An English Professor Interviewed

AN ENGLISH PROFESSOR INTERVIEWED By Harold L. Snow English people gain a much different, and certainly a more desir- able, impression of Utah when they visit this country than when they hear a lengthy discussion of the "Mormon" problem in England, or read some anti- "Mormon" article in an English newspaper. "It makes an Englishman proud to think that many of the Pio- neers were of his own blood," declared Professor Charles Sisson, of the English department of University College, London, England, who made a six-weeks' stay in Utah while he taught English literature in the University of Utah first term of Summer school. "No one can traverse Utah from north to south," he continued, "without being amazed at the work that has been done in the short time by few peo- ple, making a great state out of what was almost a desert. "I wish I could stay longer in Utah. In the short period of six weeks that I have been here I have visited nearly all parts of the state from Bear Lake to Zion Canyon, including all of the many canyons and a hike to the summit of Mount Timpanogos." From the heights of that tremendous mountain, Professor Sisson was greatly impressed with the beauty of the "wide stretch of smiling, fertile lands below," as he expressed it. "The scenery of Utah is wonderful," the English professor de- clared. "Bryce's Canyon is the best I've seen in the world. I have traveled all over Europe and Egypt and don't know of anything to equal Bryce's Canyon. "As an Englishman I've felt more at home with the people of Utah than those of any other state I've been in yet. Most of the people I meet seem to be either first or second generation English. Wherever I've been in the States I've talked of Anglo-American understanding and cooperation, and have found it universally welcome. I've tried to find anti-British feeling and can't; least of all in Utah. "It seems to be accepted that the two greatest powers for good in the world will depend largely upon their cooperation. Anything that will help to increase this cooperation and understanding is a service to humanity. "I felt it as a happy omen when I was shown Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The chief custodian there was a native of Yorkshire, with the good old Yorkshire accent. This is symbolical of the English delight in the growth of this great commonwealth. "I think it should be a definite policy to send as many American students as possible — preferably undergraduates — to English universities and vice versa, and where possible to effect an exchange of professors also. I've not yet met i student from Utah at London University, but I hope to some day soon." 'Iniuersity of Utah