The intimate papers of Colonel House arranged as a narrative by Charles Seymour.

SIR HORACE PLUNKETT

145

desirable. He wished me to come to Ireland and visit him for
three days before we sail, and I have promised to go. I am
much interested in this phase of governmental work. I want
to see what has been done in Ireland under his direction so
that I may take some practical knowledge of it to the President and to Secretary Houston for their information.'
House knew of the lifetime of service which Plunkett had
devoted to the science of agricultural improvement and to its
application to Ireland, of his friendship with Roosevelt, and
his love for America. He looked upon him as among the
most eminent of living British statesmen, and he hoped to
win his interest and help in the solution of American agricultural problems. Plunkett, on his side, had been on the
watch for a chance to come into contact with the new Democratic Administration and was delighted to find in the President's adviser a congenial spirit, between whom and himself
sprang up an enduring companionship. 'Thus began,' said
Plunkett, twelve years later, 'this precious friendship of my
later years.' 1
Sir Horace Plunkett to Colonel House
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 16, 1913
MY DEAR COLONEL HOUSE:
You leave me wondering how you can show such extraordinary kindness to a stranger in the land, of whom you know so
little, and how I can ever repay such hospitality and help.
Yesterday morning and last night will long remain delightful
memories. You gave me the opportunity I badly needed to
explain things to Mr. Houston, and in this, judging by his
kindness to me to-day, I think I must have had some success.
I had a most useful time with him and others at the Department this morning and shall probably resume my studies
to-morrow. I paid my respects to the President and was
1 Conversation with the author, August 1, 1925.