Valentini (Chief of the Civil Cabinet), who was somewhat skeptical at first regarding the need of such a fund, is now glowing with enthusiasm about it, and he tells me the whole Commission, which is composed of carefully chosen men, is earnestly devoted to the work of making the very best and wisest use of their means and has devoted much time to their decisions.

They have corresponded with the English and French Commission, arranged to exchange reports, and made plans to keep in touch with one another in their work.  They were deeply interested in the American report and have learned much from it.

King Edward of Britain was deeply impressed by the provisions of the fund, and wrote me an autograph letter of appreciation of this and other gifts to my native land, which I deeply value, and hence insert.

     Windsor Castle, November 21, 1908

     DEAR MR. CARNEGIE: 

     I have for some time past been anxious to express to you my
     sense of your generosity for the great public objects which
     you have presented to this country, the land of your birth.

     Scarcely less admirable than the gifts themselves is the
     great care and thought you have taken in guarding against
     their misuse.

     I am anxious to tell you how warmly I recognize your most
     generous benefactions and the great services they are likely
     to confer upon the country.

     As a mark of recognition, I hope you will accept the
     portrait of myself which I am sending to you.

     Believe me, dear Mr. Carnegie,

     Sincerely yours

     EDWARD R. & I.

Some of the newspapers in America were doubtful of the merits of the Hero Fund and the first annual report was criticized, but all this has passed away and the action of the fund is now warmly extolled.  It has conquered, and long will it be before the trust is allowed to perish!  The heroes of the barbarian past wounded or killed their fellows; the heroes of our civilized day serve or save theirs.  Such the difference between physical and moral courage, between barbarism and civilization.  Those who belong to the first class are soon to pass away, for we are finally to regard men who slay each other as we now do cannibals who eat each other; but those in the latter class will not die as long as man exists upon the earth, for such heroism as they display is god-like.