Woodrow Wilson to Stephen Samuel Wise

Personal.

My dear Rabbi Wise
Before your letter about Mr. Root came, I had already asked him to serve as the head of the commission we are about to send to Russia. Before doing so I convinced myself that he was genuinely and heartily in sympathy with the revolution in Russia, and his experience is such, his tact so great, and his appreciation of the object of the commission so clear that I cannot but feel that he will prove to have been an admirable choice.

I, of course, appreciate the considerations which you urge and indeed had them in mind before making the choice, but I believe, all things weighed together, my choice has been the wise one. It distresses me that your judgment should be different.

Cordially and sincerely yours,

Woodrow Wilson


Rabbi Stephen S. Wise,
New York City.