Joseph P. Tumulty to Woodrow Wilson

The editorial of the New York Post expresses so clearly my own feeling toward Germany's proposal, that I hope you will get a chance to glance through it. In my opinion, to accept the offer of Germany and Austria would be to destroy the great edifice your leadership has erected. The free peoples of the world have been inspired by the ideal of democracy which you raised and now that leadership is to meet its great test. Your record in this matter has been made up. On September 27th, you said that we had dealt with them already and we had seen them deal with other governments and that you were convinced that they were without honor and do not intend justice. If, by any chance, there should be an acceptance of these proposals, the reaction throughout this country and throughout the world, would be too terrible to contemplate. It would leave the world absolutely without hope and would destroy your leadership, which means so much at this time. A reply along the lines of your last speech will do more to end this war quickly than any attempt to deal with the present Prussian rulers of Germany. This is not a time to dally with these gentlemen. These last proposals are a trick on the part of Germany to hold Austria and Turkey. If we stand firmly for the program of justice and peace, which you have outlined, Turkey and Austria will soon follow in the path of Bulgaria and Germany will surrender.