Josephus Daniels to Woodrow Wilson

I thank you for your letter with regard to the suggestion presented by Bishop Thomas J. Garland.
I feel that it is our duty first to give the State and local authorities an opportunity to correct conditions which we have called to their attention. Of course, when they fail utterly to do so we will use other agencies, such as Mr. Fosdick's Committee and the agents of the Department of Justice. We have not, however, made this known in the localities where such work has been undertaken, as we have felt it would militate against their effectiveness. In every instance I am insisting that it is the duty of the local authorities to create and maintain a wholesome environment for men stationed within their jurisdiction, and I am glad to be able to report to you that in several instances where we have undertaken to secure better surroundings, our efforts have met with some degree of success.

In some cities the clean-up has been all but denied.

Faithfully yours,

The President.