrow night at a great reception to be held at the Glob de 
Union I shall have a good chance to make up my own mind on 
this point. 
"The first scientific meetings of the various sections 
were held yesterday and my paper comes on Wednesday. It will 
be read in abstract only and in Spanish by Mr. Philippi, a 
young lawyer, son of the German director of the local Museum, 
