Cary T. Grayson Diary

Title

Cary T. Grayson Diary

Creator

Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938

Identifier

WWP17085

Date

1919 March 4

Source

Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia

Language

English

Text

TUESDAY, The President went to the Capitol as usual for the closing hours of the Congress. He found very little to do, inasmuch as the Republicans through their unorganized filibuster had completely demoralized all pending legislation. Immediately following the final adjournment of Congress the President gave out the following statement in which he placed the direct responsibility for the failure of the important and much-needed legislation:

The President’s statement follows:

“A group of men in the Senate have deliberately chosen to embarrass the Administration of the Government, to imperil the financial interests of the railway systems of the country and to make arbitrary use of powers intended to be employed in the interests of the people.

“It is plainly my present duty to attend the Peace Conference in Paris. It is also my duty to be in close contact with the public business during a session of the Congress of the country.

“I must make my choice between these two duties and I confidently hope that the people of the country will think that I am making the right choice.

“It is not in the interest of the right conduct of public affairs that I should call the Congress in special session while it is impossible for me to be in Washington because of a more pressing duty elsewhere, to co-operate with the Houses.

“I take it for granted that the men who have obstructed and have prevented the passing of necessary legislation have taken all of this into consideration and are willing to assume the responsibility of the impaired efficiency of the Government and the embarrassed finances of the country during the time of my enforced absence.”

The President returned to the White House for luncheon.

DIARY ENTRY: Left Washington for Paris—2.00 PM.

Original Format

Diary

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/PCFT19190304.pdf
PCFT19190304A.pdf

Citation

Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1919 March 4, WWP17085, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.