Lillian D. Wald, Crystal Eastman, Roger N. Baldwin, and L. Hollingsworth Wood to Woodrow Wilson

NEW YORK OFFICE:
70 FIFTH AVENUE
Telephone Chelsea 5645

Dear Mr. President

In accordance with your request through Mr. Tumulty of July 3rd, in answer to our telegram of July 2nd, we submit herewith legal evidence of certain distinct violations of constitutional rights in different parts of the country since the declaration of war.

We present evidence covering only a few recent cases. But this evidence we believe will suffice to convince you that civil liberty in America is seriously threatened under pressure of the war.

May we suggest once more that a public statement from you would tend at once to put a stop to these invasions of established rights at the hands of over-zealous officials?

We are not pleading for those who desire to obstruct the war or embarrass the government. We plead for those whose minds and hearts like yours long for a world order in which all people may be really free. They seek it in a common understanding among the people and between the peoples of the warring nations. They express it in discussion of terms of peace, the basis and meaning of democracy, and the war policies of the nation. May we not hope that the ultimate victory for the freedom of mankind is to be won not upon the battlefield but in a new understanding between the peoples, through agitation and discussion?

For this immediate high purpose, as well as for the vindication of constitutional rights on principle, we ask a statement from you now, which will make it easier for public opinion in America to play its part during the war.

Recalling your words in reply to our first appeal to you on this matter:"I will have the matter in mind and will act, I hope, at the right time in the spirit of your suggestion." We look to you to speak the word which will make every man in public office throughout this country feel the high obligation resting upon him to uphold the liberties guaranteed by the constitution.

For the American Union Against Militarism.