Cary T. Grayson Diary
Title
Cary T. Grayson Diary
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP17170
Date
1919 May 19
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
The President arose early, and after breakfast he went for a motor-ride, returning in time to attend the meeting of the Council of Four, which took up the question of the disintegration of OItaly as an empire. Many serious questions came up in this connection. The Mohammedans in India have been pointing out to the British representatives that if the Sultan of Turkey is to be entirely deposed and Turkey dismembered as an Empire, the result may well be a renewal of the Holy a Holy War by the Musselmens. The question at issue in connection with the Turkish problem was, first, whether Turkey would entirely be eliminated from Europe, and secondly, whether the United States would accept a mandatory over what is now Turkey in Europe. The matter was debated at very great length without a decision being reached, as there were a number of points upon which the President asked for additional information, both from Lloyd George and from the latter’s Indian representatives.
After the Big Four, adjourned the President had as a lunch guest General John J. Pershing. General Pershing had planned to go to London to be the guest of the Municipality there on , and all arrangements had been made for him to review there a picked regiment of American soldiers who were to be sent over from the Army of Occupation to march in review before King George. General Pershing told the President of his plans, and the latter expressed surprise that the Commander-in-Chief should contemplate being absent from his Army at a time when it was entirely possible that the German reply to the peace terms would be forthcoming. As a result of the talk between the President and General Pershing, Pershing canceled the London plan and announced that he would proceed to Coblenz, there to remain together with General Hunter Liggett until the question as to whether it would be necessary to renew hostilities against Germany had been disposed of. There was, however, no business transacted at the luncheon table. The President told the General a number of good stories. He then asked: “General, may I inquire to what church you belong?” The General displayed distinct eastonishment and perplexity over the direct question but answered: “Episcopalian”. Whereupon Mrs. Wilson applauded with a smile to me. The President then said: “That’s too bad; I had hopes that you were a Presbyterian, as I have two Episcopalians here in the presence of Mrs Wilson and Admiral Grayson, who take sides against me in matters of religion.”
The President then referred to the wonderful sermon which we had heard by Dr. Black yesterday, and said to the General: “I wish you could have been present to have heard it. You would have enjoyed it.”
After luncheon the President went for a motor ride and returned to the temporary White House to confer with Mr. Bernard M. Baruch and some of the other American economic experts.
After dinner the President, Mrs. Wilson and I spent a quiet evening. The President,discussed many things concerning individuals and matters which had to do with the peace negotiations.
Although the President had no personal part in it thro during the day, the exchange of credentials between the Austrian peace plenipotentiaries and Allied and Associated representatives took place at St. Germain.
After the Big Four, adjourned the President had as a lunch guest General John J. Pershing. General Pershing had planned to go to London to be the guest of the Municipality there on , and all arrangements had been made for him to review there a picked regiment of American soldiers who were to be sent over from the Army of Occupation to march in review before King George. General Pershing told the President of his plans, and the latter expressed surprise that the Commander-in-Chief should contemplate being absent from his Army at a time when it was entirely possible that the German reply to the peace terms would be forthcoming. As a result of the talk between the President and General Pershing, Pershing canceled the London plan and announced that he would proceed to Coblenz, there to remain together with General Hunter Liggett until the question as to whether it would be necessary to renew hostilities against Germany had been disposed of. There was, however, no business transacted at the luncheon table. The President told the General a number of good stories. He then asked: “General, may I inquire to what church you belong?” The General displayed distinct eastonishment and perplexity over the direct question but answered: “Episcopalian”. Whereupon Mrs. Wilson applauded with a smile to me. The President then said: “That’s too bad; I had hopes that you were a Presbyterian, as I have two Episcopalians here in the presence of Mrs Wilson and Admiral Grayson, who take sides against me in matters of religion.”
The President then referred to the wonderful sermon which we had heard by Dr. Black yesterday, and said to the General: “I wish you could have been present to have heard it. You would have enjoyed it.”
After luncheon the President went for a motor ride and returned to the temporary White House to confer with Mr. Bernard M. Baruch and some of the other American economic experts.
After dinner the President, Mrs. Wilson and I spent a quiet evening. The President,discussed many things concerning individuals and matters which had to do with the peace negotiations.
Although the President had no personal part in it thro during the day, the exchange of credentials between the Austrian peace plenipotentiaries and Allied and Associated representatives took place at St. Germain.
Original Format
Diary
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1919 May 19, WWP17170, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.