Cary T. Grayson Diary
Title
Cary T. Grayson Diary
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP16317
Date
1920 December 3
Description
Cary T. Grayson reports on President Woodrow Wilson’s decision not to make his address to Congress in person.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
FRIDAY.
On Friday night, December 3rd, I had a talk with the President on the subject of whether he would deliver inperson his address on the assembling of Congress on Tuesday, December 7th. He told me that he would like very much to do so. I persuaded him, however, not to go to the Capitol. I reminded him of the fact that, before making any speech, he was always nervous even when he was feeling perfectly well, and that to deliver his address on an occasion of this kind, when he would undoubtedly receive a great ovation, would probably work upon his emotions to such an extent that he might not be able to complete the reading of his address. I told him that if his voice should give out (his voice is quite feeble after reading aloud ten or fifteen minutes), his object in going to the Capitol might be misconstrued and prove embarrassing to him. I said: “There is no question about your being able to walk while at the Capitol, but I have given this matter a great deal of thought, and I am strongly of the belief that you should not go. Please do not go. Let me be the judge this time.” His reply was that he thought my advice was good and that he would not go.
Attached is a copy of his address, which was forwarded to Congress by messenger.
On Friday night, December 3rd, I had a talk with the President on the subject of whether he would deliver inperson his address on the assembling of Congress on Tuesday, December 7th. He told me that he would like very much to do so. I persuaded him, however, not to go to the Capitol. I reminded him of the fact that, before making any speech, he was always nervous even when he was feeling perfectly well, and that to deliver his address on an occasion of this kind, when he would undoubtedly receive a great ovation, would probably work upon his emotions to such an extent that he might not be able to complete the reading of his address. I told him that if his voice should give out (his voice is quite feeble after reading aloud ten or fifteen minutes), his object in going to the Capitol might be misconstrued and prove embarrassing to him. I said: “There is no question about your being able to walk while at the Capitol, but I have given this matter a great deal of thought, and I am strongly of the belief that you should not go. Please do not go. Let me be the judge this time.” His reply was that he thought my advice was good and that he would not go.
Attached is a copy of his address, which was forwarded to Congress by messenger.
Original Format
Diary
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1920 December 3, WWP16317, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.