Wilson ‘First Citizen’

Title

Wilson ‘First Citizen’

Creator

Unknown

Identifier

WWP20838

Date

1915 June 12

Description

Alfred G. Gardiner calls Woodrow Wilson the “first citizen of the world” in light of his determination to keep American out of war.

Source

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

Language

English

Text

London

—In a two-column tribute to President Wilson, Alfred G. Gardiner, editor of the Daily News, says:

“No man in the democratic world today is so entirely governed by principle and moral sanctions. President Wilson is not merely the first citizen of the United States, but the first citizen of the world. He makes mistakes, no doubt, for he is human, but they never are the mistakes of a weak man; they never are the mistakes of a political gambler or one touched by sordid motives of ambition.

Where Kaiser Erred.

“Emperor William has made many miscalculations about nations and men, but his greatest miscalculation was in regard to Mr. Wilson and the United States.

“Incidentally, there also has been much misconception on the same subject in this country. Throughout the war his attitude has conformed to the historic tradition of the United States of nonintervention in European affairs, but he realizes the world has changed, and the United States can no longer remain hermetically sealed.

“The rupture between President Wilson and Mr. Bryan will be one of the great landmarks of the war.

Is Defending Freedom.

“It is a mercy for the United States that in the nomination struggle that amiable dreamer was defeated by the statesman. In refusing to yield an inch on the rights of American citizens President Wilson is defending the sacred ark of freedom.

“He will not go to war if war can be avoided with honor, but the integrity of the United States is his supreme concern, and it is in safe hands.”

Original Format

Article

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/D04420.pdf

Citation

Unknown, “Wilson ‘First Citizen’,” 1915 June 12, WWP20838, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.