Molokichi Takahashi to Cary T. Grayson
Title
Molokichi Takahashi to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
Takahashi, Molokichi
Identifier
WWP16073
Date
1919 November 9
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
The Burlington Hotel
Washington, DC
To Rear Admiral Grayson
Dear Sir:
I am a Member of the Japanese Parliament, belonging to the Liberal Party, and also one of the elders of the Presbyterian Church in Tokyo. Both of these achievements are altogether the result of the instruction and influence of my great Teacher, Mr. Woodrow Wilson, at Princeton University, from 1903 to 1906.
While I was in Princeton, I reverenced him as the greatest man in existence, and the whole word has joined me in that belief. I have endeavored to let my friends and countrymen understand his principles and policies since he became president. I have been one of the most earnest supporters and speakers for the League of Nations in Japan, and our fight has been a successful one.
I came to the States in May, and hoped to see my distinguished President, and again to be inspired by him. He was then in Europe, and after waiting a few weeks, and realizing the possible delays of the Peace Conference, I took steamer for Europe and passed his ship on the Atlantic.
I sent him a wireless message of congratulation on his great victory at Versailles, from the SS Aquitania, July 6th and he has answered me most cordially from the “George Washington.” So I have been hoping for the happy opportunity to see him here in the White House.
In 1905, while a Princeton student, I have seen him on his sick bed in the Presbyterian Hospital in New York, and it made a very strong impression on me. How I regret that he is again suffering, and that I cannot wait here until he is fully recovered. I must now return to Japan before our Parliament convenes, and I so regret that I cannot carry a message from him to his admirers and followers in my country.
Please assure him of my fervent prayers for his recovery, and let him know that I have been here, since it is only by your orders that he will be permitted to know of outside things.
With assurances of the highest consideration, believe me dear Admiral Grayson
Yours very sincerely
Molokichi Takahashi, MP
Sunday
Washington, DC
To Rear Admiral Grayson
Dear Sir:
I am a Member of the Japanese Parliament, belonging to the Liberal Party, and also one of the elders of the Presbyterian Church in Tokyo. Both of these achievements are altogether the result of the instruction and influence of my great Teacher, Mr. Woodrow Wilson, at Princeton University, from 1903 to 1906.
While I was in Princeton, I reverenced him as the greatest man in existence, and the whole word has joined me in that belief. I have endeavored to let my friends and countrymen understand his principles and policies since he became president. I have been one of the most earnest supporters and speakers for the League of Nations in Japan, and our fight has been a successful one.
I came to the States in May, and hoped to see my distinguished President, and again to be inspired by him. He was then in Europe, and after waiting a few weeks, and realizing the possible delays of the Peace Conference, I took steamer for Europe and passed his ship on the Atlantic.
I sent him a wireless message of congratulation on his great victory at Versailles, from the SS Aquitania, July 6th and he has answered me most cordially from the “George Washington.” So I have been hoping for the happy opportunity to see him here in the White House.
In 1905, while a Princeton student, I have seen him on his sick bed in the Presbyterian Hospital in New York, and it made a very strong impression on me. How I regret that he is again suffering, and that I cannot wait here until he is fully recovered. I must now return to Japan before our Parliament convenes, and I so regret that I cannot carry a message from him to his admirers and followers in my country.
Please assure him of my fervent prayers for his recovery, and let him know that I have been here, since it is only by your orders that he will be permitted to know of outside things.
With assurances of the highest consideration, believe me dear Admiral Grayson
Yours very sincerely
Molokichi Takahashi, MP
Sunday
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
Takahashi, Molokichi, “Molokichi Takahashi to Cary T. Grayson,” 1919 November 9, WWP16073, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.