Josephus Daniels to Woodrow Wilson

You will recall that some days ago, in discussing the personnel of the Peace Commission, I expressed the hope that you would name Mr. Bryan. He is in perfect accord with the spirit of and letter of your declarations and your large purposes. His convictions as to the means to make permanent peace are in line with those you entertain. It is true that many regard him as a pacifist, and in a sense he is, but during the entire war his support of every measure for its prosecution has been genuine and sincere, and in the early days it was helpful when ultra-militants were criticizing and hindering the programme.Mr. Bryan, as you said in your speech in Washington in 1912, has rendered lasting service in pointing out deep rooted evils and in fighting them when many others did not see and warn. As a stout champion of the rights of the people he is a world figure and his devotion is appreciated by those who labor.

It is the crowning ambition of his life to have the opportunity of rendering this service and I trust you will feel that you can name him as one of the commissioners. I know there are thousands "“ very many "“ who would be gratified at his selectionWith the earnest hope that this suggestion (and you know I would not make it if did not feel deeply it would strengthen the principles for which you stand) may meet your approval, I am,