Cary T. Grayson Diary

Title

Cary T. Grayson Diary

Creator

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

Identifier

WWP17175

Date

1919 May 24

Source

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

Language

English

Text

The President arose early and after his usual morning walk, which I have persuaded him to take whenever the weather is favorable in order that he may keep in excellent physical condition, went into session with the Council of Four. The Russian question was under consideration. The British and French have been urging the President to recognize the government of Admiral Koltchak, which is driving the Bolshevists out of control in Russia. The President has refused to accept the government as a “pig in a poke”, but declares that there must be assurances which will show that not only will Kolatchak agree to the calling of a constitutional assembly to decide what form of government shall be created in Russia, and who shall direct that government, but that he (Kolatchak) shall give such assurances as will prevent him from establishing a military dictatorship in Russia. The matter was discussed in all of its aspects without a final decision being reached.

The President had no luncheon guests and was able to take a brief motor ride before resuming the sessions of the Big Four. The afternoon session of the Big Four was very brief, it being devoted simply to an approval of the reply of the Allies to the German demands for concessions in connection with the Saar Valley. The Germans were told that they had been assessed the mineral wealth of the Saar Valley for a period of fifteen years as a matter of retribution, and that they would not be allowed to send coal from the Valley and from other sections retaining their control. One concession, and a very great one, that was made, however, was that at the end of fifteen years the Allied Economic Commission and the League of Nations should decide in what form Germany should buy back her Saar Valley holdings. The original clause had compelled payment in gold and Germany in her protest had pointed out that this would be impossible if the other terms of the economic demands were to be met.

At five o’clock the President and I left the house for a walk on the Avenue du Bois de Boulogne. We sat down on the chairs and watchied the pedestrians, equestrians and motor-cars pass by. The President loves to watch a crowd, especially if he is unrecognized and the crowd treats him as one of their number. He loves to elbow with his fellowman, so to speak. He has the most observing eye. He can see more things than any other man I know. If there is any freak costumes of any kind, it catches his eye, notwithstanding the fact that his vision is not good, especially in one eye. He repeatedly pointed out various individuals, making comment regarding their appearance. For instance, pointing to a passer-by, he said: “That fellow passing there I think is an American actor.” I said: “Why do you say that?” He replied: “Look how he walks; look at his clothes, his self-satisfied stride and carriage and manner; they are all peculiar to one who is accustomed to the stage.” “The cut of his clothes”, the President said, “give me the suggestion that he is on the stage.” I agreed fully with the President; I should not have made this observation without the President’s suggestion. The extreme costumes worn by women could not, in the President’s opinion, last long because they were not attractive and showed a tendency to immodesty. It was an enjoyable and restful half-hour for the President. Little children accompanied by their nurses were objects of the President’s attention. They attired in all colors, which interested the President very much. The arrangement of houses that were being built with gardens in the rear was commented upon by the President. He thought it was an attractive and sensible arrangement, because it gave privacy to the occupants of the houses; it gave them a chance to sit in the gardens and not be observed by the public. This is just the reverse of what we have in our cities in America.

In discussing individuals connected with the American Peace Commission, the President said: “I have given representation to Wall Street which may be misunderstood at home, especially by Democrats and Progressives. I chose, purposely, for instance, Tom Lamont, of Morgan & Company, because I wanted him to see at first hand exactly the plans and purposes and manner of the administration’s waty of doing business. I wanted him to be a partner of reform for the country. If Wall Street continues to try to run the finances and economic conditions of the country a revolution is inevitable. And I do not want to see a revolution. Therefore, I hope that they will grasp the situation and become a partner in this reform plan of government. It gives them a good opportunity to see the workings of the government at first hand, and if they refuse to become partners for the good of all the people, they know what to expect.

After dinner the President spent a very quiet evening.

Original Format

Diary

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/PCST19190524.pdf

Citation

Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1919 May 24, WWP17175, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.