Lawrence C. Woods to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Lawrence C. Woods to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Lawrence C. Woods
Identifier
WWP21274
Date
1917 April 25
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers, 1786-1957
Language
English
Text
Dear Mr. President
You are doing every thing so gloriously and perfectly that I have hesitated for more than a month to make two suggestions. I assume that they have occurred to you and if wise, you have already utilized them. But knowing that even you may not think of every thing, permit me to suggest two ideas -
First - if the Allies serve notice that they would not negotiate peace or any thing else with the present German Government, might it not hasten its overthrow by the German people?
Second - You have always advocated the personal guilt of some individual in any corporation guilty of wrongdoing. Individuals in Germany are personally responsible for the atrocious crimes against civilization that have horrified the world. If the Allies now serve notice that a high court of nations would try individuals at the close of this war, would it not be a solemn notice to the world and possibly mitigate to some slight extent the impossible horrors yet to be anticipated in Germany's mad despair?
On all sides I hear respect, admiration and glory in your leadership. How patient, wise and brave you are. In filling up my blank for Princeton, in answer to the question what public service I have performed, I answered - “Had a small part in the nomination and election of Woodrow Wilson.” I regarded that as the greatest service that I have ever rendered, small part tho I had in it all.
Lawrence C. Woods
You are doing every thing so gloriously and perfectly that I have hesitated for more than a month to make two suggestions. I assume that they have occurred to you and if wise, you have already utilized them. But knowing that even you may not think of every thing, permit me to suggest two ideas -
First - if the Allies serve notice that they would not negotiate peace or any thing else with the present German Government, might it not hasten its overthrow by the German people?
Second - You have always advocated the personal guilt of some individual in any corporation guilty of wrongdoing. Individuals in Germany are personally responsible for the atrocious crimes against civilization that have horrified the world. If the Allies now serve notice that a high court of nations would try individuals at the close of this war, would it not be a solemn notice to the world and possibly mitigate to some slight extent the impossible horrors yet to be anticipated in Germany's mad despair?
On all sides I hear respect, admiration and glory in your leadership. How patient, wise and brave you are. In filling up my blank for Princeton, in answer to the question what public service I have performed, I answered - “Had a small part in the nomination and election of Woodrow Wilson.” I regarded that as the greatest service that I have ever rendered, small part tho I had in it all.
With affectionate regards to you and yours,Please do not answer
Sincerely,Lawrence C. Woods
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Lawrence C. Woods, “Lawrence C. Woods to Woodrow Wilson,” 1917 April 25, WWP21274, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.