Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson
Title
Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP15733
Date
1919 April 23
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
My dearest,
Last night I attended a big reception which the Secretary of State & Mrs Lansing gave in honor of the new American Ambassador to France. It was a very charming affair. I made it a special point to go this affair—not only on account of the Wallaces—but because of the Lansings. They have behaved especially fine over here. The House combination—headed by son-in-law Auchincloss have made it very uncomfortable and disagreeable for the Lansings. By such statements we have put Lansing out of business. No one stops on his floor. They all come to the Colonel’s office for information and orders. G. A. went so far one day to say to Vance McCormick that even “little Woody” comes to our office for orders. Whereupon Vance jumped the said swelled head and came on the verge of bruising and smashing it. So you can see that it is all not serene Peace among some of the Americans, not to mention the old enemy Germany and some others—allies and otherwise.
The Parisian bacillus has infected the dear old Colonelso to such an extreme that it is good-bye dear old modesty—fare you well.
Of course, precious, I am writing you a lot of very confidential facts. In the US pouch I feel that my letters are safe and sure to reach you. I send you at least a few lines daily so you can check up on any missing letters—should there be any. I hope nothing will ever come to pass about the Colonel but it is almost sure to pass over. Team work is very important just now among the Americans. The President needs support for his principles. No time for selfishness, personal misunderstandings, etc. Plays for personal popularity—by compromising—deviation from the President’s principles has caused untold loss of valuable time. The President is laying down the facts to the Italians to-day in a strong statement concerning the Adriatic question, especially concerning Fiume. The poor old Colonel agreed with the President. He was also heard to say to Orlando that he agreed with his views and that he thought that he (the Colonel) could get the President to compromise. This sort of talk gives the wrong impression concerning the President. They think he is bluffing. No one but the President could stand what he is putting up with. Mr. Henry White is loyal and making good by keeping his mouth when he doesn’t know and points to the President all the errors he sees. He is getting along fine with Miss Edith. My friend Lloyd George is as slippery as an eel. He has courage before Parliament, but poor over here. He is a rae rare combination. Clemenceau is unreliable. Orlando—is likable—but very emotional—not a strong man. Sonino is a combination of Jew and Scotch—he is stubborn and mean, but has ability. Venezelos of Greece is the fine man—a great statesman.
Thursday (24th,
The Italians have developed a defiant attitude and are making lots of noise to-day but this will be an old story by the time this letter reaches you. I had dinner to-night with Admiral Long who entertained at the Ritz hotel in honor of Vice Admiral Gls who is over here for a few days.
It has been a very busy day. Friday 25th These are days of unearthing secret treaties. Every few days a new secret treaty seems to turn up. It now develops that England has a new secret treaty with Japan against China—more trouble for the President. I am afraid Italy will be a tempest in a tea pot compared to this proposition at this unfortunate time.
I am longing to get back to you and the boys. Charles Grasty was taken suddenly ill last night and dangerously so for several hours. I had a hard night as a result. He is better to-day but will be con confined to bed for several days. Just two days ago he gave me a silver and gold identification wrist band for the young fellow. Note the inscriptions inside & outside. I miss you and am very lonesome for you—
With all my love,
ever your
CTG
Last night I attended a big reception which the Secretary of State & Mrs Lansing gave in honor of the new American Ambassador to France. It was a very charming affair. I made it a special point to go this affair—not only on account of the Wallaces—but because of the Lansings. They have behaved especially fine over here. The House combination—headed by son-in-law Auchincloss have made it very uncomfortable and disagreeable for the Lansings. By such statements we have put Lansing out of business. No one stops on his floor. They all come to the Colonel’s office for information and orders. G. A. went so far one day to say to Vance McCormick that even “little Woody” comes to our office for orders. Whereupon Vance jumped the said swelled head and came on the verge of bruising and smashing it. So you can see that it is all not serene Peace among some of the Americans, not to mention the old enemy Germany and some others—allies and otherwise.
The Parisian bacillus has infected the dear old Colonelso to such an extreme that it is good-bye dear old modesty—fare you well.
Of course, precious, I am writing you a lot of very confidential facts. In the US pouch I feel that my letters are safe and sure to reach you. I send you at least a few lines daily so you can check up on any missing letters—should there be any. I hope nothing will ever come to pass about the Colonel but it is almost sure to pass over. Team work is very important just now among the Americans. The President needs support for his principles. No time for selfishness, personal misunderstandings, etc. Plays for personal popularity—by compromising—deviation from the President’s principles has caused untold loss of valuable time. The President is laying down the facts to the Italians to-day in a strong statement concerning the Adriatic question, especially concerning Fiume. The poor old Colonel agreed with the President. He was also heard to say to Orlando that he agreed with his views and that he thought that he (the Colonel) could get the President to compromise. This sort of talk gives the wrong impression concerning the President. They think he is bluffing. No one but the President could stand what he is putting up with. Mr. Henry White is loyal and making good by keeping his mouth when he doesn’t know and points to the President all the errors he sees. He is getting along fine with Miss Edith. My friend Lloyd George is as slippery as an eel. He has courage before Parliament, but poor over here. He is a rae rare combination. Clemenceau is unreliable. Orlando—is likable—but very emotional—not a strong man. Sonino is a combination of Jew and Scotch—he is stubborn and mean, but has ability. Venezelos of Greece is the fine man—a great statesman.
Thursday (24th,
The Italians have developed a defiant attitude and are making lots of noise to-day but this will be an old story by the time this letter reaches you. I had dinner to-night with Admiral Long who entertained at the Ritz hotel in honor of Vice Admiral Gls who is over here for a few days.
It has been a very busy day. Friday 25th These are days of unearthing secret treaties. Every few days a new secret treaty seems to turn up. It now develops that England has a new secret treaty with Japan against China—more trouble for the President. I am afraid Italy will be a tempest in a tea pot compared to this proposition at this unfortunate time.
I am longing to get back to you and the boys. Charles Grasty was taken suddenly ill last night and dangerously so for several hours. I had a hard night as a result. He is better to-day but will be con confined to bed for several days. Just two days ago he gave me a silver and gold identification wrist band for the young fellow. Note the inscriptions inside & outside. I miss you and am very lonesome for you—
With all my love,
ever your
CTG
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Alice Gertrude Gordon, 1892-1961
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson to Alice Gertrude Gordon Grayson,” 1919 April 23, WWP15733, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.