William G. McAdoo to Woodrow Wilson
Title
William G. McAdoo to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941
Identifier
WWP16125
Date
1919 December 29
Description
William G. McAdoo advises President Wilson to appoint a lawyer to represent the public interest before the Coal Commission.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Dear Governor
May I take the liberty of suggesting that you immediately appoint a lawyer of fine ability, not connected with the Administration, to appear for the public and to conduct the investigation in the public’s behalf before the Coal Commission you have just appointed.
Unless this is done I believe that the investigation will not be thorough and that it will not, therefore, satisfy the public. Unless the full truth is developed, there is a very real danger that the report of the Commission may do more harm than good. The miners are represented on the Commission so they do not need counsel; the operators are represented on the Commission and they do not need counsel – their representatives know all the ins and outs of the business from every angle and the public’s representative does not know the coal situation. Counsel for the public would perform a service of infinite value to the country and the Administration. I am sure you could not make a more satisfactory move so far as the public is concerned.
There is ample precedent for the appointment of counsel to represent the public in the investigations conducted by Congressional Committees from time to time.
I would suggest Sherman Whipple, of Boston, if you are willing to entertain this idea. He is a brilliant lawyer and New England is as vitally concerned, if not more vitally concerned, in the coal problem, than any section of the country. It would give great confidence to the public generally if you would commit to a man like Whipple this important task. I suggest that counsel for the public be not connected with the Administration so as to advoid the charge which would certainly be made against any representative of the Department of Justice that politics were entering into the matter.
We are delighted beyond measure with your continued improvement. Nell may go down to Washington next week.
With love for your all,
May I take the liberty of suggesting that you immediately appoint a lawyer of fine ability, not connected with the Administration, to appear for the public and to conduct the investigation in the public’s behalf before the Coal Commission you have just appointed.
Unless this is done I believe that the investigation will not be thorough and that it will not, therefore, satisfy the public. Unless the full truth is developed, there is a very real danger that the report of the Commission may do more harm than good. The miners are represented on the Commission so they do not need counsel; the operators are represented on the Commission and they do not need counsel – their representatives know all the ins and outs of the business from every angle and the public’s representative does not know the coal situation. Counsel for the public would perform a service of infinite value to the country and the Administration. I am sure you could not make a more satisfactory move so far as the public is concerned.
There is ample precedent for the appointment of counsel to represent the public in the investigations conducted by Congressional Committees from time to time.
I would suggest Sherman Whipple, of Boston, if you are willing to entertain this idea. He is a brilliant lawyer and New England is as vitally concerned, if not more vitally concerned, in the coal problem, than any section of the country. It would give great confidence to the public generally if you would commit to a man like Whipple this important task. I suggest that counsel for the public be not connected with the Administration so as to advoid the charge which would certainly be made against any representative of the Department of Justice that politics were entering into the matter.
We are delighted beyond measure with your continued improvement. Nell may go down to Washington next week.
With love for your all,
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941, “William G. McAdoo to Woodrow Wilson,” 1919 December 29, WWP16125, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.