Cary T. Grayson Diary
Title
Cary T. Grayson Diary
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP17159
Date
1919 May 8
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
The President had breakfast at 8:30. He has a habit of going to the window every morning after dressing, and, with the window wide open, practice deep-breathing exercises. He always looks out of the window and waves “good-morning” to the members of the guard on duty in the garden. This has become a regular routine and the soldiers look for the wave of his hand every morning.
The Big Four met at 11:00 o’clock. The Austrian situation was discussed. They decided not to have a meeting in the afternoon.
The President in the afternoon, feeling greatly in need of recreation and fresh air, motored out to the Longchamp Race Course at my suggestion, which was pleasing to Mrs. Wilson. The President enjoyed the afternoon. Lord Derby, the British Ambassador to France, Prince Muray, Mr. B. M. Baruch and the racing officials came up to the box and talked with the President and Mrs. Wilson. It was the first time the President had seen races on the turf. He was intensely interested in watching the crowd as well as the races. It was a most refreshing afternoon for him. Incidentally, it was the first time since the term of General U. S. Grant that a President of the United States had been present at running races.
Upon his return home he conferred with Senator William Harris of Georgia. Senator Harris told the President that he had finally decided that he would vote for the adoption of the Woman’s Suffrage Amendment when it came before the Senate at the extra session. This insured the adoption of suffrage inasmuch as one vote was needed in the Senate to total the two-thirds majority required to amend the Constitution and give women the right to vote.
At seven o’clock the President had dinner with Mrs. Wilson, Dr. Stockton Axson and myself. After dinner we talked on various subjects, including the Germans and the peace treaty, the attitude of the French and the English towards the Germans and America.The President then talked to me about prospective political conditions in America, and discussed with me the pros and cons of the candidates - Democrats and Republicans - for the next Presidential campaign. He also dwelt upon himself telling me what he could do and what he could not do.
A telephone message came from Mr. Bernard M. Baruch saying that he had discovered that the French had changed the wording of an important clause which was serious. The President remarked: “The French seem to be always up to some scullduggery; the word ‘honorable’ doesn’t seem to mean anything to them.” The evidence before the Big Four was conclusive that M. Andre Tardieu was the one who made this change.
The relaxation and enjoyment of the races and the evening at home free from business clearly showed the elasticity of his physical and mental make-up, and although much run down from the heavy strain to which he has recently been subjected, he shows that he is able to come back if given a proper chance. From the benefits received by the President during the short afternoon at the races, I was more than ever convinced that sunshine, fresh air, and good horses with the colors up is a tonic that is second to none in benefitting a mind wearied man, whether he is a President or just a common layman.
The Big Four met at 11:00 o’clock. The Austrian situation was discussed. They decided not to have a meeting in the afternoon.
The President in the afternoon, feeling greatly in need of recreation and fresh air, motored out to the Longchamp Race Course at my suggestion, which was pleasing to Mrs. Wilson. The President enjoyed the afternoon. Lord Derby, the British Ambassador to France, Prince Muray, Mr. B. M. Baruch and the racing officials came up to the box and talked with the President and Mrs. Wilson. It was the first time the President had seen races on the turf. He was intensely interested in watching the crowd as well as the races. It was a most refreshing afternoon for him. Incidentally, it was the first time since the term of General U. S. Grant that a President of the United States had been present at running races.
Upon his return home he conferred with Senator William Harris of Georgia. Senator Harris told the President that he had finally decided that he would vote for the adoption of the Woman’s Suffrage Amendment when it came before the Senate at the extra session. This insured the adoption of suffrage inasmuch as one vote was needed in the Senate to total the two-thirds majority required to amend the Constitution and give women the right to vote.
At seven o’clock the President had dinner with Mrs. Wilson, Dr. Stockton Axson and myself. After dinner we talked on various subjects, including the Germans and the peace treaty, the attitude of the French and the English towards the Germans and America.The President then talked to me about prospective political conditions in America, and discussed with me the pros and cons of the candidates - Democrats and Republicans - for the next Presidential campaign. He also dwelt upon himself telling me what he could do and what he could not do.
A telephone message came from Mr. Bernard M. Baruch saying that he had discovered that the French had changed the wording of an important clause which was serious. The President remarked: “The French seem to be always up to some scullduggery; the word ‘honorable’ doesn’t seem to mean anything to them.” The evidence before the Big Four was conclusive that M. Andre Tardieu was the one who made this change.
The relaxation and enjoyment of the races and the evening at home free from business clearly showed the elasticity of his physical and mental make-up, and although much run down from the heavy strain to which he has recently been subjected, he shows that he is able to come back if given a proper chance. From the benefits received by the President during the short afternoon at the races, I was more than ever convinced that sunshine, fresh air, and good horses with the colors up is a tonic that is second to none in benefitting a mind wearied man, whether he is a President or just a common layman.
Original Format
Diary
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1919 May 8, WWP17159, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.