Paul O. Husting to Woodrow Wilson

Dear Mr. President
It is reported that you are considering the appointment of a Socialistic delegate to accompany the Russian Committee which, I understand, will be sent to visit Russia. Among other names mentioned were those of Victor Berger and Morris Hilquitt. These two men are particularly obnoxious to the loyal, or who may be termed, American Socialists.

At St. Louis, Victor Berger and Morris Hilquitt were the leaders in pushing thru the resolution which in effect recommends mass action, or in other words, mass resistance to conscription.Victor Berger, to my own personal knowledge, has been a rabid pro-German and is still a pro-German and anti-American. His editorials in the Leader, his interviews and his speeches border on, if they do not pass beyond, the line of treason. I have been receiving letters from loyal Socialists in which the tell me the mere report that Berger's name is being considered has done a lot of harm, and I would respectfully suggest that an authoritative statement be given out stating that Mr. Berger's name is not being considered.
The two most prominent Socialists at the St. Louis Convention who opposed the disloyal resolution were Ex-State Senate W. R. Gaylord and A. M. Simons, both of Milwaukee.
I served in the State Senate with Senator Gaylord and know him intimately. He is a recognized leader and has been one of the most active and influential Socialists in Milwaukee, if not in the United States, but his loyalty to the country is unquestioned and he may be thoroly depended upon.Mr. A. M. Simons was one of the charter members and founders of the Socialist Party in Milwaukee. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin “1899” and was prominent as a social settlement worker at Chicago for a number of years. He founded and edited for a number of years “The Coming Nation”. Later, he became an associate editor with Victor Berger on the “Milwaukee Leader”. He has also been a frequent contributor to “The New Republic”. He was one of the American delegates to the International Socialist Convention held one time at Berne, I think. He is also a man of exceptional ability and unquestioned loyalty.
Both of these men have been close to Victor Berger, have been friendly to him and have only broken away from him because of Mr. Berger's disloyalty.
Now, these two gentlemen have asked me to recommend to you Mr. Arthur J. Bullard and I enclose herewith a copy of a letter from Mr. Simons, dated May 4th, and a copy of a telegram from Mr. W. R. Gaylord of May. 7th.
I am not acquainted with Mr. Bullard but I believe that the opinion of Messrs. Gaylord and Simons is worthy of consideration in the event that you have not definitely decided upon the man. Among other things, it will be noted in Mr. Simons' letter that Mr. Bullard is the author of the book entitled, “The Diplomacy of the Great War” and that he stands very high in Russia; knows all sections of the Russian Socialist movement and at the same time thoroly understands the intricacies of European diplomacy and has the confidence of every American Socialist except those attached to the pro-German machine. It will also be noted that Mr. Simons' suggestion is spontaneous because he does not even know the present whereabouts of Mr. Bullard but that Macmillian & Co. could give the information if desired. Mr. Simons also suggests that if any more information regarding Mr. Bullard is needed that Ernest Poole, Leroy Scott or Wm. English Walling could give it.
If you should desire anything further upon this matter, I would be glad to confer with you or get Mr. Simons or Mr. Gaylord down here for a conference.

With assurance of my highest respect and esteem, I remain,
PH:MW

P. S. I almost neglected calling your particular attention to the most important part of Mr. Simons' letter, viz: the fact that Mr. Bullard was active throughout the Russian Revolution of 1906 and knows all the ins and outs of the Russian Socialist movement and that there is no man in the world so highly thought of by the Russian Socialists as Mr. Bullard.

Respectfully yours,
Paul O. Husting
P. O. H.


To the President.